Polymerizable Ionic Liquid Compositions for Air Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adhesive and coating technologies face limitations in achieving complete curing in air due to low air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratios, leading to incomplete polymerization and surface inhibition issues, especially with conventional (meth)acrylate monomers which are inhibited by oxygen.
Innovation Solution
The development of polymerizable ionic liquid compositions comprising an acid functional monomer or copolymer and an imidazole compound, which form acid-base interactions and undergo free radical polymerization, achieving a high air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratio of at least 0.70, allowing for complete curing in air and minimizing surface inhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional (meth)acrylate monomers are used for adhesive and coating applications, then the compositions are easy to process and provide good adhesion, but complete curing in air cannot be achieved due to oxygen inhibition and low air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating polymerizable ionic liquid compounds with specific structures (imidazolium cations paired with carboxylate, sulfonate, or phosphate anions) that have different curing characteristics than conventional monomers. These ionic liquids exhibit higher air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratios, fundamentally altering the curing behavior to enable complete air curing while minimizing oxygen inhibition effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite adhesive and coating compositions by combining polymerizable ionic liquid compounds with conventional monomers, polymers, and additives. This composite approach leverages the superior air-curing properties of the ionic liquids while maintaining the processability and adhesion characteristics of the conventional components, achieving both complete curing and ease of application.
2Reliability
If polymerizable ionic liquid compositions are used to achieve high air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratios, then complete curing in air is enabled, but the compositions require specific acid functional monomers and imidazole compounds that increase formulation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops polymerizable ionic liquid compounds that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both the polymerizing monomer and the ionic liquid component, provide both adhesion and curing functionality, and eliminate the need for separate curing agents. The imidazole-containing ionic liquids function as both the cationic polymerizing unit and the source of the curing exotherm, reducing the number of separate components needed in the formulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional monomers are used, then the adhesive formulations are simple and cost-effective, but shrinkage during curing is high leading to poor dimensional stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the polymerizing units by using ionic liquid compounds with specific cation-anion pairings and functional group configurations. These structural changes result in polymerization reactions that proceed with minimal volume contraction, thereby reducing shrinkage and improving dimensional stability during and after curing.
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 polymerizable ionic liquid compositions enable complete curing in air, reducing surface inhibition and uncured residues, while providing a durable and efficient adhesive and coating solution with enhanced properties such as high air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratios and low shrinkage.
Implementation Method 1
The composition is formed by acid-base interactions between the acid groups of the monomer and the imidazole compound
Implementation Method 2
by free radical polymerization of the ionic liquid monomer
Implementation Method 3
the composition can provide an air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratio of at least 0.70
Data Source
AI summary
The compositions comprise an acid functional monomer or acid-functional copolymer (or conjugate base thereof), and an imidazole compound (or conjugate acid thereof).