Bis(sulfonyl)alkanol Polythioether Sealant Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerospace sealants lack sufficient adhesion to metal surfaces and do not meet the demanding mechanical, chemical, and environmental requirements, particularly in extreme temperature ranges.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups into the backbone of sulfur-containing polythioethers, specifically through the synthesis of thiol-terminated bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers, which react with curing agents to form sealants with enhanced adhesion and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional sulfur-containing polymers are used in aerospace sealants, then the sealants can function over a wide temperature range, but the adhesion to metal surfaces is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature rangeVSAvoidadhesion to metal surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of sulfur-containing polymers by incorporating bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups with specific molecular structures (Formula 10) where R10 is selected from C1-3 alkanediyl and substituted C1-3 alkanediyl. This structural parameter change enhances adhesion to metal surfaces while maintaining the wide temperature range functionality (-67°F to 360°F) through the stable sulfone groups in the polymer backbone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer structure by combining sulfur-containing polythioether chains with bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups containing hydroxyl substituent groups. This composite structure integrates the thermal stability of sulfur-containing polymers with the adhesion-enhancing properties of the bis(sulfonyl)alkanol moieties, achieving both wide temperature range performance and improved metal surface adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If Michael addition curing chemistries are used with sulfur-containing polymers, then cure rates and thermal resistance are enhanced, but adhesion to metal surfaces remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecure rateVSAvoidadhesion to metal surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the curing system by incorporating bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups with hydroxyl substituent groups that can form hydrogen bonds with metal surfaces. This structural modification allows the Michael addition curing chemistry to achieve both fast cure rates and improved adhesion, as the hydroxyl groups provide additional bonding mechanisms beyond the standard thiol-ene reaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If sulfur-containing polymers are used to achieve fuel resistance and thermal resistance, then performance is enhanced, but adhesion to metal surfaces and physical properties such as elongation are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel resistance and thermal resistanceVSAvoidadhesion and physical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite polymer architecture where sulfur-containing polythioether chains provide fuel and thermal resistance, while incorporated bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups with hydroxyl substituents enhance adhesion to metal surfaces and improve physical properties like elongation. The synergistic combination of these functional groups achieves comprehensive performance requirements for aerospace sealants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups with specific local structures (Formula 10) that provide localized adhesion enhancement at the metal interface while the overall polymer matrix maintains its fuel and thermal resistance properties. The hydroxyl substituent groups are strategically positioned to interact with metal surfaces without compromising the bulk polymer's protective functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 resulting sealants exhibit improved adhesion to metal surfaces and meet the stringent requirements for aerospace applications, including enhanced physical properties and thermal resistance across a wide temperature range.

Implementation Method 1

thiol-terminated bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers comprising the reaction product of reactants comprising: (a) a thiol-terminated polythioether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

react with a curing agent to form sealants with enhanced adhesion and performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8952124B2Bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers, methods of synthesis, and compositions thereof

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 PRC DESOTO INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers, compositions containing bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers, methods of synthesizing bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers and the use of bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers in aerospace sealant applications are disclosed. The bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers have bis(sulfonyl)alkanol groups incorporated into the backbone of the polythioether. Cured sealant compositions comprising the bis(sulfonyl)alkanol-containing polythioethers exhibit enhanced properties suitable for aerospace sealant applications.