Gel Adhesive Remover for Aircraft Composite Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing adhesive residues from large areas, such as aircraft composite surfaces, are inefficient, expensive, and often use environmentally hazardous materials, posing risks of contamination, mechanical damage, and chemical degradation.
Innovation Solution
A novel adhesive remover composition using non-halogenated organic solvents with specific Hansen Solubility Parameters, combined with a non-abrasive thickening agent and a vapor-pressure modulating agent, applied to soften and remove adhesive residues with minimal substrate damage and compatibility for water-based washes, suitable for horizontal, vertical, and overhead surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid adhesive removers are used for large surface areas, then the adhesive residue can be removed, but the liquid will drip and contaminate the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the adhesive remover from liquid to gel form. This parameter change allows the composition to maintain its position on vertical and overhead surfaces without dripping, while still effectively removing adhesive residue from large surface areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel composition forms a flexible film or coating on the surface being treated. This gel layer adheres to the substrate, preventing runoff and contamination, while allowing the active solvents to penetrate and dissolve the adhesive residue underneath.
2Productivity
If large volumes of free-flowing organic solvents are used, then adhesive residue can be removed, but the risk of fire and environmental contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state from free-flowing liquid to gel, which reduces the volatility and fire risk while maintaining the solvent's adhesive dissolving capability. The gel matrix controls the release and evaporation rate of the organic solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite gel system combining organic solvents with gel-forming polymers or colloidal particles. This composite structure provides both the adhesive dissolving power of organic solvents and the safety benefits of reduced volatility and controlled flow.
3Productivity
If conventional cleaning materials are used on composite materials, then adhesive residue can be removed, but mechanical damage or chemical degradation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The gel composition is formulated with locally optimized properties: non-abrasive particles for gentle mechanical action on sensitive composite surfaces, while concentrated solvents are localized to penetrate and dissolve the adhesive residue without affecting the underlying substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the chemical parameters of the cleaning composition by selecting solvents with specific Hansen solubility parameters that match the adhesive residue while being incompatible with damage to composite materials. The gel structure also modifies the mechanical parameters to reduce abrasiveness.
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 solution reduces solvent usage, minimizes mechanical and chemical damage, and allows for effective removal of adhesive residues from large composite aircraft surfaces, ensuring safety and environmental compatibility, with the option for a water-based wash and compatibility with common waste treatment methods.
Implementation Method 1
The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent
Implementation Method 2
The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent
Implementation Method 3
The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a process using environmentally friendly materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent. The total Hansen Solubility Parameter (δt) at 25° C. for each of the non-halogenated organic solvents is from about 14 MPa1/2 to about 24 MPa1/2. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.