Fast Curing Epoxy Systems via Cyclic Amine and Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epoxy resin compositions cure too slowly and require high temperatures, which limits their reactivity and productivity, and often contain toxic and allergenic phenol additives.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising at least one epoxy resin, a cyclic amine with two secondary amino groups within an organic ring system, and an alkyl alcohol, with a contribution of at least 1.3 mol/l OH groups, minimizing phenol content to reduce toxicity and allergenicity, and optimizing for rapid curing at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional epoxy resin compositions are used, then the coating provides good chemical and solvent resistance, but the curing process is too slow and requires high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the curing system by introducing a specific catalyst system (organometallic catalyst combined with co-catalyst) and using a novel amine hardener with specific structural features. This parameter change enables the curing reaction to proceed at significantly lower temperatures and faster rates compared to conventional systems, directly resolving the contradiction between curing speed and temperature requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite curing system combining multiple components: an organometallic catalyst, a co-catalyst, and a specifically structured amine hardener. This composite approach creates synergistic effects that accelerate curing at low temperatures while maintaining the desired chemical resistance properties of the epoxy coating
2Speed
If phenol-containing additives are used to increase reactivity, then the curing speed improves, but the composition becomes toxic and allergenic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a catalyst system as an intermediary that mediates the curing reaction between the epoxy resin and amine hardener. This catalyst system achieves the desired reactivity acceleration without requiring toxic phenol additives, as the catalyst provides the necessary reaction promotion through alternative chemical mechanisms, thereby eliminating the harmful effects while maintaining curing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses small, controlled amounts of catalyst and co-catalyst that are consumed or deactivated during the curing process. These catalytic components replace the need for persistent phenolic additives, providing temporary reactivity enhancement during curing without leaving harmful residues in the final coating
3Productivity
If high temperatures are used to accelerate curing, then the reaction rate increases, but productivity and ability to work in cold regions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the temperature parameter requirements by developing a curing system that operates optimally at low temperatures. The specific combination of organometallic catalyst, co-catalyst, and amine hardener creates a reaction pathway that is highly active at temperatures below room temperature, enabling productivity improvement in cold environments where conventional systems would fail
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 significantly faster curing and lower glass transition temperatures compared to previous formulations, while being free from toxic and allergenic additives, enabling quicker surface hardening and processing even at temperatures below room temperature.
Implementation Method 1
The composition according to the invention comprises at least one epoxy resin, at least one amine hardener, and a catalyst system, which consists of at least one organometallic catalyst and at least one co-catalyst
Implementation Method 2
Both the exothermic peak and the onset of this exothermic peak are lower
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one epoxy resin, at least one amine with at least two secondary amino groups, both of which are part of an organic ring system, and at least one alkyl alcohol optionally substituted with at least one aromatic residue and/or with at least one alkenyl residue, processes for their preparation and their use.