AN ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL FOR APPLYING IT UNDER A NON-CONDUCTIVE WATER INSULATION

Abstract

The invention relates to electrically conductive materials for leak detection applications. The conductive multilayer materials are especially suitable for water tightness inspections on roofs and other leak proof structures. Electrically conductive material (1) for applying it under a non-conductive water insulation layer comprises a nonwoven PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene) polymer layer (2) and a conductive particle coating (3) consisting of electrically conductive carbon and/or metal particles (4), uniformly covering complete surface of the polymer layer (2), and an acrylic binder (5). The invention further relates to the method of manufacture of said electrically conductive material as well as the use thereof.

Claims

1. Electrically conductive material (1) for applying it under a non-conductive water insulation layer, comprising a nonwoven PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene) polymer layer (2) and a conductive particle coating (3) consisting of electrically conductive carbon and/or metal particles (4) in the range of 0.1 to 20 micrometres, preferably 0.2 to 5 micrometres, and an acrylic binder (5), wherein fibres of the nonwoven PET or PP polymer layer are in the range of 0.9 dtex to 16.0 dtex, preferably 1.7 dtex to 6.0 dtex, and wherein electrically conductive carbon and/or metal particles (4) within acrylic binder (5) cover entire surface of the polymer layer (2) in such an amount that a resistance of conductive particle coating (3) is 1000 /sq or less.

2. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 1, wherein the acrylic binder (5) encloses the electrically conductive carbon and/or metal particles (4) and electrically conductive carbon and/or metal particles (4) uniformly cover all surface of the polymer layer (2).

3. (canceled)

4. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 1, wherein the metal particles (4) are metal particles selected from the group of metals containing aluminium, copper, aluminium-copper alloy, silver, gold, tin, chromium, iron, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, nickel-chromium alloy, palladium, platinum, silicon, tantalum, titanium and stainless steel.

5. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive carbon particles (4) are selected from the group of electrically conductive carbons comprising a carbon black, a graphite and carbon nanotubes.

6. (canceled)

7. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 2, wherein a nonwoven PET or PP polymer layer (2) is coated with the conductive particle coating (3) in such a way that said coating (3) can be on one or both sides of the polymer layer (2) or penetrated within the polymer layer (2).

8. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 1, wherein said material (1) is attached to a hydro-isolation PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material sheet (10).

9. Electrically conductive material (1) according to claim 1, wherein an amount of conductive particle coating (3) in weight % on polymer nonwoven layer is in range from 1% to 50%, preferably from 10% to 40%, more preferably from 15% to 30%.

10. Method of manufacture an electrically conductive material (1) according to, claim 7 wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing of a nonwoven PET or PP polymer layer (2); b) providing of a conductive particle coating (3) consisting of electrically conductive carbon or metal particles (4) in the range of 0.2 to 20 micrometres, preferably 0.2 to 5 micrometres, and an acrylic binder (5); and c) coating of the nonwoven PET or PP polymer layer (2) with the conductive particle coating (3).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the coating of the nonwoven PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (Polypropylene) polymer layer (2) is performed by the technological process which is selected from the following group of the technological processes: direct coating; foam coating; rolling; transferring; spraying; rotary screening; curtain or slot die coating or dipping, preferably using direct or foam coating.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The following disclosure will be better understood by a person skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the figures.

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of an electrically conductive material 1.

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a fragment of electrically conductive material 1 coated or laid on a PVC hydro-isolation material 10.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of insulated roof structure, where it has a cut-out to illustrate all elements of the exemplary roof structure.

[0032] Preferred embodiment of the invention is an electrically conductive material 1 for applying it under a non-conductive water insulation layer 20. The electrically conductive material 1 comprises a nonwoven PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) polymer layer 2 and a conductive particle coating 3 consisting of electrically conductive carbon particles 4 and acrylic binder 5.

[0033] In another embodiment, the nonwoven polymer layer 2 is soaked or doped with conductive particles compound 3, which comprises electrically conductive carbon and metal particles 4 and acrylic binder 5.

[0034] Another embodiment further comprises the electrically conductive material 1 attached to a PVC layer 10 (see FIG. 2). Following combination provides ready to use electrically conductive multi-layer material that is ready to be laid on the roof structure or any other structure to be sealed and controlled for leaks.

[0035] On the roof structure, the electrically conductive material 1 is laid above insulation layers 42, 43 and 44, especially above an insulation surface layer 44 (FIG. 3). The roof structure comprises a bearing structure 40, covered by a vapour barrier 41, which is subsequently covered by insulation layers 42, 43, and 44. The insulation layers consist of an insulation base layer 42, an insulation slope forming layer 43 and an insulation surface layer 44. The roof structure is sealed by a water insulation layer 20, which is laid above said electrically conductive material 1. Said insulation layers 20 are connected to each other via connection points 21. Additionally, the roof structure is provided with contact devices 30. These contact devices 30 are configured to provide an electric contact between the electrically conductive multi-layer material 1 and sealing inspection device (not shown in figure) to be used for leak detection applications.

[0036] While the inventions have been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the inventions not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed herein.