Epoxy Silane Co-Dispersion for Adhesion Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Water-based silane-containing epoxy primer formulations often exhibit poor storage stability, leading to reduced adhesion to smooth steel surfaces within weeks or months, limiting their effectiveness as adhesion promoters in protective coatings.

Innovation Solution

A process for creating a stable aqueous co-dispersion of epoxy resins with silane oligomers, using controlled hydrolysis and condensation of epoxy silane monomers with a strong cationic exchange resin catalyst, combined with specific emulsifiers and curing agents, to maintain adhesion to smooth steel surfaces for over 6 months.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If silane derivatives are formulated in water-based epoxy dispersed systems, then adhesion to metal surfaces is improved, but storage stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to metal surfaceVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a specific emulsifier as an intermediary substance to stabilize the silane-epoxy-water system. The emulsifier acts as a mediator that prevents silane aggregation and maintains uniform distribution in the aqueous medium, thereby preserving both adhesion properties and storage stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes critical parameters including silane concentration (0.1-10 wt%), emulsifier-to-silane ratio (1:1 to 10:1), pH value (7-12), and storage temperature (4-25°C) to achieve a stable formulation. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains adhesion effectiveness while preventing premature silane hydrolysis and aggregation during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If silane-containing pigment pastes are stored for extended periods, then adhesion to smooth steel is initially improved, but adhesion deteriorates after a few weeks or months

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to smooth steelVSAvoidstorage duration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary protective measures by formulating the silane-emulsifier-water system with controlled hydrolysis conditions before storage. The emulsifier creates a protective colloidal barrier that prevents premature silane aggregation and maintains molecular stability during storage, counteracting the natural tendency toward degradation and ensuring adhesion properties are maintained throughout the storage period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 process ensures the stability of silane adhesion promoters in waterborne epoxy primers, maintaining initial adhesion values to smooth steel surfaces for extended storage periods, enhancing the durability and performance of protective coatings.

Implementation Method 1

controlled hydrolysis and condensation of an epoxy silane monomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

controlled hydrolysis and condensation of an epoxy silane monomer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

with continuous water introduction and a strong cationic exchange resin as a catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 4

a stable epoxy silane emulsion comprising a water insoluble or slightly soluble epoxysilane, an emulsifier, water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentEP2900734B1Epoxy resins and silane aqueous co-dispersions and the uses thereof
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 HEXION RESEARCH BELGIUM SA

AI summary

The process to prepare a storage stable aqueous co-dispersion of epoxy resins and at least a silane oligomer is given. This aqueous co-dispersion of epoxy resins with a silane as part A, of a curable paint composition in which the part B comprises a hardener and optionally pigments and additives. This epoxy resins with the silane provide equal performance even after several months' storage.