Cross-linking Adhesive for Vacuum Infusion Laminate Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum infusion processes using spray adhesives to hold fiberglass and foam core laminates together result in a weaker interface, compromising the structural integrity and leading to premature failure due to the adhesive's inferior strength compared to the laminate structure.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linking adhesive composition comprising reactive SBS block co-polymer, hydrocarbon tackifying resin, cyclohexane, and acetone is used, which integrates with polyester or vinyl ester resins, forming a strong, uninterrupted laminate structure by cross-linking during the curing process, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and reducing material loss and emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spray adhesives are used to hold laminate layers together during vacuum infusion, then the layers are held together during the curing process, but the adhesive interface becomes weaker than the rest of the structure, resulting in premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive function with the laminate structure by using a spray adhesive that chemically bonds to both the fiberglass layers and the polyester resin, creating a unified interface rather than a separate weaker layer. The adhesive contains reactive components that cross-link with the resin system, integrating it into the overall structural matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite adhesive formulation containing multiple components including rubber particles, plasticizers, and reactive chemicals that work together to create an interface with strength matching or exceeding the surrounding laminate structure. This multi-component composite approach allows the adhesive to bond to both the glass fibers and the polyester resin effectively.
2Loss of substance
If conventional spray adhesives are used, then laminate layers are held together during curing, but material loss and emissions increase due to the adhesive's inferior strength requiring additional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the adhesive system by using a formulation that cures and cross-links with the polyester resin. This chemical transformation allows the adhesive to achieve full strength without requiring excessive application rates, thereby reducing material loss while maintaining or improving bond strength.
3Reliability
If a stronger adhesive is used to prevent premature failure, then structural integrity improves, but the adhesive may interfere with the curing process of vinyl esters, polyester or styrene resins
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is formulated with specific local properties - containing reactive components in controlled amounts that enable cross-linking at the adhesive-resin interface without interfering with the bulk resin curing process. The formulation allows selective chemical reactivity where needed while maintaining compatibility with the overall resin system.
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 solution provides a superior interface between laminate layers, reduces material loss and emissions, and achieves maximum tensile sheer strength by fusing laminating materials with low shrinkage during curing, ensuring robust structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The adhesive includes properties that cross-link with polyester present in the laminate structure as it cures
Implementation Method 2
The double bonds cross-link with the polyester chain in a free-radical initiated polymerization reaction that yields alternating styrene-polyester molecules
Implementation Method 3
Vacuum infusion is a process in which fiberglass and foam core laminates are prepared and enclosed in a vacuum bag. Catalyzed resin is then infused into the vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum infusion laminate adhesive that holds the laminate layers together as the catalyzed resin is sucked into a laminate structure. The adhesive includes properties that cross-link with polyester present in the laminate structure as it cures. Generally, the laminate layers include the assembly of polyester or vinyl ester resins that are reinforced with fiberglass.