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 composition comprising a wax and a polymer extender prepared by reacting isocyanate group-containing compounds with isocyanate-reactive compounds, specifically using non-fluorinated urethane polymers to improve the durability of repellent properties on fibrous substrates 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 the repellent properties are achieved, but the durability is insufficient and the amount of fluorinated material required is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite system combining hydrocarbon polymer emulsion with wax (such as microemulsified wax, nanoemulsified wax, or microencapsulated wax) to create a synergistic effect. The hydrocarbon polymer provides the base matrix while the wax components enhance the repellent properties and durability, allowing reduced fluorinated material content while achieving superior performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and size parameters of the wax components by using microemulsified, nanoemulsified, or microencapsulated forms. This parameter change increases the surface area and distribution of the wax on the substrate, improving the durability and efficiency of the repellent properties while reducing the total amount of fluorinated material needed.
2Reliability
If conventional wax treating agents are used, then the application is simple, but the durability of surface effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrocarbon polymer emulsion acts as an intermediary carrier that facilitates the uniform distribution and attachment of wax particles to the substrate. This intermediary system simplifies the application process while enhancing the durability of the surface effects, as the polymer matrix helps bind the wax components firmly to the substrate during washing and wear.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorinated materials are used to maximize repellency, then the oil- and water-repellency is achieved, but environmental and health concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces persistent fluorinated materials with biodegradable hydrocarbon polymers and natural waxes that have shorter environmental persistence. While these materials may individually have shorter lifetimes, their combined synergistic effect provides durable repellent properties during the intended product lifecycle, and they decompose more readily after use, reducing environmental accumulation and health concerns.
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 by up to 50% and maintains performance over multiple wash cycles, eliminating the need for fluorinated compounds and providing a long-lasting, low-yellowing finish.
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
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.