Thermally Strippable Coating via Decomposable Intermediate Layer

The patent replaces chemical stripping mechanisms with a thermal-mechanical system. A thermally decomposable intermediate layer is applied between the coating and substrate, then heated to decompose and generate gas bubbles that mechanically lift and remove the coating. This substitutes harmful chemical processes with thermal energy input and mechanical bubble expansion, eliminating the need for harmful chemical strippers while achieving effective coating removal.

The patent introduces a thermally decomposable intermediate layer as a mediator between the coating and substrate. This intermediate layer serves as a temporary bonding agent that can be selectively decomposed by heat to generate gas bubbles, which then act as a lifting mechanism to separate the coating from the substrate. The intermediary layer enables controlled, residue-free removal without direct contact between harmful chemicals and the coating-substrate system.

The patent replaces mechanical abrasion methods (grinding, sandblasting) with a thermal-decomposition-based separation mechanism. Instead of mechanically fracturing the coating into fine particles through abrasive contact, the system uses thermal energy to decompose an intermediate layer, generating gas bubbles that gently lift and remove the coating as intact layers or large flakes. This eliminates the generation of fine plastic particles and the associated health hazards requiring protective equipment.

The patent utilizes phase transitions of the thermally decomposable intermediate layer. When heated, the intermediate layer undergoes thermal decomposition and phase change, evolving from a solid bonding layer to a gas-filled separation layer. This phase transition mechanism enables non-contact, residue-free coating removal without the mechanical fragmentation that characterizes grinding and sandblasting processes.

The patent replaces laser ablation's high-energy photon-matter interaction with a controlled thermal decomposition process. Instead of using intense laser energy to vaporize and fragment the coating into hazardous particulate matter, the system uses moderate heating to decompose a specially formulated intermediate layer. The resulting gas bubbles provide a gentle lifting action that removes the coating without fragmentation, eliminating the generation of harmful particulate matter while maintaining effective coating removal capability.

The patent introduces a thermally decomposable intermediate layer as a mediator that absorbs and channels thermal energy in a controlled manner. This intermediate layer decomposes at a specific temperature range to generate gas bubbles, which then mechanically separate the coating from the substrate without direct thermal exposure or high-energy photon interaction. The intermediary mechanism prevents the formation of hazardous particulate matter that would otherwise result from direct laser ablation of the coating.

The patent applies the extraction principle by selectively removing only the thermally decomposable intermediate layer through thermal decomposition, while leaving the coating and substrate intact and separable. The intermediate layer is extracted as a decomposed residue-free layer, enabling the coating to be recovered in its original intact form. This selective extraction approach allows the valuable coating material to be reused or recycled without contamination or degradation, preserving its original value while enabling efficient recycling of the substrate.

The patent implements a discarding and recovering strategy where the thermally decomposable intermediate layer is deliberately discarded through controlled thermal decomposition, while the coating and substrate are recovered in their original intact forms. The intermediate layer serves as a sacrificial component that is discarded after serving its bonding function, enabling clean separation and recovery of the valuable coating and substrate materials for reuse or recycling, thereby preserving coating value while improving recycling efficiency.

The patent utilizes parameter changes, specifically temperature-dependent adhesion characteristics of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer is formulated to exhibit strong adhesion to both coating and substrate at ambient and processing temperatures, ensuring reliable bonding during application and use. Upon thermal activation at a specific temperature range, the intermediate layer undergoes decomposition and parameter change, causing adhesion loss and enabling separation. This temperature-dependent parameter change allows the system to maintain strong adhesion when needed while enabling clean, residue-free separation when thermally activated.

The patent applies dynamics by designing the intermediate layer with dynamic adhesion properties that change in response to thermal stimulation. The intermediate layer transitions from a static, strongly adhesive state during normal conditions to a dynamic, decomposing state under thermal activation. This dynamic behavior enables the intermediate layer to provide reliable bonding during application and service, then automatically transition to a separation-enabled state when heated, achieving both strong initial adhesion and clean subsequent separation.