Traffic Paint Formulation Using Segmented Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waterborne traffic paint formulations require high concentrations of expensive crosslinkers, reducing the pot life and increasing costs, while also lacking a cost-effective, quick-setting, and durable solution for pavement markings.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous dispersion composition comprising carboxylate salt functionalized thermoplastic polymer particles, thermosettable compound-imbibed polymer particles with anti-agglomerating groups, and extenders, along with a volatile base, to create a quick-setting, durable, and long-pot-life coating suitable for pavement markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high concentrations of crosslinker are used to improve wear resistance, then coating durability is improved, but pot life is reduced and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the crosslinking function into two separate components: a polyamine component and a crosslinking component. This segmentation allows the polyamine to be present at lower concentrations (reducing cost and extending pot life) while the crosslinking component provides the necessary durability when mixed, resolving the contradiction between durability and pot life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the crosslinking component to be relatively low (less than 20% epoxy resin based on latex solids), which extends pot life compared to conventional formulations that require >20% crosslinker for equivalent durability.
2Reliability
If high concentrations of crosslinker are used to improve wear resistance, then coating durability is improved, but formulation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the crosslinking system into polyamine and crosslinking component parts, allowing optimization of each component's concentration. The polyamine can be used at lower levels than conventional single-component systems, reducing the amount of expensive crosslinking agents needed while maintaining durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the crosslinking component concentration to be less than 20% epoxy resin based on latex solids, which reduces material cost compared to conventional formulations requiring higher crosslinker concentrations to achieve equivalent wear resistance.
3Productivity
If quick-setting formulation is used to reduce drying time, then productivity is improved, but pot life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the drying function (volatilization of water and volatile base) from the crosslinking function (polyamine-catalyzed epoxy reaction). This allows the formulation to dry quickly through volatilization while the crosslinking reaction proceeds at an optimized rate, decoupling drying speed from pot life constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a volatile base with a boiling point of less than 150°C to accelerate drying through rapid volatilization, while the segmented crosslinking system maintains extended pot life by using lower concentrations of crosslinking agents.
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 composition provides a cost-effective, quick-setting, and long-pot-life traffic paint with improved durability and stability, maintaining dry-through time without adverse effects on the formulation's performance.
Implementation Method 1
d) a volatile base, wherein said volatile base is a base having a boiling point of less than 150°C
Implementation Method 2
b) from 2 to 35 weight percent of second thermoplastic polymer particles that are i) imbibed with a thermosettable compound having at least two oxirane groups
Implementation Method 3
functionalized with a sufficient concentration of anti-agglomerating groups to stabilize the second thermoplastic polymer particles against agglomeration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a coating composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of a) carboxylate salt functionalized first thermoplastic polymer particles; b) second thermoplastic polymer particles imbibed with a thermosettable compound and functionalized with anti-agglomerating groups; c) an extender; and d) a volatile base. The composition of the present invention is suitable as a waterborne quick-set formulation useful as a traffic paint.