Epoxy Curative Compositions Underwater Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epoxy resins face challenges when used underwater, including decreased adhesion to wet surfaces, increased curing time, and potential biological toxicity due to leaching.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a liquid diamino silicone resin, a multi-functional amine, an epoxy resin, and fumed silica, which can be applied to surfaces, including underwater, to enhance adhesion and reduce leaching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If epoxy resin is used underwater, then adhesion to wet surfaces is improved, but binding strength decreases and curing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite curing agent system comprising silane-modified polyepoxide and silane crosslinked polyamine. This composite material combines the advantages of both components: the silane-modified polyepoxide provides water resistance and adhesion to wet surfaces, while the silane crosslinked polyamine ensures strong binding and controlled curing even in underwater conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to wet environments and binding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the curing agent by using silane-modified polyepoxide with specific molecular weight (100-500 g/mol) and silane crosslinked polyamine with controlled amino group content (1-10 mmol/g). These parameter changes enable the curing system to maintain optimal curing characteristics underwater, preventing excessive curing time while ensuring adequate binding strength in wet conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If epoxy resin is used underwater, then adhesion to wet surfaces is improved, but curing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The composite curing agent system balances curing speed and water resistance. The silane crosslinked polyamine component provides rapid curing capability, while the silane-modified polyepoxide ensures water resistance. This combination allows the system to cure efficiently underwater without excessive curing time, resolving the contradiction between adaptability to wet environments and curing duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The silane modification acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables the curing agent to function effectively in underwater conditions. The silane groups facilitate controlled reaction with water and provide a bridge between the epoxy resin and the curing agent, allowing efficient curing while maintaining water resistance, thus reducing curing time without sacrificing adhesion performance.
3Strength
If conventional epoxy resin is used, then adhesion strength is achieved, but biological toxicity increases due to leaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite curing agent system where silane crosslinked polyamine reacts with silane-modified polyepoxide to form a highly crosslinked polymer network. This composite material structure reduces leaching of toxic components by creating a more dense and stable polymer matrix, thereby maintaining adhesion strength while minimizing biological toxicity through reduced leaching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of water exposure into a benefit by using silane-modified polyepoxide that reacts with water to form crosslinked structures. This reaction, which would normally be considered a degradation pathway, is instead harnessed to create a more stable, less leachable polymer network that maintains adhesion strength while reducing biological toxicity.
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 provides improved adhesive strength and resistance to washout, even when exposed to water for extended periods, while minimizing organic leaching and maintaining durability.
Implementation Method 1
The components of the resins are mixed before application to a surface with one component containing an epoxide-functionalized resin and another component containing a nucleophile for hardening and polymerization. The nucleophile in the hardening component is generally an amine compound that reacts with the epoxy functionality to create a durable polyamide polymer.
Implementation Method 2
A composition comprising a liquid diamino silicone resin, a multi-functional amine, an epoxy resin, and fumed silica, which can be applied to surfaces, including underwater, to enhance adhesion and reduce leaching.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides bonding and/or coating compositions including various components. Also provided are methods of using the compositions for bonding and/or coating surfaces. Certain components of the bonding and/or coating compositions include, but are not limited to, a liquid diamino silicone resin, a multi-functional amine, an epoxy resin, and fumed silica. The bonding and/or coating compositions, or the components thereof, may be applied to a dry surface or a wet surface, such as a surface submerged under water.