2-Ethylhexyl Methyl Terephthalate Plasticizer for Adhesive Flow and Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Adhesives and sealants based on polyurethanes, polyureas, polyacrylates, polysulfides, and their derivatives face challenges in optimizing flow properties and mechanical stability, which affects their processing ease and performance in applications such as civil engineering and shipbuilding.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating 2-ethylhexyl methyl terephthalate at a concentration of 0.32 to 40% by weight into the formulations of these polymers to enhance flow properties and mechanical stability, allowing for easier processing and improved smoothing results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional plasticizers are used in adhesives and sealants, then the formulation can achieve adequate flow properties, but the processing ease and smoothing results are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing easeVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting plasticizers with specific molecular structures and properties (low vapor pressure, appropriate boiling point range, specific chemical composition) to optimize both processing ease and stability. The invention identifies and utilizes plasticizers that meet precise parameter criteria to resolve the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If plasticizers are added to reduce yield point and improve flow, then processing becomes easier, but tensile strength and mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow propertiesVSAvoidtensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selecting plasticizers with specific localized molecular characteristics that provide flow improvement in the processing state while maintaining strength in the cured state. The invention identifies plasticizers whose molecular structure provides different functional effects at different stages of the adhesive/sealant lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by formulating combinations of different plasticizers (e.g., phthalates, adipates, sebacates, trimellitates, terephthalates) to achieve synergistic effects where the composite plasticizer system provides both improved flow properties and maintained tensile strength that individual plasticizers cannot achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If high elongation is achieved through plasticizer selection, then low-temperature elasticity improves, but film extensibility and smoothing capability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelow-temperature elasticityVSAvoidsmoothing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by selecting plasticizers that provide time-dependent and state-dependent properties, where the plasticizer formulation adapts its behavior between processing (requiring smoothability) and service conditions (requiring elasticity). The invention identifies plasticizers whose properties dynamically respond to temperature, stress, and time variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 addition of 2-ethylhexyl methyl terephthalate results in adhesives and sealants with improved flow properties and consistent tensile strength, making them easier to process and apply while maintaining optimal mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

Due to their dissolving and swelling properties, they reduce the hardness of the polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolving: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Due to their dissolving and swelling properties, they reduce the hardness of the polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwelling:

Implementation Method 3

increase the low-temperature elasticity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity enhancement: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

plasticizers in adhesives and sealants also serve to increase the extensibility of the film produced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtensibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2582765B12-ethylhexyl methyl terephthalate as plasticisers in adhesives or sealants
Publication Date: 2014.10.15 BASF SE
  • EP2582765B1 patent drawing
  • EP2582765B1 patent drawing
  • EP2582765B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an adhesive or sealant comprising: (A) at least one compound selected from the group of polyurethanes, polyureas, polyacrylates, polysulfides, silylated polyurethanes, silylated polyureas, silylated polyethers, silylated polysulfides and silyl-terminated acrylates; and (B) at least 0.32 wt.-% 2-ethylhexyl-methyl-terephthalate, in relation to the total amount of adhesive or sealant. The invention also relates to a method for producing the adhesive and sealant and to the use thereof for adhesively bonding joined parts.