Alkylated Polyalkyleneamine Curing Agents for Stable Waterborne Epoxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Waterborne amine-epoxy systems face issues such as phase separation, poor surface appearance, short pot-life, and reduced substrate adhesion when applied to cementitious substrates, leading to instability and performance problems in coatings and adhesives.
Innovation Solution
Development of novel curing agent compositions comprising the reaction product of alkylated polyalkyleneamines and polyalkylene polyether polyol modified polyepoxide resins, along with multifunctional amines, which form stable aqueous solutions with improved compatibility and stability, even when diluted to low solids content, and maintain performance on concrete substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If waterborne curing agent compositions are diluted with water to reduce solids content, then cost and environmental impact are improved, but phase separation occurs causing formulation instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-ionic surfactant as an intermediary substance to mediate between the hydrophilic water phase and hydrophobic amine curing agent phase. The surfactant molecules have amphiphilic structures with hydrophilic head groups and hydrophobic tail groups, allowing them to position at the interface between phases, reduce interfacial tension, and prevent phase separation during dilution and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the curing agent system by selecting specific surfactants with appropriate HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) values and molecular structures. By changing the surfactant concentration, HLB value, and molecular weight parameters, the formulation achieves stable dispersion at reduced solids content without phase separation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If amine curing agent is used with epoxy resin in waterborne systems, then VOC emissions are reduced, but incompatibility causes phase separation and amine migration to coating surface
Solution Approach 1:
The non-ionic surfactant acts as a compatibility intermediary between the amine curing agent and epoxy resin in the waterborne system. It forms micellar structures that solubilize the hydrophobic amine components in the aqueous phase, preventing direct phase separation and amine migration to the coating surface while maintaining the low-VOC advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite aqueous system combining water, amine curing agent, epoxy resin, and non-ionic surfactant. This composite formulation integrates incompatible components into a stable homogeneous phase through the surfactant's emulsifying action, eliminating the need for organic solvents while maintaining compatibility.
3Strength
If water-based amine-epoxy systems are applied to cementitious substrates, then adhesion is improved, but emulsion destabilization occurs resulting in poor appearance and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The non-ionic surfactant serves as a protective intermediary that stabilizes the emulsion during application to cementitious substrates. It forms protective colloidal layers around the amine-epoxy complexes, preventing coalescence and destabilization upon contact with the porous substrate, thereby maintaining both emulsion stability and substrate adhesion.
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 novel curing agent compositions provide stable, high-gloss, and hard coatings with extended pot-life, ensuring consistent performance and improved adhesion to cementitious materials, addressing the limitations of existing waterborne amine-epoxy systems.
Implementation Method 1
comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one alkylated polyalkyleneamine and (b) at least one polyalkylene polyether polyol modified polyepoxide resin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides curing agent compositions comprising the reaction product of alkylated polyalkyleneamine compounds and polyalkylene polyether polyol modified polyepoxide resins. Amine-epoxy compositions and articles produced from these amine-epoxy compositions are also disclosed.