Bio-Based Reactive Resin Composition With Stable Vinyl Ester Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for reactive resin systems based on renewable raw materials that ensure storage stability and reactivity, as conventional fossil-based systems face challenges with availability and performance.

Innovation Solution

A reactive resin comprising a vinyl ester resin as the base resin and an oligomeric itaconic acid ester as a reactive diluent, which increases the bio-based component proportion and maintains curing properties without negatively affecting the resin's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If biogenic itaconic acid esters are used as reactive diluents to increase renewable raw material content, then the proportion of bio-based components is improved, but storage stability and reactivity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproportion of bio-based componentsVSAvoidstorage stability and reactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the itaconic acid ester by using oligomeric structures (higher molecular weight) instead of monomeric structures. This parameter change reduces the reactivity and storage stability issues associated with low molecular weight itaconic acid esters while maintaining the bio-based content benefit. The oligomeric structure provides a compromise between reactivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite reactive diluent system by combining oligomeric itaconic acid esters with vinyl ester resin. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the bio-based content of the itaconic acid ester while the vinyl ester resin provides the necessary stability and curing performance. The combination achieves a balance between renewable content and functional performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If fossil-based reactive diluents are replaced with biogenic alternatives, then renewable raw material availability is improved, but curing performance may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverenewable raw material availabilityVSAvoidcuring performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the reactive diluent by using oligomeric itaconic acid esters with specific molecular weights and functional group densities. This parameter optimization ensures that the bio-based diluent achieves curing performance comparable to fossil-based alternatives while maintaining high renewable content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The oligomeric itaconic acid ester acts as an intermediary between the bio-based requirement and the performance requirement. It provides the renewable content needed while its oligomeric structure mediates the reactivity to achieve proper curing performance, bridging the gap between sustainability and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If monomeric itaconic acid esters are used as reactive diluents, then viscosity reduction is achieved, but storage stability and controlled reactivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveviscosityVSAvoidstorage stability and controlled reactivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight parameter from monomeric to oligomeric itaconic acid esters. This parameter change increases viscosity compared to monomeric structures but provides the necessary storage stability and controlled reactivity. The oligomeric structure offers a optimal balance between flow properties and performance reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 use of oligomeric itaconic acid esters in the reactive resin system provides storage-stable and reactive bio-based components, allowing for efficient curing and maintaining the properties of the resin, even when replacing conventional fossil-based components.

Implementation Method 1

Mixing the two components then initiates the curing reaction, i.e., polymerization, through radical formation, and the resin hardens into a thermoset

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP3717532B1Biogenic oligomers as reactive supplements for curing of reactive resins
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 HILTI AG
  • EP3717532B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3717532B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3717532B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a reactive resin comprising a vinyl ester resin as a base resin and an oligomeric itaconic acid ester as a reactive diluent.