Urethane Extender Composition for Durable Textile Repellency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface treating agents for fibrous substrates, such as textiles and carpets, face challenges in achieving durable oil- and water-repellency while minimizing the use of fluorinated polymers, which can adversely affect the substrate's handle and require high amounts of materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a non-fluorinated urethane extender composition, prepared by reacting isocyanate group-containing compounds with specific isocyanate-reactive compounds, is applied to the substrates to enhance the durability and efficiency of fluorinated polymer treatments, reducing the need for high fluorinated polymer levels and improving surface properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorinated polymer compositions are used to provide oil- and water-repellency to substrates, then the desired surface effects are achieved, but the handle of the fibrous substrate is adversely affected and large amounts of material are required
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrocarbon polymer extender is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fluorinated polymer and the substrate. This extender modifies the overall composition to reduce the direct impact of fluorinated polymer on the substrate handle while maintaining the desired repellency properties through the combined effect of both polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the compositional parameters by controlling the ratio of fluorinated polymer to hydrocarbon polymer extender. By optimizing this ratio, the formulation achieves the desired balance between repellency performance and substrate handle, reducing the adverse effects while maintaining effectiveness.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If blocked isocyanates or melamine resins are incorporated to increase durability of surface effects, then durability is improved, but the handle of the fibrous substrate is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon polymer extender serves as a mediator that provides durability enhancement without the adverse handle effects associated with blocked isocyanates and melamine resins. It achieves cross-linking or bonding functions that improve durability while maintaining substrate softness and handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive or handle-deteriorating durability agents (blocked isocyanates, melamine resins) with a more benign hydrocarbon polymer extender that achieves similar durability benefits without the harmful side effects, effectively substituting a better material for a worse one.
3Reliability
If large amounts of fluorinated polymer are used to achieve desired oil- and water-repellency, then the surface effect is sufficient, but the cost and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite polymer system combining fluorinated polymer and hydrocarbon polymer extender. This composite material leverages the superior repellency properties of the fluorinated polymer while using the hydrocarbon polymer to bulk up the formulation, reducing the required percentage of expensive fluorinated polymer while maintaining overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocarbon polymer extender performs multiple functions: it acts as a bulk extender to reduce fluorinated polymer content, modifies the handle properties, and contributes to durability. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve desired performance with less fluorinated polymer.
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 enhances the durability of oil- and water-repellency on fibrous substrates by up to 50% compared to traditional extender compositions, while allowing for reduced use of fluorinated polymers, resulting in a more efficient and effective surface treatment.
Implementation Method 1
reacting (a) at least one isocyanate group-containing compound selected from isocyanate, diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, and (b) at least one isocyanate-reactive compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a substrate comprising contacting the substrate with a composition comprising i) an agent which provides a surface effect and ii) a polymer extender composition comprising a urethane based compound, a composition for treating a substrate, and treated substrates thereof.