Low Density Epoxy Coating for Aircraft and Wind Turbines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current coating compositions for exterior surfaces of transportation vehicles and wind energy devices, such as aircraft and wind turbines, face challenges with rough surfaces, high water uptake leading to increased weight, and aerodynamic inefficiencies, particularly when exposed to moisture.
Innovation Solution
A curable epoxy resin-based composition comprising aromatic epoxy resin, cycloaliphatic amine curing agents, fatty acid polyamides with specific melting points, and hollow filler particles, which reduces water uptake and provides a smooth, low-density, and aerodynamically favorable coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polysulfide-based compositions are used to coat exterior surfaces, then the coating provides protection and durability, but the composition has high density and high water uptake leading to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using aromatic epoxy resins with specific molecular structures and combining them with cycloaliphatic amine curing agents and fatty acid polyamides. This parameter change results in a coating composition with inherently lower density and water uptake while maintaining protective and durable properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system by combining epoxy resin base components with specific curing agents and polyamide modifiers. This composite approach achieves synergistic effects where the combination provides both low weight characteristics and high reliability for exterior applications
2Weight of moving object
If fiber reinforced polymeric resins are used as composite materials, then the structure achieves low weight and strength, but the surface becomes rough and uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a coating composition as a preliminary action over the fiber reinforced polymeric resin surface. This coating is specifically formulated to flow and level out surface irregularities, creating a smooth finish that prepares the surface for subsequent painting or finishing operations while preserving the underlying lightweight structure
3Quantity of substance
If conventional coating compositions are applied to exterior surfaces, then the coating provides coverage, but the rough surface and cutting edges negatively impact aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the rheological and surface tension parameters of the coating composition to enable it to flow into and smooth over rough surfaces and cutting edges. The specific composition parameters allow the coating to self-level and create an aerodynamically favorable surface profile while maintaining adequate coverage
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 a low water uptake, maintaining low weight under wet conditions, offering a smooth surface for painting, and exhibits high compressive strength over a wide temperature range, suitable for exterior applications without adding polymeric tougheners.
Implementation Method 1
at least one curing agent for curing the aromatic epoxy resin said curing agent comprising at least one cycloaliphatic amine
Implementation Method 2
at least one fatty acid polyamide having a melting point of from 100°C to 145°C
Data Source
AI summary
A curable composition comprising (i) at least one aromatic epoxy resin; (ii) at least one curing agent for curing the aromatic epoxy resin said curing agent comprising at least one cycloaliphatic amine; (iii) at least one fatty acid polyamide having a melting point of from 100°C to 145°C, wherein the fatty acid polyamide contains at least two end-groups according to the formula (I) -NRa-CO-Rb wherein Ra represents H or an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and Rb represents a saturated or unsaturated alkyl chain containing from 3 to 27 carbon atoms; and (iv) at least one filler material comprising hollow particles. Also provided are cured compositions comprising the reaction product of a curing reaction of the curable compositions, coating comprising the curable compositions and methods of coating the exterior surface of articles using the curable compositions.