Rapid-Curing Epoxy Composition for Composite Hydrogen Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current manufacturing processes for composite material-based hydrogen storage vessels are limited by long curing times, which hinder mass production, particularly for Type II, III, and V pressure vessels, and require adaptation to different liner materials and temperature control for optimal polymerization.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 70 to 95 parts by mass of an epoxy resin with a viscosity of less than 20 Pa·s and 5 to 30 parts by mass of an ionic liquid hardener, specifically containing a phosphonium cation or phosphinate anion, allows rapid polymerization at temperatures up to 170°C or less, reducing curing time to under 12 hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional epoxy matrices are used for composite material vessels, then the vessels meet pressure resistance requirements, but the curing time is too long (12-16 hours) for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the epoxy matrix by incorporating specific additives and catalysts that accelerate the polymerization reaction. This changes the curing kinetics parameters, enabling the matrix to achieve full cure in 2-4 hours instead of 12-16 hours, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining pressure resistance and reducing curing time for mass production
2Productivity
If high temperature polymerization is used to reduce curing time, then production efficiency improves, but the temperature must be adapted to different liner materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic curing system where the polymerization temperature can be adjusted based on the liner material type. The composition includes temperature-adaptive catalysts that allow optimization of curing conditions for each specific liner material (polyethylene, polyamide, metal), enabling high-speed curing while maintaining compatibility across different vessel types (II, III, IV, V)
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical composition is designed with adjustable parameters including catalyst concentration and type, which can be modified to match the thermal characteristics of different liner materials. This allows the same base composition to be adapted for various curing temperatures without sacrificing curing speed or liner integrity
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 composition enables rapid polymerization of composite materials for hydrogen storage vessels, facilitating mass production and allowing flexibility in temperature and liner material selection, thus enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The polymerization step (also referred to as curing or baking) of the composite material matrix
Implementation Method 2
5 to 30 parts by mass of a hardener dispersed in the resin, and in that the hardener is an ionic liquid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a composition comprising 70 to 95 parts by mass of an epoxy resin with a viscosity of less than or equal to 20 Pa·s, for example between 1 and 20, or between 1 and 10, at a temperature of between 20° C. and 25° C., and 5 to 30 parts by mass of a hardener dispersed in the resin, per 100 parts by mass of resin present in the composition, wherein the hardener is an ionic liquid containing a phosphonium cation of formula P(R1R2R3R4)+ wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4, which may be identical or different, represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl radical having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, said alkyl and aryl radicals being optionally substituted, and an acetate anion of formula (R5CO2)− wherein R5 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl radical having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl radical having 6 to 20 carbon atoms, said alkyl and aryl radicals being optionally substituted, or a phosphinate anion of formula [[(CH3)3CCH2CH(CH3)CH2]2P(O)O]−. Further disclosed is the use of a composition for the manufacture of a hydrogen vessel, in particular a vessel operating under pressure, of types II, III, IV and V, comprising a composite material, for the on-board storage of gaseous hydrogen.