Ether Amine Neutralizer for Waterborne Coating Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water-based industrial coating compositions face challenges in achieving efficient neutralization, dispersion stability, and reduced curing temperatures and times due to the limitations of existing acid functional group neutralizers like dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) and triethylamine (TEA).
Innovation Solution
The use of ether amine compounds, specifically those of formula I, which neutralize acid functional groups in polymeric binder resins, allowing for improved dispersion and curing properties in coatings, inks, and adhesives, including enhanced corrosion resistance, scrub resistance, and reduced curing temperatures and times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional neutralizers like DMEA or TEA are used, then neutralization of acid functional groups is achieved, but curing temperatures and times remain high and dispersion stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the neutralizer by introducing ether functional groups (R-O-R') into the amine structure. This structural modification alters the neutralization mechanism, enabling effective curing at lower temperatures (reduced by 10-50°C compared to traditional neutralizers) and shorter times while maintaining complete neutralization of acid functional groups in the polymeric binder resin.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite neutralizer structure combining amine functionality (for neutralization) with ether functionality (for enhanced reactivity and lower curing temperature). This composite molecular structure integrates the benefits of both functional groups, achieving superior curing performance compared to conventional single-function neutralizers like DMEA or TEA.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional neutralizers are used, then neutralization occurs, but dispersion stability and emulsion stability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ether functional groups in the amine compound modify the steric and electronic parameters of the neutralizer molecule, enhancing its ability to stabilize polymer particles in dispersion. The ether oxygens provide additional coordination sites and hydrophilic character, improving emulsion stability and preventing particle aggregation throughout the service life of the coating composition.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional amine neutralizers are used, then neutralization is achieved, but removal from the composition requires extensive processing
Solution Approach 1:
The ether amine neutralizer is designed as a volatile, easily removable component that performs its neutralization function temporarily during processing and then can be completely removed through simple evaporation or drying. The ether functional groups contribute to higher volatility compared to traditional amines, allowing the neutralizer to be eliminated without complex post-processing steps, leaving no residual amine in the final coating.
4Strength
If traditional neutralizers are used, then coating composition functions, but performance properties like hardness, solvent resistance, and corrosion resistance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ether functional groups in the neutralizer modify the crosslinking density and network structure parameters of the cured coating. This results in enhanced mechanical properties including hardness and flexibility, while the improved dispersion stability ensures uniform distribution of protective components, thereby enhancing corrosion resistance and solvent resistance beyond what traditional neutralizers can achieve.
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 ether amine compounds provide improved neutralization, dispersion stability, and reduced curing requirements, leading to enhanced performance in coatings, inks, and adhesives, such as increased hardness, solvent resistance, and stability compared to traditional neutralizers.
Implementation Method 1
These polymers contain acid functional groups that require at least partial neutralization in order for the polymers to be solubilized or dispersed and subsequently function as binders
Implementation Method 2
Drying refers to simple evaporation of the solvent or thinner to leave a coherent film behind
Implementation Method 3
Coalescence refers to actual interpenetration (e.g., tangling) and fusion of formerly discrete particles
Implementation Method 4
In some embodiments, the composition may further include a crosslinking agent, which reacts with the binder to form a final crosslinked binder
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates generally to aqueous dispersion or emulsion compositions that include a polymeric binder resin and an ether amine. Specifically, the polymeric binder resin includes acid functional groups, at least a portion of which are neutralized by the ether amine such that the polymeric binder resin is dissolved or dispersed in the water, provided that the polymeric binder resin is not a polyurethane and the ether amine is a compound of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are independently C1-C4 alkyl or C3-C4 cycloalkyl group; or R1 and R2, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a C4-C5 membered heterocycloalkyl ring; A is a C1-C6 alkylene or C1-C6 cycloalkylene ring; and R3 is C1-C4 alkyl or C3-C4 cycloalkyl group; provided that the compound of formula I contains no more than 10 carbons.