Vegetable Oil-Based O/W Formulations for Wood Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wood-derived board and insulation manufacturing processes rely on mineral oil-based waxes, which are non-renewable and pose environmental concerns, while vegetable oil-based emulsions lack stability and effectiveness for industrial applications, particularly in reducing formaldehyde emissions and improving hydrophobicity.

Innovation Solution

Development of kinetically stable vegetable oil-based O/W suspensions containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated palm oil, soy oil, and low levels of surfactants, which are suitable for increasing hydrophobicity and reducing formaldehyde emissions in wood-derived boards and fiberglass or rock wool insulations, without the need for additional formaldehyde scavengers or catalysts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If vegetable oil-based emulsions are used as alternatives to mineral oil-based waxes, then environmental friendliness and renewability are improved, but stability and effectiveness are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidemulsion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the vegetable oils by using hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated palm oil and soy oil, which improves the kinetic stability of the emulsion while maintaining the environmental benefits of renewable resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite emulsion system combining multiple vegetable oils (palm oil and soy oil) with specific hydrogenation levels, along with surfactants, to achieve both environmental friendliness and industrial-grade stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If mineral oil-based waxes are used for hydrophobicity enhancement, then waterproofing effectiveness is improved, but environmental sustainability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehydrophobicity effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of vegetable oils through controlled hydrogenation to achieve water repellency comparable to mineral waxes, while maintaining renewable resource benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses renewable vegetable oils that can be sustainably replenished, replacing non-renewable mineral waxes, while achieving comparable functional performance through formulation optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vegetable oil-based suspensions are developed for industrial applications, then renewable resource usage is improved, but kinetic stability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable resource applicationVSAvoidkinetic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the degree of hydrogenation of palm oil and soy oil to optimize kinetic stability, creating a suspension that remains stable during storage and application while maintaining renewable resource advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses surfactants as intermediary substances to stabilize the vegetable oil-based suspension, enabling industrial application while maintaining the benefits of renewable resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 vegetable oil-based suspensions provide a stable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to mineral oil-based waxes, enhancing hydrophobicity and reducing formaldehyde emissions, while minimizing energy consumption and maintaining mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

increasing the hydrophobicity of wood-derived boards and fibreglass or rock wool insulations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

comprise an O/W suspension or emulsion, that contains hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated palm oil and soy oil, as well as surfactants and water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

the invention is also related to vegetable oil-based O/W formulations comprising formaldehyde scavengers and/or catalysts for the hardening of formaldehyde-derived resins, so that, simultaneously to waterproofing the manufactured boards or insulations, the formaldehyde emission of the boards is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFormaldehyde scavenging: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

comprising formaldehyde scavengers and/or catalysts for the hardening of formaldehyde-derived resins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3519505B1Vegetable oil-based o/w formulations obtainable from renewable sources for increasing hydrophobicity of wood-derived boards and fibreglass or rock wool insulations
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 FORESA TECH S L U
  • EP3519505B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3519505B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3519505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Vegetable oil based formulations, comprising an O/W suspension, which are useful for increasing the hydrophobicity of wood-derived boards and fibreglass or rock wool insulations, i.e., for preparing hidrofugant formulations; the formulations are kinetically stable, and may be used in the manufacture of wood derived boards, fibreboards, particleboards, chip boards, oriented strand boards, paperboards, fibreglass or rock wool. Uses of the vegetable oil based formulations. Boards and insulations obtained by the use of the formulations.