Amine Endcapped Adduct Reduces Epoxy Viscosity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epoxy compositions for high mechanical stress applications often have high viscosity, which limits workability and mechanical properties such as flexibility and energy absorption, making them unsuitable for applications like marine deck coatings.
Innovation Solution
The development of an epoxy endcapped adduct composition formed from an amine endcapped adduct and a multi-functional epoxide, combined in specific molar ratios, which reduces viscosity and enhances mechanical properties by forming a curable composition with a curing agent, allowing for improved workability and desirable mechanical properties like flexibility and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy compositions are formulated for high mechanical stress applications, then mechanical strength is improved, but viscosity increases which limits workability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the epoxy composition into two separate components: Component A containing the epoxy resin and Component B containing the amine endcapped adduct. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - Component A maintains high mechanical strength properties while Component B provides low viscosity and flexibility. The components are mixed in controlled ratios (0.5:1.0 to 2.0:1.0 by weight) to achieve the desired balance between strength and workability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system by combining epoxy resin with amine endcapped adducts formed from polyether amines. The polyether amine component introduces flexible ether linkages into the crosslinked network, creating a composite material structure that simultaneously provides mechanical strength from the epoxy and flexibility/low viscosity from the polyether segments. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between strength and workability.
2Strength
If epoxy compositions are formulated for high mechanical stress applications, then mechanical strength is improved, but flexibility and energy absorption decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces local flexibility into the epoxy network by incorporating polyether amine segments at specific locations within the crosslinked structure. The polyether chains create localized flexible regions that allow energy absorption and deformation without compromising the overall structural strength provided by the epoxy matrix. This local quality modification enables the material to exhibit both strength and flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting polyether amines with specific molecular weights and ether content. By adjusting the polyether amine molecular weight (affecting chain length) and the ratio of polyether amine to epoxy in the adduct formation, the invention tunes the flexibility and energy absorption characteristics while maintaining mechanical strength. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between strength and compositional stability.
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 epoxy endcapped adduct composition achieves lower viscosity and enhanced mechanical properties, such as flexibility and energy absorption, making it suitable for high mechanical stress applications like marine deck coatings without fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
These two components chemically react, or 'cure,' to form the cured epoxy product. Upon curing an epoxy composition, including the epoxy and the hardener, forms a cross-linked network.
Implementation Method 2
products formed from the curable compositions, as disclosed herein, have desirable mechanical properties. For example, the product can maintain flexibility and/or absorb energy and elastically and/or plastically deform without fracturing.
Data Source
AI summary
An amine endcapped adduct composition including an amine endcapped adduct formed from a monofunctional epoxide and a polyether amine. The monofunctional epoxide and the polyether amine are combined in a molar ratio of 1.0:2.0 to 1.0:8.0 moles of epoxide functionalities to moles of polyether amine functionalities.