Epoxy-Amine Primer with Sulfur Polymers for Cold Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epoxy-amine compositions used in the aircraft industry face challenges in providing adequate corrosion resistance, flexibility, impact resistance, and quick curing at cold temperatures while maintaining adhesion and preventing blushing, especially when exposed to corrosive fluids and extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of multi-component epoxy-amine compositions comprising a curable resinous polyepoxide and an amine component with a mercaptan terminated material, where at least one component includes sulfur-containing polymers like polysulfides or polythioethers, which form a strong bond with metallic substrates and provide enhanced corrosion resistance and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional epoxy-amine compositions are used, then adhesion to metallic surfaces is achieved, but corrosion resistance and flexibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material strategy by combining epoxy resin with sulfur-containing polymers (polythioether and/or polysulfide) to create a primer composition that simultaneously achieves superior adhesion, corrosion resistance, and flexibility. The composite nature of the material allows it to exhibit properties that neither component alone could provide, particularly the combination of strong bonding with metallic substrates and enhanced flexibility needed to withstand cold temperatures and vibration.
2Strength
If the primer provides strong adhesion and corrosion resistance, then it forms a robust coating, but impact resistance and flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by incorporating sulfur-containing polymers that modify the physical and chemical parameters of the epoxy-amine composition. The sulfur-containing polymers alter the molecular structure and cross-linking density, enabling the coating to maintain strong adhesion while gaining improved impact resistance and flexibility. This parameter modification allows the coating to absorb impact energy without compromising bond strength to the substrate.
3Productivity
If the primer is designed for quick curing, then productivity increases, but adhesion quality and corrosion protection may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by formulating the primer composition with pre-selected amine and mercaptan terminated materials that are designed to react rapidly with the epoxy component while simultaneously ensuring adequate corrosion resistance. The composition is prepared in advance with optimized ratios of components that will cure quickly at cold temperatures while maintaining the necessary protective properties. This preliminary formulation ensures that the fast curing process does not compromise the corrosion protection capability.
4Reliability
If the primer resists blushing and cures quickly at cold temperatures, then operational reliability improves, but adhesion and corrosion resistance may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediary substances, specifically the sulfur-containing polymers and mercaptan terminated materials, that act as mediators between the epoxy component and the amine component. These intermediaries facilitate the curing reaction at cold temperatures while preventing blushing and maintaining adhesion properties. The mercaptan terminated materials serve as intermediaries that enable the reaction to proceed efficiently in cold conditions without compromising the bond strength or corrosion resistance of the final coating.
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 compositions demonstrate improved adhesion, corrosion resistance, flexibility, and rapid curing, even at low temperatures, effectively addressing the challenges of blushing and impact resistance, making them suitable for aircraft applications.
Implementation Method 1
forms a strong bond with the metallic surface
Implementation Method 2
cure relatively quickly at cold temperatures
Implementation Method 3
amine component comprising (i) an amine, and (ii) a mercaptan terminated material
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-component epoxy-amine primer systems are disclosed, which include an epoxy component and an amine component that includes a mercaptan terminated material. At least one of the epoxy component and the amine component includes a sulfur-containing polymer. Also disclosed are substrates coated with such primer systems as well as methods for coating substrates with such primer systems.