Epoxy Composition Toughening with Block Copolymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Epoxy resin compositions used in the transportation industry face challenges in improving ductility and elongation properties without reducing glass transition temperature, while maintaining functional properties for applications like sealing, baffling, and sound dampening.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a composition of block copolymers with polyamide and polyether blocks and copolyamides, with specific molar ratios, into epoxy resin compositions to enhance toughness and ductility while preserving high glass transition temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If toughening agents and elastomers are added to epoxy resin compositions to improve ductility and elongation, then the ductility and elongation properties are improved, but the glass transition temperature is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveductility and elongationVSAvoidglass transition temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite additive system comprising both copolyamide and block copolymer (polyamide-polyether) components. This composite approach allows the copolyamide to provide toughness and elongation while the block copolymer with polyether blocks maintains glass transition temperature through its rigid polyamide segments, thus resolving the contradiction between improving ductility and preserving high Tg

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent carefully controls the molar ratio parameters of the block copolymer (polyamide blocks to polyether blocks) and the composition ratios of copolyamide to block copolymer (2:1 to 1:6). By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves improved ductility and elongation while maintaining glass transition temperature above 80°C, resolving the contradiction through precise parameter control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If modifiers are added to epoxy resin compositions to improve ductility, then the ductility is improved, but the functional properties such as foam, adhesive, film, and coating properties may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveductilityVSAvoidfunctional properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise composition ratios (copolyamide to block copolymer molar ratio of 2:1 to 1:6, weight ratios of 17-70 parts block copolymer to 30-83 parts copolyamide) that optimize ductility improvement while preserving functional properties. The controlled parameters ensure that the additive system enhances mechanical properties without compromising foamability, adhesion, or coating characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The block copolymer component contains localized rigid polyamide blocks within a polyether matrix, creating local regions of high strength and thermal stability. This local quality differentiation allows the material to maintain functional properties (adhesion, foam structure) while improving overall ductility through the distributed toughening effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230089519A1Epoxy composition containing copolyamide and block copolymer with polyamide and polyether blocks

Publication Date: 2023.03.23 ZEPHYROS INC

AI summary

A composition that toughens and impact modifies epoxy resin based compositions comprising one or more co-polyamides and one or more block copolymers with polyamide and polyether blocks. The disclosure also relates to epoxy resin compositions containing the composition comprising one or more co-polyamides and one or more block copolymers with polyamide and polyether blocks and films, adhesives, foamable compositions and foamed compositions containing such a composition.