Curable Silicone Composition with Hot-Melt Properties and Catalyst Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curable silicone compositions with hot-melt properties require organic solvents for manufacturing and use large amounts of condensation reaction catalysts, leading to side reactions and reduced physical properties of the cured product, especially when using functional fillers.
Innovation Solution
A curable silicone composition with a specific ratio of condensation reaction catalyst, including a volatile superbasic substance like DBU, and organopolysiloxane that are liquid at 25°C, which suppresses interactions with solid particles, allowing for reduced catalyst usage and solvent-free processing while maintaining melt curability and adhesive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a large amount of condensation reaction catalyst is used to maintain melt curability, then melt curability is improved, but side reactions occur and physical properties of the cured product are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organopolysiloxane with condensation reactive groups as an intermediary substance that mediates between the catalyst and the main resin. This intermediary reacts with the catalyst to form a complex, thereby reducing the catalyst's activity and preventing excessive side reactions while still providing sufficient melt curability. The organopolysiloxane acts as a buffer that controls the catalyst's effect on the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the system by introducing specific organopolysiloxane compounds with controlled molecular weights and condensation reactive group contents. By adjusting these parameters, the patent optimizes the balance between catalyst activity and side reactions, achieving both good melt curability and high physical properties in the cured product.
2Speed
If a superbasic catalyst is used to achieve rapid curing, then curing speed is improved, but functional fillers may be impaired and sufficient melt curability cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The organopolysiloxane with condensation reactive groups serves as a mediator between the superbasic catalyst and the functional fillers. It reacts with the catalyst to form a less active complex, thereby protecting the fillers from catalyst-induced impairment while still enabling rapid curing through the controlled reaction. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to achieve both fast curing and good melt curability simultaneously.
3Ease of manufacture
If organic solvents are used in the manufacturing process, then processability is improved, but solvent-free process requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the organopolysiloxane with condensation reactive groups performs multiple functions: it acts as a catalyst mediator, provides melt curability, and enables the system to proceed without organic solvents. The material serves itself by facilitating the curing reaction while maintaining processability in a solvent-free environment, thereby eliminating the need for organic solvent addition.
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 composition achieves rapid curing and superior mechanical and adhesive characteristics with reduced side reactions, enabling the production of a cured product with enhanced physical properties and transfer moldability without the need for organic solvents.
Implementation Method 1
a cured product of a curable silicone composition, wherein the curable silicone composition contains a condensation reactive organopolysiloxane resin and a condensation reaction catalyst
Implementation Method 2
a curable silicone composition with hot-melt properties including: a condensation reactive organopolysiloxane resin with hot-melt properties, and a condensation reaction catalyst-containing mixture containing a specific ratio of condensation reaction catalyst (suitably a volatile superbasic substance such as DBU) and an organopolysiloxane that are liquid at 25° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a curable silicone composition with hot-melt properties, cured product thereof, and use thereof where organic solvent is essentially not used, in which curing using a relatively small amount of condensation reaction catalyst is feasible, side reactions before and after the curing reaction are suppressed, curing at high speed is feasible by providing favorable melt curability, and where the cured product thereof includes practically sufficient adhesive properties and mechanical characteristics. Providing a condensation reactive organopolysiloxane resin with hot-melt properties and a condensation reaction catalyst containing mixture including a condensation reaction catalyst that is liquid at 25° C. (suitably a volatile superbasic substance such as DBU) and liquid organopolysiloxane at a specific ratio, a curable silicone composition with hot-melt properties, and use of the cured product thereof. The composition may further contain solid particles such as functional filler providing a product with a functional member such as an optical member.