Curable Polymer Concrete Mixture Silane Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer concrete mixtures lack desirable processing properties and mechanical strength, particularly in terms of flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, and impact resistance, due to inadequate adhesion between the polymer matrix and aggregates, and also suffer from poor slump and curing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating oligomeric addition products of amino silane or thiosilane with hydrolysable silane groups and ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, or isocyanate silane or epoxy silane with hydrolysable silane groups and terminal hydroxy or amino groups, along with high concentrations of inorganic fillers and a radical polymerization system, to enhance adhesion and mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional polymer concrete mixtures are used, then the material can be produced with standard processing methods, but the mechanical properties (flexural strength, tensile strength, compressive strength, impact resistance) are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces silane coupling agents as intermediary substances that chemically bond to both the inorganic aggregate surfaces and the organic polymer matrix. The silane molecules form covalent bonds with hydroxyl groups on aggregate surfaces while their organic functional groups integrate with the polymer system, creating a molecular bridge that significantly enhances interfacial adhesion and transfers stress effectively between phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining inorganic aggregates (fillers) with an organic polymer matrix, where the interface between these dissimilar materials is strengthened through silane coupling. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of both phases while the coupling agent ensures effective stress transfer and prevents premature failure at the interface.
2Ease of operation
If the polymer mixture has low viscosity for good processing and slump, then the mixture spreads rapidly and is easy to process, but the curing efficiency and mechanical strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the polymer system by incorporating specific silane-modified oligomers and monomers that maintain low viscosity while providing sufficient reactive groups for curing. The silane functional groups (epoxy, amino, or isocyanate) react with the polymer matrix during curing, ensuring that the low-viscosity formulation does not compromise the curing efficiency or final mechanical properties.
3Strength
If high filling degrees (up to 95% by weight) are achieved with inorganic aggregates, then the mechanical properties and E modulus are improved, but the processing difficulty and viscosity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the binder system by using silane-modified polymers and oligomers that provide adequate lubrication and flow characteristics even at high filler loadings. The modified binder maintains appropriate viscosity and processability while supporting the high aggregate content necessary for achieving superior mechanical properties and stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The silane coupling agents act as intermediary substances at the aggregate-binder interface, reducing interfacial friction and improving stress distribution. This allows the mixture to maintain better flow characteristics and processability despite the high volume of rigid inorganic aggregates, as the coupling agents facilitate smoother interaction between the filler particles and the polymer matrix.
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 proposed solution significantly improves the mechanical properties and processing characteristics of polymer concrete, such as flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact resistance, while allowing for rapid curing and increased slump, leading to higher quality polymer concrete products.
Implementation Method 1
amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group
Implementation Method 2
at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group
Implementation Method 3
a system which can be cured by radical polymerisation and comprises at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator
Data Source
AI summary
A curable polymer mixture comprising 1.) at least one at least oligomeric addition product a) of at least one amino silane and/or thiosilane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one compound having at least two terminal, ethylenically unsaturated double bonds, and/or at least one at least oligomeric addition product b) of at least one isocyanate silane and/or epoxy silane having at least one hydrolysable silane group to at least one oligomeric compound having at least three recurring units and at least one terminal hydroxyl group or terminal amino group and at least one terminal ethylenically unsaturated double bond as coupling additive, 2.) a system which can be cured by radical polymerization, comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated polymer and/or a (meth)acrylic resin, at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, at least one radical initiator and optionally at least one cross-linking agent as binder 3.), at least 20% by weight, preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 60% by weight, based on the total weight of the components 1.) to 4.) of the polymer mixture, of inorganic, preferably multiparticulate, fillers as aggregates, and 4.) optionally conventional auxiliaries.