Alkylated Siloxane Solvent Composition for Low VOC Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvent cleaners used in aviation and maintenance applications contain high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs, leading to environmental and health issues, and fail to comply with stringent regulations due to high vapor pressures and incompatibility with plastics.
Innovation Solution
A unique combination of alkylated linear siloxanes, specifically hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane, is developed as a low-volatile organic compound (VOC) wipe solvent with a vapor pressure of 31 mmHg at 20°C, which is non-toxic, odorless, and compatible with metals and plastics, meeting environmental regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional VOC solvents are used for cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but environmental pollution and health hazards worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using a specific ratio of hexamethyldisiloxane (60-70%) and octamethyltrisiloxane (30-40%), achieving low VOC content (25 g/l or less) while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the synergistic action of these siloxane compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite solvent system combining two different siloxane compounds (hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane) with complementary properties, where the mixture achieves both environmental compliance and effective cleaning performance that neither component alone could provide
2Speed
If high vapor pressure solvents are used, then quick drying is improved, but VOC emissions and regulatory compliance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vapor pressure parameter to 31 mmHg at 20°C through careful selection of siloxane components and ratios, achieving a balance between sufficiently fast drying speed and compliance with VOC emission regulations (25 g/l or less)
3Ease of manufacture
If strong solvents are used for cleaning, then contaminant removal is improved, but material compatibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical composition parameters by using fully alkylated siloxane structures (hexamethyldisiloxane and octamethyltrisiloxane) that provide sufficient cleaning power while being inherently gentle on plastics and polymers, achieving both effective contaminant removal and material compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The siloxane solvent system is designed to be non-destructive to surfaces, allowing it to be used on finished parts without causing damage, unlike traditional strong solvents that may degrade plastics or attack metal surfaces
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 siloxane composition effectively cleans surfaces without releasing ozone-depleting substances, is safe for use on various materials, and meets stringent environmental and health standards, providing a compliant and efficient alternative to high VOC solvents, enhancing fleet readiness and pollution prevention.
Implementation Method 1
Non-aqueous siloxane solvent compositions for cleaning a metal or plastic surface
Implementation Method 2
low-volatile organic or non-volatile organic compositions with vapor pressures of 31 millimeters of mercury at 20° C.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to non aqueous non-volatile alkylated siloxane compositions having low VOC and vapor pressure of about 31 millimeters of mercury at 20° C. consisting essentially of a mixture of a linear or open-chain methyl alkylated siloxane having two silicon atoms and a siloxane having three silicon atoms alkylated with methyl groups.