Epoxy Resin Curing With Alcohol-Copper Chemistry for Sensitive Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing epoxy-amine-based resin systems pose handling challenges due to caustic amines, requiring protective equipment and are not suitable for sensitive substrates, and rely on non-renewable resources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-component resin system using a curable epoxy resin with a curing agent comprising primary alcohols and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate, which allows curing at ambient temperatures without the need for heat, replacing amines with renewable compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If amine curing agents are used in epoxy resin systems, then effective curing and adhesion are achieved, but caustic effects require protective equipment and damage sensitive substrates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the curing agent from amine-based to alcohol-based, fundamentally altering the reaction mechanism. This parameter change eliminates the caustic effect while maintaining curing effectiveness, as the alcohol-copper catalyst system provides a gentler chemical environment that does not attack sensitive substrates like wood or plastics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of amine curing with an alternative chemical mechanism using alcohol and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate catalyst. This substitution maintains the essential function of crosslinking and curing while eliminating the harmful caustic properties associated with amine reactions.
2Reliability
If amine curing agents are used in epoxy resin systems, then effective curing is achieved, but protective equipment is required for user safety
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the curing agent from amine to alcohol, the patent fundamentally alters the safety profile of the system. The alcohol-based system with copper catalyst eliminates the caustic properties that necessitate protective equipment, making the resin system safer to handle while maintaining effective curing performance.
3Strength
If conventional epoxy resin systems are used, then effective adhesion and strength are achieved, but non-renewable resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional amine curing mechanism with an alcohol-based curing system catalyzed by copper (II) tetrafluoroborate. This parameter change enables the use of renewable alcohol resources (such as bio-based alcohols) while maintaining the crosslinking density and mechanical strength properties required for effective adhesive performance.
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 system effectively cures at room temperature, providing a more environmentally friendly and safer adhesive or coating solution for sensitive substrates, utilizing renewable resources and eliminating the need for protective equipment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one curing agent component (B) comprising a curing agent for the epoxy resin contained in the resin component (A), wherein the curing agent is at least a primary alcohol having an average OH functionality of approximately 2 or higher; further comprising copper (II) tetrafluoroborate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multi-component resin system comprising (i) at least one resin component (A) comprising at least one curable epoxy resin and (ii) at least one curing agent component (B) comprising at least one primary alcohol and copper (II) tetrafluoroborate. The present invention further relates to the use of such a multi-component resin system for the chemical fastening of construction elements in holes (for example boreholes) or gaps, and the use as an adhesive or as a coating.