Two-Component Epoxy Resin System with Homopolymerization Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of acid anhydrides in epoxy resin systems poses airway sensitization risks and may be banned due to classification as Substances of Very High Concern, necessitating a replacement that maintains good handling and storage stability while avoiding SVHC components.
Innovation Solution
A two-component heat-curing epoxy resin system where the second component contains a homopolymerization catalyst and a reactive diluent, allowing for improved storage stability and adaptable reactivity without using acid anhydrides, with the catalyst and diluent stored separately and mixed just before processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acid anhydride hardeners are used in epoxy resin systems, then good impregnation properties and curing performance are achieved, but respiratory sensitization risks increase and the system may be banned under SVHC regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful acid anhydride hardener is extracted and removed from the epoxy resin system. Instead, a homopolymerization catalyst is used that does not cause respiratory sensitization, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the curing function through a different chemical mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical mechanism of curing is changed from acid anhydride-based crosslinking to homopolymerization catalyzed by a safe catalyst. This parameter change in the curing chemistry maintains impregnation properties and curing performance without the harmful respiratory sensitization effects of acid anhydrides
2Stability of the object's composition
If a homopolymerization catalyst is provided separately from the epoxy resin, then storage stability is improved, but the system complexity increases due to two-component separation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two separate components: the epoxy resin containing the homopolymerization catalyst and the reactive diluent. This segmentation prevents premature reaction, ensuring storage stability while the separate components can be easily combined during application
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive diluent acts as an intermediary that controls the reaction timing. It is mixed with the catalyst-containing epoxy resin only shortly before processing, serving as a mediator that enables the polymerization reaction to occur at the appropriate time while maintaining stability during storage
3Strength
If the catalyst and reactive diluent are mixed shortly before processing, then reactivity and mechanical properties are maintained, but the processing time window is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The epoxy resin is prepared in advance with the homopolymerization catalyst already incorporated, allowing it to be stored stably. The reactive diluent is also prepared separately. Both components are ready for immediate mixing shortly before processing, enabling preliminary preparation without compromising the final reactivity or mechanical properties
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
This approach enhances storage stability, allows for flexible mixing ratios, and ensures the polymerization reaction only occurs shortly before use, maintaining the system's reactivity and mechanical properties, while avoiding the risks associated with acid anhydrides.
Implementation Method 1
epoxy resins undergo homopolymerization in the presence of certain catalysts
Implementation Method 2
The compound acts as a homopolymerization catalyst for epoxy groups
Implementation Method 3
a reactive diluent, in particular a glycidyl ether
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hot cured two-component epoxy resin system which comprises the following components: a first component with an epoxy resin; a second component which is separate from the first component. The invention is characterised in that the second component comprises a homopolymerisation catalyst and a reactive diluent.