EP4153687A1

EP4153687A1 - Fluoropolymer-based coating with temperature indicator

Info

Publication number: EP4153687A1
Application number: EP21734384.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raphaël TURGIS; Isabelle Joutang; Stéphanie LE BRIS; Anne Teissier
Original assignee: SEB SA
Current assignee: SEB SA
Priority date: 2020-05-19
Filing date: 2021-05-18
Publication date: 2023-03-29
Also published as: JP2023526939A; US20230183497A1; FR3110588B1; CO2022016589A2; BR112022022920A2; WO2021234284A1; KR20230012588A; FR3110588A1; CN115667425A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluoropolymer-based coating of the surface of a household article comprising at least two decorations (a) and (b) arranged between or in its layers, wherein: (a) is a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a (Bi1-xAx) (V1-yMy)O4 type pigment, where: - x is 0 or x is from 0.001 to 0.999; - y is equal to 0 or y is from 0.001 to 0.999; - A and M are selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a poor metal, a metalloid or a lanthanide; - A and M are different from each other; and (b) is a decoration comprising a temperature reference pigment composition.

Description

Fluoropolymer based coating including temperature indicator

The present invention relates to a coating of the surface of a household article comprising a functional temperature indicator with improved visibility, preferably for cookware.

The color of an object has no physical reality, in fact, it is the consequence of the simultaneous action of three factors: the luminous flux or the source (the light), the observer (the eye -> vision) and object. (Figure 1 )

Light is a wave, one of the peculiarities of which is to propagate in a vacuum and in transparent media. There are two types of light sources: primary sources which are sources that produce their own light (examples: sun, fire, lamp, TV, laser). Secondary sources, on the other hand, correspond to objects that diffuse surrounding light: light from a primary source.

Materials that receive light such as textiles, papers, food products, coatings, can behave in different ways: they can let light pass through them in which case they are transparent, or they can prevent light from passing. and they are then opaque.

If the object is opaque, it may be white, and in this case it totally reflects light energy. On the contrary, if it is black it will absorb all the light energy. When the body is gray (more or less dark), it partially reflects the radiation and absorbs the rest.

It is the selective absorption of radiation at certain wavelengths of the visible light spectrum that characterizes the color of matter. The rest of the radiation not absorbed by the latter is then returned and therefore visible to the observer.

The visual perception of an object is therefore linked to the modified light transmitted by it, light which is perceived by the eyes and finally interpreted by the brain. The eye is able to distinguish approximately 350,000 different colors.

In the eye, the cornea images the retina, the lens adjusts focus, and the iris acts as a filter by expanding or retracting the pupil. It is in the retina that there is the presence of receptor organs: cones and rods. The rods provide night vision, while the cones (blue, green, red) provide day vision by transforming the light signal into a nerve signal.

In the household sector, it is essential for a user of such articles to visualize the evolution of the temperature of an article in use when the latter is subjected to a source of heat or when it heats up.

In the case of a culinary article, good temperature control when cooking food is necessary for health and taste reasons (for example to sear a steak on a grill or in a pan), but also to limit Occasional overheating weakening the coating of the cookware. Less overheated equipment will have a longer lifespan. Foods cooked at a lower temperature will have healthier organoleptic characteristics. In addition, cooking at the right temperature limits the energy input and therefore the environmental impact.

In the case of an iron or a straightening iron, temperature control makes it possible to avoid the undesirable effects linked to the use of such articles such as for example the brittle effect on the hair or the degradation textile fibers and also helps prevent domestic accidents such as burns.

French patent FR 13 88029 is known, which describes a cooking utensil provided with a thermal indicator consisting of a thermosensitive body that changes color as a function of the temperature in a reversible manner, this thermal indicator being formulated in a non-stick coating, in particular made of polytetrafluoroethylene. A thermostable pigment (i.e. an inorganic or organic compound, which does not exhibit or exhibits a very slight change in color when subjected to a temperature rise in a given temperature range) can also be incorporated. to the cooking utensil as a control to allow an appreciation of the relative change in color of the thermal indicator, and therefore of the change in temperature. However, in this invention, the thermostable indicator is not integrated into the non-stick coating and therefore does not provide clear visibility of the relative change in color.

To remedy these problems, the Applicant then developed a thermal indicator based on thermochromic pigments, described in European patent EP 1 121 576. This thermal indicator is a decoration comprising at least two patterns, one based on a thermochromic pigment of iron oxide type darkening with the rise in temperature, the other based on a thermochromic pigment lightening very slightly with the rise in temperature comprising a mixture of perylene red and spinel black. It follows that at a pre-established temperature (which can be adjusted from 160 ° C. to 220 ° C.) a confusion of the colors of the two patterns is obtained, which is a means of identifying this pre-established temperature.

The simultaneous use of these thermochromic pigments in contiguous areas of a decor effectively improves the visual perception of the change in temperature of the cooking surface of the household item. However, this type of thermal indicator remains difficult to understand at first glance for the user because the two zones each have a red color having a chromatic value close to each other at room temperature. Moreover, the confusion of the colors of the patterns of the decoration occurs in a zone of thermal amplitude of at least 50 ° C. It follows that the appreciation of the change in temperature and the comfort of reading are not easy. , in particular for an audience without specific training. As a result, users then tend to neglect the information provided by this thermal indicator.

