Antimicrobial Building Panels Using Zinc Borate Coatings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coatings for building panels that aim to protect against bacteria, fungi, and viruses are expensive and require large amounts of antibacterial and antifungal additives, while also failing to effectively address virus-related environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A building panel coating comprising a blend of an antimicrobial composition consisting essentially of zinc borate, a binder, and a pigment, which provides effective antimicrobial activity with reduced additive usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large amounts of antibacterial and antifungal additives are used in coatings, then protective performance is improved, but cost increases and aesthetic properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective performanceVSAvoidamount of additives

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by using zinc borate instead of traditional antibacterial additives like triclosan or silver compounds. This parameter change allows achieving protective performance with lower additive quantities while maintaining cost-effectiveness and aesthetic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite coating formulation combining zinc borate with specific binders and pigments. This composite approach enhances the protective performance per unit of additive, allowing reduced overall additive quantity while maintaining or improving protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional antibacterial coatings are applied, then bacterial and fungal protection is achieved, but virus protection is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectrum of protectionVSAvoidprotective performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by selecting zinc borate as a multi-functional antimicrobial agent that provides protection against bacteria, fungi, and viruses simultaneously. This single compound replaces multiple specialized additives, expanding the spectrum of protection without compromising reliability for any specific pathogen type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If high concentrations of antimicrobial additives are used, then adequate protective performance is achieved, but cost and aesthetic properties are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective performanceVSAvoidcost and aesthetics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of zinc borate in the coating formulation, achieving effective protection at lower concentrations compared to traditional additives. This parameter optimization reduces material cost and minimizes aesthetic interference while maintaining adequate protective performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12297371B2Antimicrobial and antiviral building panels

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 ARMSTRONG WORLD IND INC

AI summary

Described herein is a building panel comprising: a substrate, and a coating applied to the substrate, the coating comprising a blend of an antimicrobial composition, a binder, and a pigment, wherein the antimicrobial composition consists essentially of zinc borate.