Textile Support Edge Bonding for Stable Bituminous Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Textile supports for bituminous membranes used in waterproofing roofs face issues with localized defects at the edges due to variable process conditions, leading to reduced strength and stiffness, and potential de-lamination over time, which affects the waterproofing performance.

Innovation Solution

A textile support comprising a non-woven fabric of synthetic fibers with a binding component having a lower melting point than the fibers, applied in higher quantities at the edges, subjected to thermal treatment and consolidated with resin impregnation, enhances edge stability and adhesion between layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcement elements are placed between substrate layers, then adhesion between layers is improved, but discontinuity is generated leading to de-lamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between layersVSAvoidde-lamination resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A binding component with intermediate melting properties (melting point 30-50°C lower than synthetic fibers) is introduced as a mediator between reinforcement elements and substrate layers. This binding component melts during thermal treatment to create strong adhesion bonds, while its uniform distribution prevents discontinuity and de-lamination issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The melting point parameter of the binding component is specifically controlled to be 30-50°C lower than the synthetic fibers. This parameter difference enables selective melting of the binding component during thermal treatment at controlled temperatures, creating optimal adhesion without damaging the reinforcement elements or substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If production speed is reduced to prevent edge folding, then product quality is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge stabilityVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding component is applied in greater quantity at the edges before thermal treatment, creating preliminary reinforcement zones. During subsequent thermal treatment, these edge zones melt and solidify to lock the edge structure in place, preventing folding during bitumen impregnation even at high production speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The binding component distribution is made non-uniform, with greater quantity at edges compared to the remaining surface. This local quality enhancement provides targeted reinforcement where it is most needed (at the vulnerable edges) without unnecessarily increasing material usage across the entire support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly increases the stiffness and planarity of the textile support, preventing edge instability and de-lamination, resulting in improved dimensional stability and waterproofing performance.

Implementation Method 1

a binding component having a melting point lower than that of the synthetic fibers of the layer of non-woven fabric, the assembly formed by said layer of the non-woven fabric and said binding component, being subjected to a thermal treatment for the melting of the binding component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

consolidated by resin impregnation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpregnation: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2455523B1Chemically and thermally bonded textile support, in particular for bituminous membranes.
Publication Date: 2014.03.19 POLITEX S DI FREUDENBERG POLITEX
  • EP2455523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A reinforced textile support, particularly for bituminous membranes, made of at least one layer of non-woven fabric of synthetic fibres and a binding component having a melting point lower than that of the synthetic fibres of the layer of non-woven fabric. The longitudinal edges of the textile support receive a quantity of binding component higher than that of the remaining surface of the support. The product constituted by the layer of non-woven fabric and the binding component is subjected to a thermal treatment to melt the binding component and is bound by impregnation with resin.