Woven Textile Reinforcement for Fast-Drying Waterproof Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing waterproofing membranes, particularly those based on solvent and water-based polyurethane, face issues such as mechanical and chemical resistance losses leading to cracking, hindered drying processes, inadequate tear strength, and health hazards from VOC emissions, with current textile reinforcement structures failing to provide sufficient reinforcement and compatibility with water-based membranes.

Innovation Solution

A woven textile reinforcement structure with integrated moisture and temperature sensing, active heating systems, and radiation reflection enhancers, combined with a water-based waterproofing membrane, to accelerate curing, enhance mechanical strength, and regulate moisture, ensuring fast drying and improved thermal comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If non-woven polypropylene or polyester textiles are used as reinforcement structures, then the waterproofing system provides basic reinforcement, but the tear resistance is low and the textiles tend to tear easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetear resistanceVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite textile structure combining polyester and polypropylene fibers in a woven configuration. The polyester provides tensile strength and dimensional stability, while the polypropylene contributes to tear resistance and chemical inertness. This composite approach creates a reinforcement structure that overcomes the limitations of single-material textiles, achieving both high tear resistance and durability in waterproofing applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If solvent-based waterproofing membranes are used, then satisfactory technical performance is achieved, but VOC emissions and health hazards from isocyanates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnical performanceVSAvoidVOC emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from solvent-based to water-based waterproofing membranes, fundamentally changing the solvent parameter of the system. This substitution eliminates VOC emissions and isocyanate health hazards while maintaining the membrane's protective功能和 adhesion properties. The water-based formulation achieves comparable technical performance through optimized polymer chemistry and curing mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between performance and environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If non-woven fabric with closed structure is used as reinforcement, then mechanical reinforcement is provided, but the drying process is hindered and water evaporation is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical reinforcementVSAvoiddrying speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a woven textile structure with strategically designed aperture distribution, creating local variations in density and porosity. The weave pattern provides mechanical reinforcement through tensile strength in specific directions while maintaining sufficient open areas for water vapor transmission. This local quality differentiation allows the same textile structure to simultaneously fulfill both reinforcement and drying function requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If glass fiber mesh with open structure is used as reinforcement, then ease of drying is improved, but mechanical strength to reinforce the membrane is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polyester and polypropylene fibers in a woven textile structure to achieve a balance between mechanical strength and drying performance. The polyester component provides the necessary tensile strength and structural integrity, while the polypropylene contributes to chemical resistance and controlled porosity. This composite approach creates a reinforcement structure that simultaneously satisfies both mechanical support and drying rate requirements, overcoming the limitations of glass fiber mesh.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides a durable, fast-drying, and environmentally friendly waterproofing system with enhanced mechanical strength, thermal reflectance, and safety, achieving performance comparable to solvent-based membranes while reducing health risks and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

active heating systems to accelerate the cure process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

water-based waterproofing membrane comprises radiation reflection enhancer additive, improving the thermal reflectance capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4283030B1Textile reinforcement structure and waterproofing system
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SAINT-GOBAIN PORTUGAL SA
  • EP4283030B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4283030B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4283030B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a textile reinforcement structure for waterproofing systems and a water-based waterproofing membrane for application on roofs and other surfaces. The textile reinforcement structure may also comprise coupled moisture and temperature sensing and active heating systems to accelerate the cure process and regulate the moisture during the life cycle. The water-based waterproofing membrane comprises radiation reflection enhancer additive, improving the thermal reflectance capacity and the sustainability and thermal comfort in buildings. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a waterproofing system comprising such textile reinforcement structure and a water-proofing membrane, preferably the water-based waterproofing membrane of the present disclosure.