Waterproofing Membrane Coating for Reflectivity and Whiteness Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing waterproofing membranes experience a decrease in reflectivity over time, leading to increased heat absorption and oil migration, which reduces their long-term whiteness and can cause pollution when the oil mixes with rainwater.

Innovation Solution

The process involves dispersing acrylic polymer and titanium dioxide in a solvent other than water or mixing them with cristobalite in an aqueous phase, which maintains Newtonian viscosity and enhances the dispersion of additives, reducing yellowing and maintaining reflectivity properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If acrylic polymer and titanium dioxide are dispersed in water, then the composition is easy to prepare, but the viscosity changes during application and reflectivity decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of preparationVSAvoidreflectivity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent parameter from water to a non-aqueous solvent (such as toluene, xylene, or other organic solvents). This parameter change maintains Newtonian viscosity characteristics during application and prevents the yellowing that occurs with aqueous dispersions, thereby preserving reflectivity stability over time while still allowing easy preparation of the composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite coating system comprising acrylic polymer bound to titanium dioxide particles in a non-aqueous medium. This composite structure provides both the desired ease of application and long-term reflectivity stability, as the non-aqueous environment prevents the chemical degradation and yellowing that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If titanium dioxide is used to provide reflectivity, then solar ray reflection is improved, but the coating yellows over time reducing reflectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereflectivityVSAvoidlong-term whiteness
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical environment parameter by replacing water with non-aqueous solvents. This prevents the hydrolysis and oxidation reactions that cause titanium dioxide to yellow over time, thereby maintaining both the initial reflectivity and the long-term whiteness of the coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent accepts the use of organic solvents that may be more expensive than water but provides long-lasting performance. The non-aqueous solvent system prevents degradation, making the coating durable and maintaining its reflective properties throughout its service life, effectively replacing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

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

3Ease of operation

If thickening agents are added to maintain viscosity, then application consistency is improved, but the composition becomes non-Newtonian and viscosity changes during application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication consistencyVSAvoidviscosity stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent type parameter to non-aqueous solvents, which naturally provide Newtonian flow characteristics. This eliminates the need for thickening agents and maintains stable, predictable viscosity throughout the application process, ensuring consistent application without the composition becoming non-Newtonian.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach results in a waterproofing membrane that retains its reflectivity and whiteness over time, reducing oil migration and pollution risks, with improved dispersion and stability of the coating.

Implementation Method 1

the viscosity of the composition remains Newtonian, so it does not change during the application of the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNewtonian fluid behavior: Non-Newtonian Fluids

Implementation Method 2

the coated waterproofing membrane has the property to reflect the solar rays due to the presence of titanium dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar radiation reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the coating forms as if to say a barrier against the solar rays so that the latter heat less the bituminous mass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal barrier effect: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2660386B1A process for manufacturing a waterproofing membrane
Publication Date: 2014.12.24 IMPERBEL
  • EP2660386B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2660386B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2660386B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a waterproofing membrane comprising: - a preparation of a composition comprising an acrylic polymer and titanium dioxide dispersed in a solvent chosen in the group consisting of a solvent other than water or water; - coating a reinforcement layer by application of said composition on one side of the reinforcement layer; - an evaporation of said solvent; - and application of a bituminous mass on another side of said reinforcement layer, characterized in that the composition comprises cristobalite. The present invention relates also to a composition for a waterproofing membrane.