There is therefore an advantage in being able to propose a thermal indicator which changes significantly in color and / or in optical property, during a temperature variation, for example by presenting clearly different colors in the case of a colored thermal indicator.

The advantage of the invention is to present the consumer with improved readability, understanding and perception.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first object of the invention relates to a fluoropolymer-based coating of the surface of a household item comprising at least two decorations (a) and (b) arranged between or in the layers of said coating:

(a) a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a pigment of (Bi- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 type, x is equal to 0 or x is from 0.001 to 0.999, - y is equal to 0 or is included from 0.001 to 0.999,

- A and M are chosen from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a lean metal, a metalloid or a lanthanide,

- A and M are different from each other,

(b) a decoration comprising a temperature reference pigment composition.

Another object of the invention relates to a household article comprising a substrate covered in whole or in part with a coating according to the invention.

Another object of the invention relates to a method of using a household article according to the invention, characterized by the following steps:

- Heat or bring in the presence of an external heating source said household item,

Observe the color change ( _s _{) of the (Bii- x} A x) (Vi-yMy) 04 type pigment and of the temperature reference pigment composition,

Use said household item when:

• the colors of the pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ and of the temperature reference pigment composition are identical, or

• the colors of the pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ and of the temperature reference pigment composition respectively reach the colors defined in the instructions for use of said household item.

DEFINITIONS

By "room temperature" is meant a temperature of 18 to 30 ° C.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term “layer” should be understood to mean a continuous or discontinuous layer. A continuous layer (or also called monolithic layer) is a single whole forming a total flat area completely covering the surface on which it is placed. A discontinuous layer (or non-monolithic layer) may include several parts, thus not being a single whole.

The expression “primary layer”, “tie layer” or “tie primer” is understood to mean all the layers of the first layer applied directly to the support, also called the substrate, (it is preferable that this layer is well adherent to the support. and bring all its mechanical properties to the coating: hardness, scratch resistance) to the last coat before the first decorative coat.

The term "topcoat" or "finish" is understood to mean a continuous and transparent surface layer, this layer leaving perfect visibility of the decorative layer while protecting it from mechanical attacks and giving the coating its non-stick properties.

The term “decoration” or “decoration layer” is understood to mean one or more continuous or discontinuous layers comprising a pigment composition. The decor can be in the form of one or more patterns, one or more colors. Decor is clearly visible to the user with the naked eye and at a conventional distance from the use of the household item.

The term “overlapping layers” is understood to mean superimposed layers which are partially or completely superimposed. These layers can be in the form of a decoration with partially overlapping patterns, for example concentric disks.

The term “adjacent layers” is understood to mean non-superimposed layers. These layers can be in the form of a decoration with identical or different non-superimposed patterns, preferably distributed uniformly.

The term “temperature reference pigment composition” is understood to mean a composition comprising a pigment which, at a given temperature, makes it possible to indicate to the user that the optimum operating temperature has been reached. This indication is made by comparing the colors of the pigment of (Bi- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 type and of the temperature reference pigment composition. Either the optimum operating temperature is reached when the colors are the same, or the optimum operating temperature is reached when the colors are visually very different.

The “temperature reference pigment composition” can comprise a pigment which has: the same color as the pigment of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 _{4 type,} at the optimum operating temperature, o either because this pigment has the same color at room temperature as the (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 0 ₄ type pigment at the optimum operating temperature _, and does not change color with temperature, o either because this pigment has at room temperature a color different from that of the pigment of type (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ which evolves to the same color as the pigment of type (Bii - _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ at the optimum operating temperature a color very different from that of the type pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ at the temperature optimal use, whether this pigment changes color or not with the evolution of the temperature.

The optimum use temperature can be reached when the color of the temperature reference pigment composition corresponds to a color indicated in the guide for the use of the household article comprising the coating of the invention or to a color indicated on a color scale provided to the user with said article.

The temperature reference pigment composition is thermochromic or thermostable.

For a household item which is not a cookware, such as a hair straightener or an iron, the temperature reference pigment composition can be, for example, a reference pigment composition of normal temperature of use or of use. indication of a risk of burns.

For a cookware, the temperature reference pigment composition can be, for example, a cooking temperature reference pigment composition or an indication of the risk of overheating.

The present invention has at least one of the following advantages:

- The coating according to the invention exhibits thermochromic functionality with marked visibility, a contrasting color change over a targeted, precise and centered temperature range, for example around the cooking temperatures of food for a culinary appliance;

- the coating according to the invention can provide good temperature control, for example when cooking food, which is necessary for health reasons and taste, but also safety and to limit occasional overheating weakening the coating;

- the compound of type (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 exhibits a reversibility of its thermochromic properties, that is to say that after a change of color under the action of heat the compound returns to its initial state, and its initial color, when the temperature decreases; this cycle of color change (reversibility) can be repeated endlessly without losing its properties;

- The coating according to the invention exhibits significant thermal stability during temperature rises, it is stable up to about 450 ° C.

The expression thermochromic semiconductor should be understood within the meaning of the present invention, an inorganic or organic compound, which exhibits a reversible change in color upon a rise in temperature. The progressive and reversible thermochromic character of these semiconductor compounds is linked to the reduction in the width of the forbidden band of the semiconductor due to the expansion of the material. Indeed, the periodicity of the anion and cation network leads to the gathering of energy levels into energy bands. The higher energy filled energy band is called the valence band and the lower energy empty energy band is called the conduction band. Between these two bands, there is a forbidden band called a gap. The color of a semiconductor material can come from the presence of a charge transfer which corresponds to the passage of an electron either from a valence band to a conduction band on the same atom, or commonly from the orbital from an anion to the orbital of a cation (interatomic photon absorption).

