Wax and urethane based extender blends for surface effect compositions
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for polymer compositions that enhance the durability of surface effects on substrates while reducing or eliminating the use of fluorinated materials, which are typically used to provide oil- and water-repellency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a blend of a wax and a urethane extender composition, prepared by reacting isocyanate group-containing compounds with isocyanate-reactive compounds, applied to substrates to improve durability and repellency properties without the need for fluorinated materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorinated polymer compositions are used to provide oil- and water-repellency, then repellency performance is improved, but the amount of fluorinated material required increases and durability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorinated polymer emulsion with hydrocarbon extender polymer emulsion to create a composite treating agent. This composite approach allows the fluorinated component to provide superior repellency while the hydrocarbon extender provides bulk and durability, reducing the overall amount of fluorinated material needed while maintaining or improving performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the molecular structure of the extender polymer by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, amine) that can interact with the substrate and the fluorinated polymer. This parameter change in the extender's chemical structure enhances its ability to anchor the fluorinated components to the substrate, improving durability.
2Reliability
If waxes are used to provide water repellency, then water repellency is achieved, but oil repellency and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system combining wax with hydrocarbon extender polymer containing specific functional groups. The wax provides water repellency while the extender polymer with carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups provides oil repellency and enhanced durability through stronger substrate interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different components to different aspects of the repellency requirement: wax molecules are positioned to provide water repellency at the surface, while the hydrocarbon extender polymer with functional groups interacts with both the substrate and oil molecules, providing localized oil repellency and durability enhancement.
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 improves the durability of oil- and water-repellency on fibrous substrates, maintaining performance after multiple washes and eliminating the requirement for fluorinated compounds, resulting in a more sustainable and effective surface treatment.
Implementation Method 1
reacting (a) at least one isocyanate group-containing compound selected from isocyanate, diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixtures thereof, and (b) at least one isocyanate-reactive compound
Implementation Method 2
compositions having utility as fibrous substrate treating agents generally contain pendant perfluoroalkyl groups of three or more carbon atoms, which provide oil-and water-repellency
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a substrate comprising contacting the substrate with a composition comprising i) a wax 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.