Multicomponent Adhesive for Building Construction Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive systems for building and construction face challenges in handling diverse substrate materials, particularly with critical substrates like wood and thermal insulation boards, and struggle with thermal expansion and contraction, requiring high-performance adhesives that maintain reliability and elasticity to prevent delamination.

Innovation Solution

A two-component adhesive system comprising a dispersion with a dispersed polymer, an alkaline hydraulically hardening material, and a low molecular weight organic linker molecule with carboxyl and amino substituents, allowing for self-drying and forming ettringite, which provides excellent mechanical properties and elasticity to accommodate thermal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional adhesive systems are used for critical substrates like wood and thermal insulation boards, then the adhesive can be applied easily, but the bonding reliability deteriorates due to thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidbonding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive composition changes its physical-chemical parameters during curing: initially remaining flexible to accommodate thermal expansion differences, then progressively cross-linking to develop high bonding strength. The water-based dispersion allows the adhesive to remain workable during application while the curing process transforms it into a rigid, reliable bond.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive is a composite system combining organic polymer components (for flexibility and adhesion to diverse substrates) with inorganic mineral components (for structural strength and dimensional stability). This composite structure allows the adhesive to simultaneously provide flexibility for thermal movement and strength for reliable bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rigid adhesive systems are used to ensure strong bonding, then bonding strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidthermal adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive transitions from a dynamic, flexible state during application to a more rigid state during curing. The water-based dispersion allows initial flexibility for substrate movement, while the curing process progressively increases rigidity. This dynamic transformation allows the adhesive to adapt to thermal changes during service while maintaining strong bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive formulation includes flexible polymer components and plasticizers that provide beforehand cushioning against thermal stresses. These components are built into the adhesive matrix in advance, allowing it to absorb and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction forces before they can cause delamination or bonding failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If prefabricated glass panes coated with acrylate mortar dispersion are used, then assembly is simplified, but the requirement for additional sealant and joints increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary bonding agent, provides joint filling, and eliminates the need for separate sealant applications. This multi-functional adhesive reduces the number of different materials and steps required in the assembly process, simplifying the overall system while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of adhesion, sealing, and joint filling into a single adhesive system. By combining these functions, the need for separate sealant applications and additional joints is eliminated, reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Loss of time

If under-hydrated mortar is used for pre-fabricated glass panes, then initial setting is faster, but complete hydration and final bonding strength are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting timeVSAvoidfinal bonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive curing process continues progressively over time with continuous cross-linking and strength development. Unlike under-hydrated mortar that stops setting prematurely, this adhesive maintains continuous useful action through complete curing, ensuring that final bonding strength is achieved without compromising the initial working time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive undergoes controlled parameter changes during curing, with water content and cross-linking density evolving progressively. This allows the adhesive to transition from a workable state to a fully cured, high-strength state without the premature stopping that occurs in under-hydrated mortar systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adhesive system ensures reliable bonding of large and heavy covering elements to substrates with different thermal expansion coefficients, offering self-drying capabilities and improved flexibility, suitable for various building applications including ETICS systems, while eliminating the need for joints and enhancing water resistance.

Implementation Method 1

an alkaline hydraulically hardening material... allowing for self-drying and forming ettringite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydration: Hydrates

Implementation Method 2

forming ettringite... provides excellent mechanical properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

dispersion containing a dispersed polymer... reliable bonding of large and heavy covering elements to substrates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

dispersion containing a dispersed polymer... excellent mechanical properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Implementation Method 5

substrates with different thermal expansion coefficients... accommodate thermal changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 6

improved flexibility... accommodate thermal changes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 7

low molecular weight organic linker molecule carrying two or more substituents independently selected from carboxyl (COOH) and amino (NH2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3233752B1Multicomponent adhesive system and its use as adhesive in building and construction
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 SAINT-GOBAIN WEBER SA

AI summary

An aqueous multicomponent adhesive system appropriate in the building and construction field of use, said system comprising a dispersion containing an aqueous polymer dispersion in a first component and, in a further (e.g. second) component, an alkaline hydraulically hardening material, at least one low molecular weight organic linker compound carrying two or more substituents independently selected from carboxyl and amino, and a pulverous rubber material; its use, products obtained therewith and the like. These adhesives are e.g. useful in the field of thermal insulation composite systems to glue decorative and/or protective covering elements.