In the fields of application envisaged for the present invention, a household appliance of the iron or hair straightener type is typically used in a temperature range of 100 ° C to 300 ° C, preferably 100 to 250 ° C. , particularly preferably from 100 to 200 ° C.

In the fields of application envisaged for the present invention, in the case of a cookware, the optimum conditions are reached when the coating reaches a temperature suitable for cooking food, preferably between 100 and 250 ° C.

By pigment, pigmentary compound or thermochromic pigmentary composition, it should be understood within the meaning of the present invention, a pigment, a pigmentary compound or a pigmentary composition which changes color as a function of the temperature in a given temperature range, this change being reversible. This color change is visible to the user with the naked eye and at a distance of conventional use.

The term “pigment, pigmentary compound or thermostable pigmentary composition” is understood to mean a pigment, pigmentary compound or pigmentary composition which does not exhibit a change in color when it is subjected to a rise in temperature in a given temperature range or which exhibits a change. color when subjected to a temperature rise in a given temperature range so low that it is not visible to the user with the naked eye and at a distance of conventional use.

Preferably, the thermostable pigments have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C of less than 10.

"In the form of particles consisting of a (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 type pigment" means that the particles of the thermochromic pigment composition are purely composed of a (Bii- _x A) type pigment _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ . They are therefore not coated. Advantageously, they are raw.

By "the colors are identical" we mean indistinguishable by the user with the naked eye and at a distance from conventional use.

The term "household item" should be understood to mean cookware and household appliances.

The household appliances referred to here are intended to produce heat.

By the expression "culinary article", it should be understood within the meaning of the present invention an object intended for cooking. To do this, it is intended to receive heat treatment.

By the expression “object intended to receive a heat treatment”, it should be understood within the meaning of the present invention an object which will be heated by an external heating system such as stoves, saucepans, sauté pans, woks, grills. barbecues and which is able to transmit the heat energy provided by this external heating system to a material or food in contact with said object. By the expression “object intended to produce heat”, it should be understood within the meaning of the present invention a heating object having its own heating system such as irons, hair straighteners, steam generators, kettles. or electrical appliances intended for cooking.

The term “fluoropolymer-based coating” is understood to mean a coating which comprises one or more fluoropolymer (s) in one or more of its layers.

FIGURES

Figure 1: Factors influencing color Figure 2: Centered sphere representing the CIELAB space Figure 3: Diagram illustrating the theory of energy bands

Figure 4: Diagram illustrating the link between the width of the forbidden band (or Gap) and the observed color

Figure 5: General diagram of the computer vision method Figure 6: Production of a coating incorporating a temperature indicator Figure 7: Diagram illustrating the different types of samples and the light booth + camera installation

Figure 8: Comparison of pigments in the form of powders Figure 9: Comparison of pigments in the form of a decoration pad printed on a stove Figure 10: distribution diagram of the patterns. 10A = adjacent non-overlapping patterns. 10B = partially overlapping patterns. 10C = overlapping patterns.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(a) a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a pigment of (Bi- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 type,

(b) a decoration comprising a temperature reference pigment composition

- x is equal to 0 or x is from 0.001 to 0.999,

- y is equal to 0 or is included from 0.001 to 0.999, - A and M are chosen from the group consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a transition metal, a lean metal, a metalloid or a lanthanide,

- A and M are different from each other.

Preferably, the level of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ in the decoration (a) is from 0.1 to 100% by weight relative to the weight of said layer in the state. dry, preferably 0.2 to 80% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 70% by weight.

Preferably, the level of temperature reference pigment composition in the decoration (b) is from 0.1 to 100% by weight relative to the weight of said layer in the dry state, preferably from 0.2 to 80 % by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 70% by weight.

Knowing that A and M are different from each other, when:

- A is an alkali metal, it can be chosen from Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs,

- M is an alkali metal, it can be chosen from Li, Na, K, Rb and, Cs,

- A is an alkaline earth metal, it can be chosen from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba,

- M is an alkaline earth metal, it can be chosen from Be, Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba,

- A is a transition metal, it can be chosen from Sc, Ti Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ta, W and Ir,

- M is a transition metal, it can be chosen from Sc, Ti Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ta, W and Ir,

- A is a poor metal, it can be chosen from Al, Zn, Ga, In and Sn,

- M is a poor metal, it can be chosen from Al, Zn, Ga, In and Sn,

- A is a metalloid, it can be chosen from B, Si, Ge and Sb,

- M is a metalloid, it can be chosen from B, Si, Ge and Sb,

- A is a lanthanide, it can be chosen from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu,

- M is a lanthanide, it can be chosen from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu.

Preferably, A and M different from each other are B and / or Mg.

According to one embodiment, each of the two decorations (a) and (b) is in the form of adjacent non-overlapping patterns. For example, each decor is represented by different geometric patterns distributed uniformly over the entire surface and alternating with respect to each other (see Figure 10A).

