Reactive Silane Adhesion Promoter for One-Step Surface Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying sealants to aircraft components, such as fuel tanks, are time-consuming due to lengthy curing processes and require multiple steps including solvent cleaning and adhesion promoter application, which slow down production and maintenance efficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Adhesion promoter compositions comprising reactive silanes and organometallics in organic solvents, which can clean and prepare surfaces simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional solvent cleaning and reducing curing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional solvent cleaning and adhesion promoter application steps are used, then surface preparation is achieved, but the process time and number of steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the solvent cleaning function and adhesion promoter application into a single integrated composition. The adhesion promoter composition includes both cleaning agents and adhesion-promoting chemicals in one formulation, allowing simultaneous cleaning and surface preparation in a single application step, thereby eliminating the need for separate cleaning and priming operations
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion promoter composition is designed to perform multiple functions: it cleans the substrate surface, prepares the surface for bonding, and promotes adhesion of the sealant. This multi-functional composition replaces what were previously separate specialized materials (cleaner, primer, adhesion promoter), reducing the overall process complexity and time
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate materials (solvent, adhesion promoter) are used, then surface preparation is effective, but the number of application steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate materials (solvent cleaner, adhesion promoter, and surface preparer) into a single integrated adhesion promoter composition. This composition contains the necessary cleaning agents, adhesion-promoting chemicals, and surface preparation components all in one formulation, allowing technicians to apply everything in a single step rather than sequentially applying multiple separate materials
3Strength
If lengthy curing process is used, then sealant bonding is strong, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the adhesion promotion system by using a composition that contains reactive silanes and organometallic compounds that facilitate faster bonding. The composition includes specific ratios of reactive components that accelerate the curing process while maintaining bond strength, allowing the sealant to reach full strength in a shorter time frame
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesion promoter composition is a composite material containing multiple active components: reactive silanes, organometallic compounds, and other adhesion-promoting agents. This composite formulation creates a synergistic effect that accelerates the curing process and enhances bonding strength more rapidly than conventional single-component adhesion promoters
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 adhesion promoter compositions enhance surface adhesion and reduce the time required for sealant application, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing the need for mechanical surface preparation.
Implementation Method 1
Adhesion promoter compositions comprising reactive silanes and organometallics in organic solvents
Implementation Method 2
one or more reactive silanes, including a mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane and a glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane
Implementation Method 3
one or more organic solvents, optionally, one or more gelling agents, and optionally, one or more functional additives
Implementation Method 4
one or more gelling agents. The adhesion promoter composition has a viscosity of 0.001 to about 2000 pas at a shear rate of about 0.1 to about 100 sec-1
Data Source
AI summary
An adhesion promoter composition is disclosed. The adhesion promoter composition also includes one or more reactive silanes which includes a mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, a glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, or combinations thereof. The adhesion promoter composition also includes one or more reactive organometallics. The composition may include one or more organic solvents, an optional one or more gelling agents, and an optional one or more functional additives. A method for applying the adhesion promoter composition is disclosed, including contacting the one or more organic solvents, the one or more reactive silanes, the one or more reactive organometallics, the optional one or more gelling agents, and the one or more functional additives with one another to prepare the adhesion promoter composition, homogenizing the adhesion promoter composition, applying the adhesion promoter composition to a substrate, evaporating the organic solvents from the adhesion promoter composition, and applying a resin or paint layer over the adhesion promoter composition.