Inorganic thermochromic additive for an inorganic ceramic coating composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-stick thermally colour-changeable ceramic coatings for cookware face challenges such as irreversible colour change at high temperatures, degradation by cooking oils, and insufficient colour contrast, leading to unclean appearances and potential toxin release.

Innovation Solution

A thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating composition incorporating inorganic thermochromic additives, including yellow and green inorganic pigments, along with a silica-based ceramic coating, which maintains non-stick properties and reversibility up to 220°C, preventing oil staining and ensuring safe, visually distinct temperature indication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If organic pigments are used for colour change, then colour change function is achieved, but colour change becomes irreversible at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolour change reversibilityVSAvoidcolour change stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from organic to inorganic pigments, specifically using metal oxides such as vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) and tungsten trioxide (WO3) that exhibit thermochromic properties. These inorganic pigments maintain reversible colour change capability at high temperatures up to 220°C, resolving the contradiction between colour change function and thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating system combining inorganic ceramic matrix with thermochromic metal oxide pigments. This composite structure provides both the colour change functionality and the thermal stability required for cookware applications, maintaining reversibility while withstanding high cooking temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional coatings are used, then non-stick function is provided, but degradation by cooking oils causes uneven staining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenon-stick functionVSAvoidcoating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from organic-based coatings to inorganic ceramic coating containing metal oxide pigments. This inorganic composition is resistant to degradation by cooking oils and cooking ingredients, maintaining uniform appearance and non-stick properties without uneven staining.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If colour change agents are added to ceramic coating, then thermochromic function is achieved, but colour contrast becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolour change visibilityVSAvoidcolour change detection
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of thermochromic pigments (vanadium pentoxide and tungsten trioxide) within specific ranges to achieve sufficient colour contrast. The controlled composition ensures visible colour change from colourless to yellow/orange at cooking temperatures while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If high temperature resistance is improved, then coating durability is enhanced, but thermochromic agent degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidthermochromic agent stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition of thermochromic agents from organic pigments to inorganic metal oxides with high thermal stability. These inorganic pigments can withstand cooking temperatures up to 220°C without degradation, maintaining both heat resistance and thermochromic functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a durable, non-toxic, and visually effective thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating that maintains non-stick functionality and colour reversibility, ensuring safe cooking and easy cleaning, while preventing overheating and nutrient loss.

Implementation Method 1

thermally colour-changeable yellow inorganic pigment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermochromism: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentEP3189117B1Inorganic thermochromic additive for an inorganic ceramic coating composition
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 THERMOLON KOREA
  • EP3189117B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2B
  • EP3189117B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~5D
  • EP3189117B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~8D

AI summary

The present invention relates to an inorganic thermochromic additive for an inorganic ceramic coating composition, comprising a thermally colour-changeable yellow inorganic pigment, a thermally colour-changeable green inorganic pigment, and optionally a white inorganic pigment. It also relates to a thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating composition comprising the inorganic thermochromic additive and the inorganic ceramic coating composition. The present invention further provides a kit for preparing the thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating composition. The present invention further relates to an artefact, in particular a cookware item coated with the thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating composition, and to the use of the thermally colour-changeable ceramic coating composition for coating an artefact, in particular a cookware item.