VOC-Exempt Ester Solvents for Paints and Coatings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solvent compounds contribute significantly to smog formation due to high volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, posing health and environmental risks, and existing zero or low VOC solvents are costly and have limited applicability.

Innovation Solution

Development of VOC-exempt solvent compounds, specifically a compound of Formula (I) with R1 and R2 being C1-12 alkyl, C2-12 alkenyl, C2-12 alkynyl, or C6-14 aryl groups, which can replace slow evaporating solvents in various applications, including paints and coatings, while being biodegradable and non-toxic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional solvents are used, then solvent performance and applicability are maintained, but VOC emissions increase causing smog formation and health risks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidsolvent applicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent by using esters with specific molecular weight ranges (170-250 g/mol) and controlled volatility, transforming the solvent properties to achieve low VOC emissions while maintaining functional performance in paints, coatings, and adhesives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite ester formulations combining different ester types (aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic) to achieve a balance between low VOC content and broad solvent applicability across multiple industrial applications, replacing traditional single-solvent systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If zero or low VOC solvents are used, then VOC emissions are reduced, but cost increases and applicability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes readily available ester feedstocks and straightforward esterification processes to produce cost-effective low-VOC solvents, making the solution economically viable for widespread industrial adoption rather than being a niche premium product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If zero or low VOC solvents are used, then VOC emissions are reduced, but the range of applicable applications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidapplicability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs ester solvents with tunable properties that enable a single solvent class to serve multiple functions across diverse applications including paints, coatings, adhesives, and chemical strippers, replacing the need for application-specific solvent formulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250019339A1Solvent compounds for use as replacements for slow evaporating solvents

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 PROJECT CLEAN INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides, in part, a solvent compound for use as a slow evaporating replacement. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to volatile organic components (VOC)-exempt solvent compounds that may be used as a slow evaporating replacement that may, for example, be useful as a component or diluent in the production of paints and coatings, and other industrial products.