Diamino Alcohol Coating Additives for Low VOC Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coating formulations face challenges in reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) content and amine odor, while maintaining effective neutralization and pigment dispersion, as existing neutralizing agents like ammonia and inorganic bases either have strong odors or poor scratch resistance.
Innovation Solution
Development of diamino alcohol compounds produced through a tandem Michael and Henry reaction of nitroalkanes with α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, followed by hydrogenation, which have low VOC content and primary amine functional groups, allowing for their use as efficient neutralizing and co-dispersant agents in aqueous coating formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simple amine compounds are used as neutralizing agents in coatings, then neutralization and pigment dispersion properties are improved, but volatile organic compound (VOC) content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the amine compounds by introducing diamino alcohol structures with specific molecular weights and functional group configurations. This transforms the VOC content parameter while preserving the neutralization and dispersion functions, achieving low VOC formulation without sacrificing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite amine structures combining diamino alcohol compounds with specific molecular architectures that integrate multiple functional groups. This composite approach allows the molecule to simultaneously provide neutralization, dispersion, and low VOC characteristics that single-function compounds cannot achieve
2Object-generated harmful factors
If ammonia or inorganic bases are used as neutralizing agents to reduce VOC content, then VOC contribution is eliminated, but scratch resistance and pigment dispersion ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diamino alcohol compounds are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as neutralizing agents, pigment dispersion agents, and provide scratch resistance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to trade between different properties, as a single compound class delivers all required performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the molecular weight, amino group configuration, and hydroxyl group positioning in the diamino alcohol structure, the patent optimizes the balance between VOC reduction and performance maintenance. The specific parameter changes enable the compound to achieve low VOC while preserving mechanical and dispersion properties
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional amine compounds are used to achieve low odor formulations, then amine odor is reduced, but toxic N-nitroso compound formation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of N-nitroso formation into a benefit by designing diamino alcohol structures where the chemical environment prevents nitrosation. The specific molecular structure with primary amino groups on tertiary carbons creates a configuration that is both low-odor and resistant to forming toxic compounds, turning a safety concern into an enhanced safety feature
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 diamino alcohol compounds achieve low VOC and odor in coating formulations, providing excellent pigment dispersion and scratch resistance, while avoiding the formation of toxic N-nitroso compounds.
Implementation Method 1
tandem Michael addition and Henry reaction of a nitroalkane with an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde
Implementation Method 2
nitro alcohol compounds may be readily converted to the aminoalcohol compounds by hydrogenation with hydrogen over a suitable catalyst
Implementation Method 3
Simple amine compounds are known to provide neutralizing, dispersant and hardening properties when added to coatings
Implementation Method 4
Simple amine compounds are known to provide neutralizing, dispersant and hardening properties when added to coatings
Data Source
AI summary
A new class of compounds, namely diamino alcohols, is described, along with a process for their production and their use as dispersing additives for coating formulations.