Clathrate Crystal Polymorph for Epoxy Curing Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional crystal polymorphs of clathrate compounds formed by 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane and 2-phenyl-4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylimidazole do not consistently exhibit effective curing properties across different types of epoxy resins, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A novel crystal polymorph with specific diffraction peaks is obtained by recrystallizing the clathrate compound in a solvent, such as alcohols, resulting in a stable curing agent or accelerator that functions effectively with various epoxy resins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional methods are used to obtain crystal A of clathrate compound, then the crystal can be produced, but it does not consistently exhibit effective curing properties across different types of epoxy resins

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring properties consistencyVSAvoidcompatibility with different epoxy resin types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the crystal structure parameters of the clathrate compound through controlled recrystallization processes. By changing recrystallization conditions (solvent type, temperature, cooling rate), the patent transforms crystal A into crystal B with different diffraction patterns, thereby altering its physical and chemical properties to achieve consistent curing performance across different epoxy resin types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by inducing a polymorphic transformation from crystal A to crystal B through controlled recrystallization. This phase transition involves changing the crystalline arrangement of the clathrate compound molecules, which fundamentally alters the material's properties and enables it to function effectively as a curing agent or accelerator for various epoxy resins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If crystal A is used as curing agent, then it can cure epoxy resins, but preservation stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreservation stabilityVSAvoidshelf life stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves preservation stability by changing the crystal structure parameters from crystal A to crystal B. This structural parameter change results in a more stable polymorph that resists degradation over time, thereby extending shelf life and improving the durability of the curing agent or accelerator in storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If clathrate compound is recrystallized in solvent, then novel crystal polymorph with superior stability is obtained, but additional processing step is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreservation stabilityVSAvoidnumber of processing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs phase transition through recrystallization to transform crystal A into the more stable crystal B. Although this requires an additional processing step, the phase transition approach ensures获得 a polymorph with superior preservation stability and consistent curing performance, justifying the extra step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 novel crystal polymorph demonstrates superior preservation stability and curing characteristics as a clathrate compound, ensuring consistent performance regardless of the epoxy resin type used.

Implementation Method 1

A novel crystal polymorph with specific diffraction peaks is obtained by recrystallizing the clathrate compound in a solvent, such as alcohols

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRecrystallization: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

the crystal polymorph has diffraction peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of 11.20°, 13.36°, 14.36°, 18.16°, 19.20°, 19.68°, 20.84°, 21.48°, 22.56°, 23.76° and 24.08°in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern as measured using a CuKα ray

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray diffraction: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3192790B1Crystal polymorphism of inclusion compound and method for producing same, and curable resin composition
Publication Date: 2019.06.05 NIPPON SODA CO LTD
  • EP3192790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3192790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3192790B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is to provide a more stable crystal polymorph of a clathrate compound consisting of 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane and 2-phenyl-4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylimidazole (molar ratio 1:2). A novel crystal polymorph of a clathrate compound, consisting of 1,1,2,2-tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane and 2-phenyl-4-methyl-5-hydroxymethylimidazole (molar ratio 1:2) and has diffraction peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of 11.20°, 13.36°, 14.36°, 18.16°, 19.20°, 19.68°, 20.84°, 21.48°, 22.56°, 23.76° and 24.08° in a powder X-ray diffraction pattern as measured using a CuKα ray, can be obtained by, for example, further recrystallizing a crystal obtained by a conventionally known method or the like.