According to another embodiment, the two decorations (a) and (b) are partially overlapping. For example, each decoration is represented by different geometric patterns distributed uniformly over the entire surface and partially overlapping (see Figure 10B).

Preferably, the two decorations (a) and (b) overlap, either because one of the two decorations is a continuous layer and the other decoration covers it in the form of patterns, or because the two decorations (a) and (b) are in the form of two overlapping patterns (see Figure 10C).

Preferably, the pigment (Bi- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 exhibits a monoclinic crystallographic scheelite form at room temperature.

Said decorations optionally comprise one or more fluoropolymers.

Said decorations optionally include additives. Said additives are selected from the group consisting of solvents, thickeners, anti-foaming agents, pH adjusters, wetting agents and dispersants.

Said solvents are preferably chosen from the group consisting of: water, alcohols, diols, glycols, esters.

Said thickeners are preferably chosen from the group consisting of acrylic base or polyurethane base copolymer, cellulose, fumed silica, silicone resin.

Said anti-foaming agents are preferably chosen from the group consisting of polysiloxane, modified polysiloxane, polyether-siloxane copolymer, amphiphilic polymers, silicone, aliphatic mineral oil.

Said pH adjusters are preferably chosen from the group consisting of Bronsted bases: ammonia, amines (triethyl amine, triethanolamine, etc.), hydroxides (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc.), carbonates. Said wetting agents and dispersants are preferably chosen from the group consisting of high molecular weight fatty acid derivatives, modified polyether, surfactants, modified polyacrylate.

Preferably, the coating according to the invention comprises one or more topcoats applied to the decoration, preferably consisting of one or more fluoropolymers.

According to a first embodiment, the coating according to the invention comprises one or more primary layers applied to the support. The decorations are then applied to the last primer coat.

Preferably, the coating according to the invention comprises in the following order from one of the faces of the substrate of the culinary article: two primary layers, the two decorations (a) and (b) and a top coat.

According to a second embodiment, the decorations are applied directly to the substrate.

The decoration can be applied by any method well known to those skilled in the art, for example by screen printing or pad printing.

The fluoropolymer (s) can be provided in the form of a powder or an aqueous dispersion, or mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the fluoropolymer (s) can be chosen from the group comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and of perfluoropropyl vinyl ether (PFA), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and of hexafluoropropene (FEP), polyvinylfluoride (PVDF) (PVDF). copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and polymethylvinylether (MVA), terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, polymethylvinylether and fluoroalkylvinylether (TFE / PMVE / FAVE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the fluoropolymer (s) can be chosen from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and of perfluoropropylvinyl ether (PFA), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropene (FEP), a mixture of PTFE and PFA (PTFE / PFA), a mixture of PTFE and FEP (PTFE / FEP).

Preferably, the fluoropolymer (s) can represent from 10 to 99% by mass, preferably from 50 to 98% by mass, of the total dry mass of the non-stick coating composition.

Preferably, x and y are 0, ie the invention relates to the use of Bismuth Vanadate (BiVC> 4). Advantageously, a B1VO4 with a monoclinic crystallographic structure scheelite at room temperature is used.

Bismuth Vanadate is an inorganic compound of yellow color, of formula B1VO4, widely used for its coloristic properties and for its lack of toxicity. Registered in the Color Index International database as Q. I. Pigment Yellow 184, it is marketed in particular by the companies Heubach (Vanadur®), BASF (Sicopal®), FERRO (Lysopac) or even Bruchsaler Farbenfabrik (Brufasol®).

This compound is the subject of numerous studies, due to its intense color but also to its thermochromism. Many synthetic routes can be envisaged for the production of B1VO ₄ nanoparticles, such as sol-gel synthesis, pyrolysis of precursors, hydrothermal and solvothermal syntheses, gas phase deposition. However, hydrothermal synthesis can be mechanistically complex, due to the simultaneous formation of stable and unstable phases upon rapid heating in a pressurized autoclave. The abundance of phases and the complexity of the phase diagram of the products obtained by hydrothermal synthesis make it difficult to form and stabilize one or other of the crystallographic phases.

The second most widely used synthetic route is a solid phase sintering method. It has the advantage of easily obtaining powders on a large scale, with a high degree of crystallinity at a reduced cost. B1VO ₄ particles can thus be obtained by annealing a mixture of bismuth and vanadium salts through a high temperature sintering process. The microstructure obtained (particle size, morphology, crystallinity) and possible doping elements can affect the forbidden band of B1VO ₄ , with the consequence of a modification of its initial color and / or of thermochromism. The temperature reference pigment composition can be chosen from the group consisting of:

Titanium rutile-type yellow pigments,

Yellow pigments derived from bismuth, for example selected from stabilized bismuth vanadates (Py184)

Red pigments, for example selected from perylene red, iron oxide,

Orange pigments of bismuth oxyhalide type (P085),

Bismuth Vanadate Orange Pigments (P086)

Zinc Tin Titanium Orange Pigment (P082)

Cerium Sulfide Orange Pigment (P075; P078)

Orange-yellow rutile pigment of antimony titanium chromium (PBr24)

Orange yellow pigment of tin and zinc rutile type (Py216)

Orange yellow pigment of niobium tin sulfide zinc oxide (Py227)

Orange-yellow pigment of double oxides of tin and niobium, and mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the coating according to the invention is characterized in that the DE * of the pigment of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 0 _{4 type} , in said coating is greater than or equal to 11 between room temperature and 150 ° C, DE * being defined by the formula CIE1976 in the CIELAB color space:

Li *, ai * and bi * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at room temperature L2 *, a2 * and b2 * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at 150 ° C.

