Polyurethane Insulated Glass Sealant Adhesion

Solution Overview

Problem

Polyurethane-based sealants used in insulated glass units face challenges with optimal glass adhesion characteristics, especially under extreme environmental conditions, and lack sufficient mechanical strength compared to thermoplastic polyisobutylene primary sealants.

Innovation Solution

A two-component polyurethane system is developed, comprising a first component with a hydrophobic polyol and a second component with a polyisocyanate, along with an adhesion promoter, which includes the reaction product of secondary aminoalkoxy silane and isocyanate, to enhance glass adhesion while maintaining mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If polyurethane is used as secondary sealant to provide mechanical strength, then mechanical properties are improved, but glass adhesion characteristics deteriorate under extreme environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polyurethane system combining hydrophobic polyol (for mechanical strength and water resistance) with hydrophilic polyol (for glass adhesion). This composite approach allows the sealant to simultaneously achieve both mechanical durability and reliable glass bonding under extreme environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different polyol types in specific proportions (hydrophobic polyol 20-80 parts, hydrophilic polyol 20-80 parts) to create localized functional zones within the sealant matrix. The hydrophilic portions provide adhesion to glass surfaces while hydrophobic portions provide mechanical strength and water resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If thermoplastic polyisobutylene is used as primary sealant to provide barrier function, then barrier against inert gas escape and moisture ingress is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines thermoplastic polyisobutylene (primary sealant with barrier function) with polyurethane-based sealant (secondary sealant with mechanical strength) in a multi-layer sealing system. This merging allows each sealant to perform its specialized function while the combination provides both superior barrier properties and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The polyurethane-based secondary sealant is designed to serve multiple functions: providing mechanical strength to the IG unit, preventing rupture of the primary sealant during thermal cycles, and offering secondary barrier protection. This multi-functionality compensates for the primary sealant's mechanical weakness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If polyurethane based sealant is used to provide mechanical strength, then resistance to thermal cycles is improved, but adhesion under extreme environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the polyurethane sealant by incorporating specific ratios of hydrophobic and hydrophilic polyols, along with fillers and adhesion promoters. This parameter optimization allows the sealant to maintain both thermal cycle resistance and adhesion under extreme environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adhesion promoters and coupling agents as intermediary substances that enhance the bonding between the polyurethane sealant and glass surfaces. These intermediaries improve adhesion characteristics without compromising the sealant's thermal cycle resistance or mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides improved glass adhesion and mechanical strength, leading to enhanced performance and longer service life of insulated glass units with better resistance to thermal cycles, moisture, and environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

the reaction product of at least one secondary aminoalkoxy silane and at least one isocyanate, the reaction product having an average of at least one silane group and at least one isocyanate group per molecule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

at least one hydrophobic polyol having an average functionality from about 2 to about 6

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS9032692B2Polyurethane based insulated glass sealant

Publication Date: 2015.05.19

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention include insulated units and methods of producing the insulating units. The insulating units include a first surface, a structural seal disposed on at least portions of the first surface, and a second surface disposed on the structural seal. The structural seal includes the reaction product of at least one first isocyanate, at least one isocyanate reactive side, and at least one adhesion promoter including a reaction product of at least one secondary aminoalkoxy silane and at least one second isocyanate.