Wetting Composition for Low-Energy Surface Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low energy surfaces, such as those found in plants, synthetic fibers, and laminated particle boards, are difficult to wet effectively with aqueous liquids due to high surface tension, leading to poor wettability and reduced effectiveness of applications like herbicides, dyes, and resin spreading.
Innovation Solution
A wetting composition comprising 20-50% C10-C14 alcohol, 25-70% surfactant (non-ionic, cationic, anionic, or amphoteric), and 5-50% polar component, which is added to aqueous liquids to reduce surface tension and improve wettability on low energy surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aqueous liquids are applied to low energy surfaces, then the liquid should spread and wet the surface, but the high surface tension of the liquid prevents effective wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface tension of the aqueous liquid through the addition of wetting agents (surfactants). The composition includes 20-50% C10-C14 alcohol and 25-70% surfactant which chemically alter the liquid's surface tension parameter, enabling it to overcome the high surface energy of low energy surfaces and achieve effective wetting and spreading.
2Reliability
If surfactants are used to lower surface tension, then wettability improves, but environmental drawbacks occur with organosilicone or fluorosurfactants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional, biodegradable surfactants (non-ionic, cationic, anionic, or amphoteric types) that are environmentally friendly and readily decompose in nature. These surfactants serve as temporary agents to achieve wetting during application, then break down without causing long-term environmental harm, replacing persistent and harmful organosilicone or fluorosurfactants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects surfactant types and concentrations (25-70% of the composition) that achieve the required surface tension reduction while maintaining environmental compatibility. By adjusting the surfactant parameter (type and amount), the patent achieves effective wetting without the environmental persistence and toxicity associated with conventional industrial surfactants.
3Reliability
If the surface energy of the solid is increased to improve wetting, then wettability improves, but this is difficult to achieve in nature and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to increase the surface energy of the solid substrate (which is difficult and expensive), the patent inverts the approach by decreasing the surface tension of the liquid applicator. This reverse strategy achieves the same wetting effect through modifying the liquid's properties rather than the solid's properties, which is far more practical and economical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the liquid (surface tension) rather than the solid (surface energy). By adding wetting agents to the aqueous liquid, the liquid's surface tension parameter is reduced to match or exceed the surface energy of the low energy surface, enabling spontaneous wetting without requiring complex or expensive surface treatments of the substrate.
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 composition effectively lowers surface tension, allowing for improved spreading and adhesion of aqueous liquids on low energy surfaces without the environmental drawbacks of organosilicone or fluorosurfactants, ensuring even coverage and effective application of active compounds.
Implementation Method 1
The capacity of a liquid to wet reflects the ability of the liquid to spread on a particular surface... The surface tension of a liquid is governed by the tendency of molecules in the liquid to be attracted to one another and reflects the strength of the intermolecular cohesive interactions between liquid molecules.
Implementation Method 2
Wetting is a phenomenon determined by the interaction of a liquid with a substrate (either a solid or another liquid) and subsequent spreading of the liquid on the substrate... The ability of a liquid to wet the surface of a solid substrate is measured by the interfacial energy between the liquid and the solid.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a wetting composition comprising (a) from 20 to less than 50 wt % of one or more C10 to C14 alcohol, (b) 25 to 70 wt % of a surfactant selected from a non-ionic, cationic, anionic and amphoteric surfactant, and (c) from 5 to 50 wt % of a polar component comprising at least one selected from (i) water, and (ii) up to 25 wt % of a water-miscible C1-C3 organic solvent, to methods for using the wetting composition, and products and aqueous compositions containing the wetting composition