Preferably, the (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ type pigment has an DE ^* in said coating between room temperature and 150 ° C greater than or equal to 13, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 15.

Advantageously, the coating according to the invention is characterized in that the DE * of the pigment of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 _{4 type,} in said coating is greater than or equal to 15 between ambient temperature and 200 ° C, DE * being defined by the formula CIE1976 in the CIELAB color space:

L1 *, ai * and bi * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at room temperature l_2 ^* , a2 ^* and bi ^* characterizing the L ^* a ^* b ^* values of said compound at 200 ° C.

Preferably, the pigment of (Bi- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 type exhibits an DE * in said coating between room temperature and 200 ° C. greater than 17, particularly preferably greater than or equal to 20.

Advantageously, the evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the temperature is linear. Preferably, this linear change has a slope of from 0.05 to 0.1, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.1.

Color can be measured and characterized by a color classification. This classification is only possible if the colors are defined by numbers, and it is thanks to the color spaces that this conversion can be achieved.

"A color space is a three-dimensional mathematical model representing the set of colors perceptible, usable or reproducible by a human or a device". Many spaces exist with their own distribution of colors with precise coordinates (examples: the RGB space heavily used by television systems or the CIELAB space which takes into account the logarithmic response of the eye).

The CIELAB color space is used to characterize the colors of different surfaces. This space can be represented according to a geometric model bearing 3 orthogonal axes representing the quantities L * a * b * (Figure 2). Each color thus has very precise and specific L * a * b * coordinates:

- L * representing the lightness on an axis expressed as a percentage either from black: 0 to white: 100

- has * the axis going from green: -120 to red: +120

- b * the axis going from blue: -120 to yellow: +120

These coordinates specific to each color make it possible to calculate several parameters such as the difference in lightness AL *, the difference in color DH * or the color difference DE *. The parameter which interests us in this invention is the color difference DE * representing the distance measurement between two different colors located in the CIELAB space. DE * color difference has no unit. Formulas of deviations and differences in shade and color

The phenomenon of thermochromism is defined as the ability of a compound to change color depending on the temperature to which it is subjected.

The compound B1VO ₄ is yellow in color at room temperature and changes color continuously when the temperature increases, passing through orange to red.

B1VO4 is part of the family of semiconductor oxides: this category presents a coloring mechanism also responsible for their thermochromic properties.

Indeed, semiconductor materials are characterized by a theory of energy bands representing the interactions of atoms. This is a model in which the core electrons are assumed to be localized on the atom to which they belong and thus are present on discrete atomic orbitals and therefore do not appear on the energy bands of the model. As for the valence electrons, they are likely to be delocalized over the entire crystal lattice of the solid, they constitute the valence band. The conduction band is the first band of empty energy that can be occupied by free electrons. The valence band and the conduction band are separated by a forbidden band whose width (also called “Gap”) is equal to the energy difference present between the energy levels associated with the valence and conduction bands (Figure 3).

The color of semiconductor materials is related to the width of the forbidden band which separates the valence and conduction bands of the material in question. It is the electronic transitions of energy equal to or greater than the width of the forbidden band which are responsible for the color of the material. The width of a forbidden band ranging from 1, 7 eV to 3 eV can decline colors ranging from black to white through a color palette extending to colors ranging from light yellow to red through orange (red corresponding to low energies and yellow clear at high energies). (Figure 4)

Under the influence of temperature, the interatomic anion-cation bonds expand, causing a decrease in orbital coverage. This results in a decrease in the covalency of the bonds and therefore a decrease in Gap, the electronic transfer is then facilitated between the valence band and the conduction band between the two atoms.

Semiconductor materials are therefore thermochromic due to the change in the size of their crystal structure under the influence of an increase in temperature. If the crystal structure changes, the interactions within the lattice are no longer the same, the width of the forbidden band will then vary and therefore the color changes.

Most semiconductor materials when subjected to an increase in temperature have a decrease in their band gap width. This explains the change in color of B1VO _{4 from} yellow at room temperature to red when heated.

Another object of the invention relates to a household article comprising a substrate, preferably metallic, covered in whole or in part with a coating according to the invention.

The change of color of the type pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04, allows the user to be warned on the one hand, that the article is hot and therefore presents a risk of burns and damage. on the other hand that the surface of the article has reached the temperature suitable for its use.

Advantageously, the support of the article can be made of plastic, metallic material, glass, ceramic or terracotta. As metal supports that can be used in the context of the present invention, one can advantageously cite the supports made of aluminum or anodized or not anodized aluminum alloy, or of polished, sandblasted, chemically treated aluminum or aluminum alloy or of polished stainless steel. , brushed or micro-blasted, or in cast iron or aluminum, or in titanium or in hammered or polished copper.

By way of examples of household articles which can be used in the context of the present invention, mention may in particular be made of fryer tanks, pans or fondue pots or fondue pots. raclette, the bowl of a deep fryer or a bread maker, the bowl of a "blender", the plates of a hair straightener and the soles of an iron.

