Water-Based Adhesive Tack via Calcium Ion Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

State-of-the-art low-VOC water-based dispersion adhesives for bonding floor coverings and wood floors face challenges with longer waiting times and slower bond strength development, which are not met by current formulations lacking low-boiling solvents and plasticizers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a calcium ion complexing agent and a calcium ion precipitating agent into the adhesive formulation, along with a calcium-containing filler, to enhance tack development and working time without the need for volatile organic compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If volatile plasticizers and low-boiling solvents are added to accelerate tack development and reduce waiting time, then the waiting time decreases and bond strength development improves, but VOC emissions increase making the adhesive non-compliant with environmental regulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaiting timeVSAvoidVOC emissions
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses calcium ions as an intermediary substance to mediate between the polymer dispersion and the plasticizer effect. The calcium ion complexing agent and precipitating agent work together to release calcium ions that interact with the polymer chains, providing tack enhancement without requiring volatile organic compounds. This intermediary mechanism allows the adhesive to achieve fast tack development while maintaining low VOC emissions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive system by introducing calcium ion complexing agents and precipitating agents. These additives modify the chemical environment to release calcium ions that interact with the polymer dispersion, fundamentally changing how tack development occurs from a volatility-driven process to a chemistry-driven process that doesn't rely on evaporating solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If water-based dispersion adhesives are used to improve ecology and safety, then VOC emissions decrease and industrial hygiene improves, but the initial tack remains low and waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC emissionsVSAvoidtack development speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Calcium ions serve as an intermediary that bridges the gap between water-based safety and fast tack development. The calcium ion complexing agent and precipitating agent create a controlled release mechanism where calcium ions interact with the polymer chains to accelerate tack development, providing a mediating mechanism that reconciles the contradiction between eco-friendliness and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical mechanism of solvent evaporation with a chemical mechanism involving calcium ion complexation and precipitation. Instead of relying on volatile components to evaporate and concentrate the adhesive (mechanical process), the system uses chemical reactions to modify polymer-chain interactions and accelerate bonding, substituting one mechanism for another more controlled process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If the adhesive is allowed to dry to semi-wet state to provide sufficient initial tack, then bond strength improves, but the working time decreases and installation flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial tackVSAvoidworking time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Calcium ions act as an intermediary that accelerates the transition from wet to semi-wet state, allowing the adhesive to achieve sufficient initial tack faster while maintaining extended working time. The calcium ion complexing agent and precipitating agent create a controlled chemical environment that modulates the drying kinetics, providing a mediating effect between wet-state application and semi-wet-state bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adhesive composition exhibits fast tack development, improved storage stability, and reduced waiting times, outperforming traditional low-VOC water-based dispersion adhesives by accelerating bond formation and extending working time, making it suitable for efficient flooring installations.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a calcium ion complexing agent and a calcium ion precipitating agent into the adhesive formulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

Incorporating a calcium ion complexing agent and a calcium ion precipitating agent into the adhesive formulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentEP3484952B1Low emission aqueous dispersion adhesive
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a water-based dispersion adhesive composition and use thereof for bonding floor coverings or for bonding wood floors to substrates. The water-based dispersion adhesive composition comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising water and at least one water- dispersible polymer, at least one calcium ion complexing agent, at least one calcium ion precipitating agent, and at least one calcium-containing filler. The invention is also related to a method for bonding a floor covering to a substrate, use of the dispersion adhesive composition for bonding floor coverings to a substrate, and to use of an additive for accelerating the tack development of a water-based dispersion adhesive composition containing at least one polyacrylate polymer and at least one calcium containing filler.