Grindable Silicone Elastomer Adhesive for Workpiece Sanding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily adhering sensitive workpieces like gemstones, optical lenses, and semiconductor wafers for sanding or polishing often cause damage due to mechanical fastening, and require adhesives that are sandable, temperature-stable, chemically stable, and easily removable without residue.
Innovation Solution
Crosslinkable silicone elastomer compositions with specific formulations that include nonreinforcing fillers, branched silicone resins, and a combination of aliphatic carbon-carbon multiple bonds and Si-bonded hydrogen atoms, allowing for temporary bonding while maintaining mechanical properties that enable sandability and polishability without damaging the workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mechanical fastening is used to secure workpieces for sanding, then the workpiece is firmly held, but the workpiece may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (clamps, vices, screws) with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The silicone elastomer composition forms a temporary adhesive bond between the workpiece and support substrate, eliminating mechanical contact points that could damage sensitive workpieces while providing sufficient holding strength for sanding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive's mechanical properties are dynamically adjusted through its service lifecycle: initially providing strong bonding to hold the workpiece, then becoming sandable and removable after curing. The composition changes from a viscous noncrosslinked state (easy to apply) to a crosslinked elastomeric state (sandable and removable), resolving the contradiction between strong fastening and easy removal.
2Strength
If traditional adhesives are used for temporary bonding, then the workpiece is securely attached, but the adhesive cannot be sanded without damaging the sanding apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive undergoes a fundamental parameter change in its physical state and chemical structure. The noncrosslinked silicone elastomer composition is applied in a soft, moldable state, then crosslinks to form a sandable elastomeric network. This crosslinked structure can be ground away with abrasives without damaging the sanding apparatus, yet maintains sufficient bonding strength during the sanding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive is formulated as a composite material combining silicone elastomer base polymers with specific crosslinking agents and fillers. This composite structure provides the unique property combination of adhesive strength, sandability, and removability - the crosslinked network gives structural integrity for bonding, while the elastomeric nature allows it to be ground away cleanly.
3Strength
If high bonding strength is achieved, then the workpiece is securely held, but the adhesive becomes difficult to remove without residue
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive's removal properties are enabled by parameter changes in its chemical structure and thermal behavior. The crosslinked silicone elastomer network can be heated to temperatures where it softens and becomes pliable, allowing complete removal from the workpiece without residue. The elastomeric nature of the cured adhesive allows it to be stretched and pulled away cleanly, unlike rigid adhesives that leave fragments.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the adhesive is made sandable, then the sanding apparatus remains clean, but the adhesive may lack sufficient mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is formulated as a composite material combining silicone elastomer base polymers with specific crosslinking agents and fillers. This composite structure provides the unique property combination of adhesive strength, sandability, and removability - the crosslinked network gives structural integrity for bonding, while the elastomeric nature allows it to be ground away cleanly.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive undergoes a fundamental parameter change in its physical state and chemical structure. The noncrosslinked silicone elastomer composition is applied in a soft, moldable state, then crosslinks to form a sandable elastomeric network. This crosslinked structure can be ground away with abrasives without damaging the sanding apparatus, yet maintains sufficient bonding strength during the sanding process.
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 silicone elastomer compositions provide a stable, removable, and residue-free bonding solution that withstands high temperatures, is chemically stable, and minimizes volatile by-products, ensuring the integrity of both the workpieces and the sanding/polishing apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinkable silicone elastomer compositions... comprising (E) 35-80% by weight of at least one compound selected from the group containing nonreinforcing fillers, branched silicone resins or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 2
a good temperature stability at up to more than 300° C. is necessary, in order to withstand the friction, and hence increase in temperature, caused by the sanding or polishing
Data Source
AI summary
Temporary adhesive compositions used to adhesively bond a substrate to be abraded or polished onto a substrate are themselves abradable or polishable, and contain a non-reinforcing filler or particulate silicone resin in a curable organopolysiloxane composition, and have defined physical characteristics in addition to being thermally stable.