For better adhesion of the coating, the surface of the support can be treated so as to increase its specific surface, for example by sanding, brushing or chemical treatment; for aluminum this treatment can be done by anodization (creation of a tubular structure of alumina), by chemical attack, by sandblasting ... The other metal substrates can also be polished, sandblasted, brushed, bead blasted.

The primer (s) may include a bonding resin, especially when the substrate is mechanically treated.

Preferably, the bonding resin (s) is (are) chosen from the group consisting of polyamide imides (PAI), polyether imides (PEI), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyetherketones ( PEK), polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polyethersulphones (PES), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybenzimidazoles (PBI), tannins.

Advantageously, the article according to the invention is a cookware and the coating according to the invention covers all or part of the substrate on the side receiving the food.

Advantageously, the article according to the invention is a hair straightener and the coating according to the invention covers all or part of its plates.

Advantageously, the article according to the invention is an iron and the coating according to the invention covers all or part of its sole.

Advantageously, the article is a culinary article of which one of the faces of the support constitutes a concave internal face intended to be in contact with food placed inside said article and the other face of the support of the article. is a convex outer face intended to be in contact with a heat source.

Preferably, said household item is a culinary item, preferably selected from the group consisting of saucepan, frying pan, casserole, wok, sauté pan, crepe maker, grill, plancha, raclette, cooking pot, casserole dish, and said coating is intended to come into contact with food. In the fields of application contemplated for the present invention, a cookware type heating article or an iron type heating article is typically used in a temperature range of 10 ° C to 300 ° C.

Use said household item when:

The coating according to the invention comprises at least two pigments, including the pigment of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 _{4 type} and the temperature reference pigment composition.

The optimum conditions of use can be achieved when their colors are visually identical to the naked eye for the remote user of conventional use of the article according to the invention. If we take an example, the coating according to the invention may comprise BiVC> 4 which changes from yellow to orange between room temperature and the optimum operating temperature and orange thermostable bismuth oxyhalide.

The instructions for use can indicate to the user the colors at which he can start using the household article according to the invention under optimal conditions. This indication will, for example, be in the form of geometric patterns filled with the appropriate colors or a bar of gradient colors (see for example in Figure 4). This pattern or bar serves as a benchmark for the user who can approach the coated surface of the article according to the invention.

Preferably, in the case of a culinary article, the optimum conditions are reached when the coating reaches a temperature suitable for cooking food, preferably between 100 and 250 ° C. EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

Example 1: Selection of pigments

The pigments used are powders of inorganic compounds:

Thermochromic pigments: o B1VO4, process described in Example 2, batches 2b and 2d o B12O3, Varistor Fine grade, marketed by the company 5N Plus o Sicopal® Yellow pigment K1120FG, marketed by the BASF company o Bayferrox® 130 pigment, marketed by the company Bayferrox

Heat-stable pigments (temperature reference pigment): o pigment Yellow 10C242, sold by the company The Shepherd Color Company o pigment Yellow 6716B sold by the company FERRO These compounds can be used alone or as a mixture.

Example 2: Process for the synthesis of a pigmentary compound BiVQ4 according to the invention

Process 2.1

To a solution of bismuth nitrate (0.1 M) in 1M nitric acid is added stoichiometrically a solution of ammonium vanadate (0.1 M) in 1M nitric acid. The mixture is stirred overnight, filtered, washed with water and then dried. The powder is then baked at 450 ° C. for 3 hours.

Bismuth vanadate is then obtained in the form of a bright yellow powder with a monoclinic scheelite structure characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.

The process takes place at pH <1 without adding an alkaline agent.

Method 2.2

To a solution of bismuth nitrate (0.4 M) in 1M nitric acid is added a stoichiometric amount of sodium metavanadate in powder form. The mixture is stirred for 2 hours at 80 ° C. The precipitate is then filtered, washed with water to obtain a yellow powder of BIV04 in the monoclinic scheelite form. The powder is then annealed at 500 ° C. for 3 hours.

The process takes place at pH <1 without adding an alkaline agent.

Scheelite monoclinic BÎV04 then has an ED = 40 between room temperature and Example 3: Integration of the compounds in a black fluorinated non-stick coating

In order to offer the consumer a cookware with a non-stick interior coating and provided with a decoration to guide him in his cooking, the compounds with improved thermochromic properties are introduced into a non-stick coating comprising several layers:

- The primary layer (s) of opaque color,

- The thermochromic compound integrated into a layer of decoration,

- The translucent topcoat (s). /. Preparation of the two primary coats

A first formulation based on an aqueous dispersion of PTFE is prepared.

(a) Primary 1 / Formula 1a

A second formulation based on an aqueous dispersion of PTFE is prepared.

(b) Primary 2 / Formula 2a

Formulations 1a and 2a are filtered before being applied with a pneumatic gun on the inside of a preformed aluminum cap. This support is previously at least degreased and dusted. For better adhesion of the coating, the surface of the support is treated by sandblasting so as to increase its specific surface.

The primer is applied in at least one coat 5 to 50 microns thick. In the case of an application in several layers, each layer is dried before application of the next.

ÏÏ. Preparation of the thermochromic decoration

A pad paste containing a thermochromic pigment as described in Example 1 is prepared according to the formulation described below.

This paste is applied in the form of patterns by pad printing on the dried primer layer.

