Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Adhesion Composition for Textile-Rubber Composites

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional resorcinol formaldehyde latex (RFL) compositions used for enhancing adhesion between textile substrates and rubber materials face issues such as health hazards from formaldehyde volatility, loss of flexibility in treated textiles, instability at room temperature, and suboptimal adhesion strength, which affect the durability and safety of textile-rubber composites like tires.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining a non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde condensate with 2-furfuraldehyde and a rubber latex, which is more stable, less toxic, and provides improved adhesion and flexibility, reducing the volatility and health risks associated with formaldehyde-based systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional RFL compositions are used to enhance adhesion, then adhesion between textile and rubber is improved, but formaldehyde volatility causes health hazards and material loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidformaldehyde volatility and toxicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces formaldehyde with 2-furfuraldehyde, changing the chemical parameter of the adhesion promoter. This substitution maintains the adhesion enhancement function while eliminating the harmful volatility and toxicity associated with formaldehyde, as 2-furfuraldehyde has lower vapor pressure and is less toxic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde condensate that remains soluble and stable, replacing the need for continuous formaldehyde application. This approach eliminates the need for ongoing formaldehyde supply while maintaining adhesion benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If traditional RFL compositions are used to improve adhesion, then bonding strength is enhanced, but treated textiles lose flexibility and become stiff

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidflexibility of treated textile
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition by using 2-furfuraldehyde instead of formaldehyde and employs controlled condensation reactions that produce softer polymer structures. This changes the physical parameters of the treated textile, maintaining adhesion strength while preserving flexibility through different crosslinking characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If traditional RFL compositions are used to enhance adhesion, then bonding is improved, but compositions become unstable at room temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidstability of RFL composition
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-synthesizes non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde or phenol-formaldehyde condensates under controlled conditions before application. This preliminary preparation creates stable, soluble polymer precursors that remain stable during storage but activate to provide strong adhesion when applied and cured, separating the stability requirement from the adhesion function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If traditional RFL compositions are used to improve adhesion, then bonding strength is enhanced, but formaldehyde loss during drying reduces process efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidformaldehyde loss during drying
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes formaldehyde with 2-furfuraldehyde, which has significantly different physical parameters including lower vapor pressure and higher boiling point. This parameter change eliminates the material loss during the drying process while maintaining the adhesion-promoting function, as 2-furfuraldehyde does not volatilize under typical drying conditions.

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 composition enhances the adhesion and flexibility of textile-rubber composites, offering improved stability and safety while maintaining environmental safety, as evidenced by increased peel force and reduced volatility, leading to more robust and flexible treated materials.

Implementation Method 1

a non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde and/or resorcinol-furfural condensate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation reaction:

Implementation Method 2

enhance the substrates' adhesion to rubber-containing materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a rubber latex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2675839B1Adhesion composition and textile materials and articles treated therewith
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 MILLIKEN & CO
  • EP2675839B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2675839B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2675839B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to improved adhesion compositions and textile materials and articles treated therewith. The improved adhesion composition comprises a non-crosslinked resorcinol-formaldehyde and/or resorcinol-furfural condensate (or a phenol-formaldehyde condensate that is soluble in water), a rubber latex, and an aldehyde component such as 2-furfuraldehyde. The composition may be applied to textile substrates and used for improving the adhesion between the treated textile substrates and rubber materials. End-use articles that contain the treated textile-rubber composite include, without limitation, automobile tires, belts, and hoses as well as printing blankets.