Removable Aqueous Sealant Copolymer Weatherization

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for removable, aqueous-based building materials that can effectively seal gaps without damaging substrates, are free from residual materials, and dry clear and colorless, especially for weatherization applications, which face challenges due to varying environmental conditions and differing thermal coefficients of expansion between substrates.

Innovation Solution

Aqueous-based compositions comprising a copolymer of butyl acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate with specific properties such as a glass transition temperature of -35°C to -20°C and a weight-average molecular weight of at least 35,000 Daltons, which form a sealant or bead that can be easily removed after drying, with minimal residual impact and clear coloration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If aqueous-based compositions are used for weatherization, then environmental safety and flammability are improved, but application and performance properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflammability and environmental safetyVSAvoidapplication and performance properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific acrylic polymers with controlled molecular weights (10,000 to 1,000,000 Daltons) and glass transition temperatures (-50°C to 0°C), along with precise ratios of butyl acrylate (40-90 wt%), methyl methacrylate (5-30 wt%), and (meth)acrylic acid (1-20 wt%). These parameter changes enable the aqueous-based composition to achieve both safety improvements and reliable performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If removable sealants are used to fill gaps, then ease of removal is improved, but adhesion strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidadhesion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves the balance between removability and adhesion by controlling the polymer's glass transition temperature (-50°C to 0°C) and molecular weight, which creates a material that adheres strongly during service but becomes pliable and removable under specific conditions. The specific copolymer composition enables this dual behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Illumination intensity

If the sealant dries clear and colorless, then aesthetic appearance and safety are improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclarity and colorlessnessVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves clear and colorless drying properties by selecting specific polymer components and ratios that are inherently transparent when dried, eliminating the need for additional clarifying agents or pigments. The copolymer composition itself provides the desired optical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 a removable, clear, and colorless sealant that effectively seals gaps without damaging substrates, reduces flammability and odor risks, and maintains performance across varying environmental conditions, ensuring efficient weatherization while being aesthetically and safely suitable for various substrates.

Implementation Method 1

Aqueous-based compositions comprising a copolymer of butyl acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate with specific properties such as a glass transition temperature of -35°C to -20°C and a weight-average molecular weight of at least 35,000 Daltons, which form a sealant or bead that can be easily removed after drying

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Aqueous-based compositions comprising a copolymer of butyl acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid, and methyl methacrylate with specific properties such as a glass transition temperature of -35°C to -20°C and a weight-average molecular weight of at least 35,000 Daltons, which form a sealant or bead

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCohesion: Cohesion

Implementation Method 3

These sealants reduce the flammability risks and lingering odor problems associated using solvent-based systems, particularly during application

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlammability reduction:

Implementation Method 4

These sealants do not rely on additives that disrupt the adhesion of the sealants to the substrate and that leave undesirable residue on the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 5

which form a sealant or bead that can be easily removed after drying, with minimal residual impact and clear coloration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilm formation:

Data Source

PatentEP3414297B1Removable, aqueous-based compositions

Publication Date: 2022.03.30 DAP PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

Removable, aqueous-based compositions, especially sealants useful for, inter alia, temporary craft applications and seasonal weatherization of buildings and methods of their use are disclosed. These sealants reduce the flammability risks and lingering odor problems associated using solvent-based systems, particularly during application. These compositions do not rely on additives that disrupt the adhesion of the compositions to the substrate and that leave undesirable residue on the substrate.