Universal Paint Colourant Formulation Without VOCs and APEs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Formulating a universal paint colourant that is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs) while maintaining compatibility and performance characteristics with both organic solvent-based and water-based paints, and being cost-competitive with conventional universal paint colourants has proven difficult due to issues with viscosity, storage stability, and environmental toxicity concerns.
Innovation Solution
A universal colourant composition comprising compounds such as urea, glycerol, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as part of a dispersing vehicle, which provides effective wetting and dispersing properties without VOCs or APEs, ensuring compatibility with various paint types and maintaining stability during storage and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional VOC-containing dispersing vehicles (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol) are used, then effective wetting and dispersing properties are achieved, but environmental toxicity and VOC emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the dispersing vehicle by replacing VOC-containing compounds (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol) with VOC-free alternatives (propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, urea, glycerol) while adjusting their concentrations to maintain effective wetting and dispersing performance without environmental toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite dispersing vehicle system combining multiple VOC-free components (propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, urea, glycerol) that work synergistically to achieve the wetting and dispersing properties previously provided by VOC-containing single-component systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If APEs are used as surfactants for universal compatibility, then compatibility with both water-based and solvent-based paints is achieved, but environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes APEs from the dispersing vehicle composition, eliminating the harmful surfactant component while retaining the universal compatibility function through alternative VOC-free dispersing agents that do not contain alkyl phenol ethoxylates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces persistent APE surfactants with shorter-lived, biodegradable VOC-free alternatives that provide temporary surfactant activity during application but do not persist in the environment like APEs
3Object-generated harmful factors
If water-based colourant concentrates are formulated without humectants, then VOC content is reduced, but fluidity and open-air dry time are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the humectant composition parameters by selecting VOC-free humectants (propylene glycol, glycerol, urea) with appropriate molecular weights and hydroxyl groups that provide extended open-air dry time without contributing to VOC emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different components of the dispersing vehicle, where specific VOC-free humectants provide localized water-retention functionality at the pigment surface to extend open-air dry time while the overall formulation remains VOC-free
4Adaptability or versatility
If universal colourants are formulated for both water-based and solvent-based paints, then versatility is improved, but formulation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a truly universal dispersing vehicle composition that functions effectively with both water-based and solvent-based paints through a carefully balanced combination of VOC-free components that provide compatibility across different paint types without requiring separate formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple specialized dispersing agents into a single unified VOC-free dispersing vehicle system that provides universal compatibility, simplifying the formulation by eliminating the need for separate water-based and solvent-based colourant formulations
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 achieves stable rheology, extended open-air dry time, and compatibility with a wide range of paints, preventing viscosity drops and maintaining performance, thus offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional universal paint colourants.
Implementation Method 1
the pigment-air interface is replaced with a pigment-liquid medium interface. The pigment agglomerates are broken down mechanically and also wetted by the surfactant
Implementation Method 2
for the formation of a uniform dispersion of the pigment during in the composition, and stabilization of the dispersion once formed. The dispersant aids in the inhibition of flocculation when the colourant is incorporated into the base paint, and eliminates precipitation and/or sedimentation of the pigment out of the composition
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a universal colourant composition that is essentially free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and alkyl phenol ethoxylates (APEs). The present invention comprises a dispersing vehicle that comprises a low molecular weight carbamide compound, a C3-C5 polyalcohol, a polyethylene glycol, and optionally water. The dispersing vehicle provides excellent humectant and dispersing properties. The colourant composition comprising the dispersing vehicle maintains its stability and functionality following extended exposure to the atmosphere and/or temperature extremes. The present invention provides a colourant composition that is universally compatible with a wide variety of aqueous/water- based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings, while exhibiting physical and performance characteristics that are comparable to conventional colourant compositions that contain VOCs and APEs. A process for preparing a universal colourant composition for tinting a wide variety of aqueous/water-based and organic solvent-based paints and coatings is also provided.