Reshaping Cured Thermosetting Resin via Microwave Heating

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Thermosetting resins cannot be reshaped or recycled once fully cured, leading to waste and reduced cost efficiency due to irreversible cross-linking, and existing methods for recycling are costly and hazardous.

Innovation Solution

A method involving electromagnetic radiation, specifically microwaves, is used in a confined temperature controlling environment to reshape cured thermosetting resin substrates, allowing for re-shaping, re-use, and recycling without the need for strong acids or high temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional thermal processing is used to cure thermosetting resins, then cross-linking occurs and dimensional stability is achieved, but the material cannot be reshaped or recycled once cured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidreshape ability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) to change the physical state of the cured thermosetting resin by heating it to a specific temperature range (above glass transition temperature but below decomposition temperature), transforming the material from a rigid cured state to a reshapable state without breaking cross-links

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional thermal processing with electromagnetic radiation (microwave) heating to achieve the reshaping effect, allowing selective and controlled heating of the resin without requiring chemical treatments or mechanical force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of substance

If mechanical grinding is used to recycle cured thermosetting resins, then material can be reused as filler, but the material loses its structural properties and requires additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecycling rateVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the cured resin through controlled electromagnetic heating, allowing it to be reshaped and reused as a structural material rather than being downcycled into filler, thereby maintaining material value and reducing processing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If strong acids or high temperatures are used to reshape cured thermosetting resins, then reshaping can be achieved, but hazardous conditions and additional equipment are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereshape abilityVSAvoidprocessing hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes hazardous chemical (strong acid) and extreme thermal methods with electromagnetic radiation (microwave) heating, achieving reshaping under controlled, safer conditions without requiring special hazardous material handling equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary energy form to heat the resin selectively, avoiding direct contact with hazardous substances and enabling controlled heating through the material without external heat sources

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

Enables cost-effective and safe reshaping and recycling of thermosetting resin substrates, applicable to commonly used thermosetting materials, reducing waste and increasing material efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the application of an oscillating electromagnetic field, produced by microwave radiation, causes the dipolar molecules within the sample to constantly rotate in order to align with the alternating field. The constant rotation of these molecules generates heat through molecular friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

As dipolar molecules naturally align with an external magnetic field, the application of an oscillating electromagnetic field, produced by microwave radiation, causes the dipolar molecules within the sample to constantly rotate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11904507B2Method of shaping a cured thermosetting resin

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 ACELL IND LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of shaping a cured thermosetting resin substrate, and more particularly to a method of shaping a cured thermosetting resin using electromagnetic radiation, said method comprises providing a cured thermosetting resin substrate; providing a confined temperature controlling environment; placing the cured thermosetting resin substrate in the confined temperature controlling environment; providing a source of electromagnetic radiation; irradiating the cured thermosetting resin substrate in the confined temperature controlling environment; and shaping the irradiated thermosetting resin substrate.