Moisture-Curable Composite Reinforcement for Faster Structural Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite reinforcement systems for physical structures are not sufficiently quick, versatile, durable, and cost-effective for repairs and modifications, especially in maintaining compliance with changing regulations and addressing natural deterioration and damage.
Innovation Solution
A composite reinforcement system featuring a carrier saturated with an aliphatic isocyanate-functionalized prepolymer resin that hardens after removal from protective packaging, allowing for flexible application and transition from a flexible to a rigid state upon exposure to moisture, enhancing mechanical properties and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional composite reinforcement systems are used, then structural reinforcement is achieved, but the repair process is time-consuming and not cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-saturated with the resin blend and sealed in protective packaging before use, preparing the reinforcement system in advance so that it can be quickly applied to the structure without on-site mixing or preparation time
Solution Approach 2:
The resin blend automatically reacts and cures upon exposure to moisture in the environment after application, eliminating the need for external curing agents, heat treatment, or complex curing equipment, thereby accelerating the repair process
2Ease of operation
If the resin is kept reactive for quick application, then ease of operation is improved, but premature hardening may occur during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The resin blend is sealed in protective packaging that creates a barrier preventing moisture ingress, maintaining the resin in a stable, non-reactive state during storage while allowing immediate reaction upon application to the moist surface
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the reactive resin blend from the trigger mechanism (moisture) during storage, with the resin contained in sealed packaging that only exposes it to moisture when applied to the structure, preventing premature activation
3Strength
If a moisture-curing resin is used, then durability and mechanical properties are improved, but the curing process time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The resin formulation uses a blend of polyol and isocyanate in optimized ratios that accelerate the moisture-curing reaction kinetics, reducing the time required to achieve full cure while maintaining high mechanical properties and durability
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 system provides improved mechanical properties, increased durability, and cost-effectiveness in repairing and reinforcing physical structures, such as pipelines and load-bearing structures, while ensuring compliance with regulatory changes and addressing natural deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
The resin includes an aliphatic isocyanate-functionalized prepolymer chemically configured to activate and harden after removal of the reactive precursor from a protective packaging
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for reinforcing physical structures with composite reinforcement systems are disclosed herein. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a composite reinforcement system includes a carrier formed of a plurality of fibers and a blend of at least two reagents impregnated within the carrier. The at least two reagents are chemically configured to react to form a moisture-curable prepolymer. One reagent of the at least two reagents is an isocyanate, and another reagent of the at least two reagents is an aromatic-group-containing polyol.