/ J /. Preparation of the thermostable reference decoration

A pad paste containing a thermostable reference pigment as described in Example 1 is prepared according to the formulation described below. This paste is applied in the form of a pattern on the dried thermochromic decoration. iv. Preparing the topcoat and baking

The top coat is produced in the same way as the primer coat, the only difference being that it must remain transparent, so it does not include pigments but possibly flakes.

After all coats have been applied and dried, the item is baked at 430 ° C for 11 min.

Example 4: Method for characterizing the colors of samples

A light booth consisting of a closed enclosure equipped with controlled lighting is used. A camera is installed directly above the booth and is linked to photo processing software that provides color characteristics of the samples analyzed. The light booth is illuminated with the D50 illuminant (corresponding to daylight).

The principle of this characterization is to position the material to be analyzed in the booth, to take a photo and extract the colorimetric data from the photo using suitable software.

Thanks to the L * a * b * values obtained, a color difference (or color variation) DE * is obtained at each temperature compared to the reference temperature (TA = 25 ° C) for a given sample, DE * being defined by the CIE1976 formula in the CIELAB color space: with :

Li *, ai *, bi *: coordinates of the color of the pigment at the standard temperature (25 ° C or TA) or of the reference pigment. l_2 ^* , a2 ^* , b2 ^* : coordinates of the color of the pigment at the chosen temperature (25 ° C / 100 ° C / 150 ° C / 180 ° C / 200 ° C / 250 ° C) or of the chosen pigment.

The protocols described below have been developed and allow the following points to be mastered as well as possible: no heating possible directly in the cabin (so as not to disturb the atmosphere and the camera) but taking a photo at a temperature targeted, thanks to the timing of the transfer phases.

/. Equipment

Thermometer with contact probe

Stopwatch

Hotplate

Lighted photo booth

CANON EOS 13000D Camera (Canon 28mm Wide Angle Lens)

Glass slides

Software for data acquisition: Capture One and Photoshop

ÏÏ. Protocol for samples in the form of pad printed decoration on a stove (Figure 7)

Measure the time required to move the pan containing the pad printed pigments, from the heating plate to the booth, close the latter, trigger the camera, (t = 15 sec).

Heat and stabilize the sample around the target temperature.

Test the temperature which after 15 sec adjusts to the desired temperature.

Simulate 3 times with this temperature to confirm or adjust according to the temperature of the sample obtained after the 15 sec.

Start the acquisition.

Carry out the characterization by selecting the photo surface to be analyzed using the software, then recording the L * a * b * values.

Capture One software is used for capturing the image in RAW format, which later allows conversion to any other file format.

The Photoshop software then used allows the unrawtization of the file (conversion into TIFF format). It can also convert from an RGB color space to a CIE L * a * b * space with a D50 illuminant. 7/7. Protocol for samples in powder form (Figure 7)

Make 3 different and separate piles of powders in a pan (about a teaspoon).

Using a glass slide, flatten the piles of powder in order to have smooth, homogeneous surfaces of the same thickness.

For the rest, carry out the same protocol as before.

Example 5: Exploitation of the results

/. Calculations of the DE * of a sample at several temperatures

Take for example the pigment Fe2O3 in powder form.

Below are the L * a * b * coordinates and DE * results of Fe2Ü3 for each temperature:

Example at 100 ° C:

AE * ioo "c = V (32.5 - 35, 9) ² + (30.4 - 34, 2) ² + (18.8 - 23, l) ² = 6.7104

ΊΊ. Graphic interpretations

The DE * calculated for each sample at different temperatures make it possible to visualize through graphs (DE * = f (Temperature ° C)) the evolution of the colorimetric difference from the color at room temperature.

The graph (Figure 8) shows the color variations of each pigment in powder form.

The pigments studied in this case all exhibit a fairly linear color change as a function of temperature. The “very good” thermochromes have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C greater than or equal to 40 and an evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the linear temperature with a slope greater than or equal to 0.2.

The “good” thermochromes have a DE * color difference between 25 ° C and 200 ° C between 30 and 40 and an evolution of the DE * color difference as a function of the linear temperature with a slope greater than or equal to 0 , 2.

The "medium" thermochromes have a DE * color difference between 25 ° C and 200 ° C of 10 to 30 and an evolution of the DE * color difference as a function of the linear temperature with a slope of 0.05 to 0.2.

The thermostables have a DE * color difference between 25 ° C and 200 ° C of less than 10 and a change in the DE * color difference as a function of the linear temperature with a slope of less than 0.05.

The graph (Figure 9) shows the color variations of each pigment in the form of a pad printed decoration in a non-stick coating as described above.

The colored materials integrated into a non-stick coating studied in this case also all exhibit a fairly linear color change as a function of temperature.

The behavior of color changes as a function of temperature and the classification of compounds with respect to each other are very similar to observations made with materials in powder form. A marked reduction in color differences is however observed, linked to the integration into the non-stick coating and very probably linked to the "filter" effect of the topcoat which is not perfectly transparent.

The "very good" thermochromes integrated in a non-stick coating have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C greater than or equal to 20 and an evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the linear temperature with a slope greater than or equal to 0.1.

The "good" thermochromes integrated in a non-stick coating have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C of 15 to 20 and an evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the linear temperature with a slope greater than or equal to 0.1. The average thermochromes integrated in a non-stick coating have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C of 7 to 15 and an evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the linear temperature with a slope ranging from 0.05 to 0.1. The thermostables integrated in a non-stick coating have a color difference DE * between 25 ° C and 200 ° C less than or equal to 7 and an evolution of the color difference DE * as a function of the linear temperature with a lower slope or equal to 0.05.

