Impact Resistant Powder Coating with Vulcanized Rubber Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing impact resistant coatings for metallic substrates, such as cold-rolled steel, often compromise on chemical resistance and Taber resistance while exhibiting poor impact resistance at low temperatures around −40° C.

Innovation Solution

A curable coating composition comprising a binder with a film-forming resin having at least two functional groups and a curing agent reactive with these groups, combined with solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder, forming a solid particulate powder coating composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If impact resistant coating is applied to prevent chipping and scratching, then impact resistance is improved, but chemical resistance and Taber resistance are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidchemical resistance and Taber resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating system is divided into multiple functional layers: a base coating providing chemical and corrosion resistance, and a topcoat layer containing rubber particles specifically designed for impact and chip resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specialized function without compromising the other properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The topcoat is formulated as a composite material combining binder resin with dispersed rubber particles (5-50 wt%). This composite structure provides the dual benefit of adhesion from the binder and impact/cushioning properties from the rubber particles, while the base coating maintains chemical resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If currently available impact resistant coatings are used, then some impact resistance is achieved, but poor impact resistance occurs at low temperatures around −40° C.

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidlow temperature performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The rubber particles are selected with specific glass transition temperatures (Tg) below −40° C. This parameter selection ensures the rubber remains in a flexible, elastomeric state at low temperatures, providing continued impact resistance and cushioning where conventional coatings become brittle and fail.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If core-shell structures, thermoplastic resin blends, fibrous materials, or rubber adducts are used for impact resistance, then some cushioning is provided, but poor impact resistance occurs at low temperatures around −40° C.

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidlow temperature performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using complex core-shell structures or thermoplastic blends that fail at low temperatures, the invention uses simple, dispersed rubber particles that maintain their elastomeric properties at low temperatures. These particles act as independent cushioning elements that do not rely on complex molecular structures that become brittle when cold.

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

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 coating composition provides improved impact resistance at low temperatures, along with good flexibility, appearance, Taber resistance, chip resistance, and chemical resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a binder comprising (i) a film-forming resin comprising at least two functional groups, and (ii) a curing agent reactive with the functional groups of (i)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12275861B2Impact resistant coating compositions, multi-layer coating systems, and substrates at least partially coated with such compositions
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC

AI summary

A curable coating composition includes: (a) a binder having a film-forming resin with at least two functional groups, and (ii) a curing agent reactive with the functional groups of the film-forming resin; and (b) solid vulcanized rubber particles that are unreactive with the binder. The curable coating composition is a solid particulate powder coating composition. Multi-layer coating systems, coated substrates, and methods of preparing the curable coating composition are also disclosed.