Claims

1. Fluoropolymer-based coating of the surface of a household item comprising at least two decorations (a) and (b) arranged between or in its layers:

(a) a decoration comprising at least one thermochromic pigment composition in the form of particles consisting of a pigment of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 0 _{4 type}

- x is equal to 0 or x is from 0.001 to 0.999,

- y is equal to 0 or is included from 0.001 to 0.999,

- A and M are different from each other,

(b) a decoration comprising a temperature reference pigment composition.

2. Coating according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the two decorations (a) and (b) is in the form of adjacent non-overlapping patterns.

3. Covering according to claim 1, characterized in that the two decorations (a) and (b) are partially overlapping.

4. Coating according to claim 3, characterized in that the two decorations (a) and (b) are in the form of two partially overlapping patterns.

5. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the DE ^* of the pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ in said coating is greater than or equal to 11 between ambient temperature and 150 ° C, DE * being defined by the formula CIE1976 in the CIELAB color space:

U *, ai * and bi * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at room temperature l_2 *, a2 * and b2 * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at 150 ° C.

6. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the DE ^{* of} said pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 ₄ in said coating is greater than or equal to 15 between ambient temperature and 200 ° C, DE * being defined by the formula CIE1976 in the CIELAB color space: U *, ai * and bi * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at room temperature l_2 *, a2 * and b2 * characterizing the L * a * b * values of said compound at 200 ° C.

7. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the level of (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 0 ₄ in the decorative layer (a) is from 0.1 to 100% by weight. relative to the weight of said layer in the dry state, preferably from 0.2 to 80% by weight.

8. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more topcoats, preferably consisting of one or more fluoropolymers.

9. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, the decorations being applied by screen printing or pad printing.

10. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, the pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) C> 4 exhibiting a monoclinic crystallographic scheelite form at room temperature.

11. A coating according to any one of the preceding claims, where x and y are 0.

12. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein A and / or M is an alkali metal selected from Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs, A and M being different from each other.

13. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12, in which A and / or M is an alkaline earth metal chosen from Be, Mg, Ca, Sret Ba, A and M being different from each other. .

14. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 13, in which A and / or M is a transition metal selected from Sc, Ti Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Y, Zr , Nb, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, kg, Ta, W and Ir, A and M being different from each other.

15. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 14, in which A and / or M is a poor metal chosen from Al, Zn, Ga, In and Sn, A and M being different from one of the other.

16. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 15, in which A and / or M is a metalloid selected from B, Si, Ge and Sb, A and M being different from each other. .

17. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and 12 to 16, in which A and / or M is a lanthanide selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu, A and M being different from each other.

18. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, said coating comprising one or more primary layers applied to the support.

19. Coating according to claim 18, wherein at least one primary layer comprises one or more bonding resin (s), preferably chosen from the group comprising polyamide imides (PAI), polyether imides (PEI), polyamides (PA), polyimides (PI), polyetherketones (PEK), polyetheretherketones (PEEK), polyaryletherketones (PAEK), polyethersulphones (PES), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polybenzimidazoles (PBI) and tannins.

20. Coating according to claim 18 or 19, comprising in the following order from one side of the substrate: two primary layers, the two decorations (a) and (b) and a top coat.

21. Coating according to any one of claims 1 to 17, the decorations being applied directly to the substrate.

22. Coating according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fluoropolymer (s) is (are) chosen from the group comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and of perfluoropropylvinylether (PFA), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropene (FEP), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), copolymers of tetrafluoroethylene and polymethylvinyl ether (MVA), terpolymers of tetrafluoroethylene, polymethylvinylether and fluoroalkylvinylether (TFE / PMVE / FAVE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), and mixtures thereof.

23. Household article comprising a substrate, preferably metallic, covered in whole or in part with a coating according to any one of the preceding claims

24. Household item according to claim 23, characterized in that it is a cookware and in that the coating according to any one of claims 1 to 22 covers all or part of the face receiving the food.

25. Cookware according to claim 24, the substrate being in aluminum or anodized aluminum alloy or not, or in polished aluminum or aluminum alloy, brushed or blasted, sandblasted, chemically treated or in polished stainless steel, or in cast iron. of iron or aluminum, or of hammered or polished titanium or copper.

26. Cookware according to claim 24 or 25, said cookware being selected from the group consisting of saucepan, frying pan, pot, wok, sauté pan, crepe maker, grill, plancha, raclette, pot, casserole dish, and said coating. is intended to come into contact with food.

27. Household article according to claim 23, characterized in that it is an iron and in that the coating according to any one of claims 1 to 22 covers all or part of the sole of said iron. iron.

28. Household article according to claim 23, characterized in that it is a straightening iron and in that the coating according to any one of claims 1 to 22 covers all or part of the plates of said iron. smooth.

29. A method of using a household article according to any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized by the following steps:

- Observe the color change ( _s _{) of the (Bii- x} A x) (Vi- _y M _y ) 0 _{4 type} pigment and of the temperature reference pigment composition,

- Use said household item when: • the colors of the pigment (Bii- _x A _x ) (Vi-yMy) 04 and of the temperature reference pigment composition are identical, or