Self-Bonding Elastomer with Neoalkoxy Zirconate Adhesion Promoter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rubber-metal bonding methods face challenges in maintaining elastomer compression and avoiding thermal shrinkage, often requiring multiple steps and adhesives, which can lead to reduced durability and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A self-bonding elastomer composition using neoalkoxy zirconates and polyimides as adhesion promoters, which are inactive during curing but activated post-cure to form a strong bond with metals without affecting the elastomer's crosslinked network, allowing for high retained compression without external adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If self-bonding elastomers are used to bond directly to metal upon vulcanization, then adhesive coatings and separate bonding steps are eliminated, but thermal shrinkage during vulcanization puts the elastomer into a state of tension between metal parts
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer is pre-compressed between metal parts before vulcanization, and the mold is designed to maintain this compression during the bonding process. This preliminary compression action ensures the elastomer remains in a beneficial compressed state throughout the vulcanization process, preventing thermal shrinkage from creating tensile stress.
2Stability of the object's composition
If post-vulcanization bonding is used to maintain elastomer compression, then thermal shrinkage effects are avoided, but multiple bonding steps and adhesives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the compression function and bonding function into a single integrated process. The elastomer composition contains both compression-maintaining additives and bonding agents that work simultaneously during one vulcanization cycle, eliminating the need for separate post-vulcanization bonding steps while maintaining compression.
3Strength
If conventional adhesive bonding methods are used, then bonding strength is achieved, but multiple preparatory steps and external adhesives are required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer composition is formulated with self-bonding capabilities, containing bonding agents that are activated during vulcanization to create adhesion to metal parts without requiring external adhesive applications. The elastomer bonds to itself and to the metal substrate through its own molecular structure, eliminating the need for separate adhesive materials and application steps.
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
This approach achieves robust, cost-effective production with reduced scrap and improved durability by maintaining elastomer compression and enhancing bonding strength, while simplifying the process and eliminating the need for separate adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesion promoter selected from a neoalkoxy phosphato zirconate and a polyimide... which can be fully cured and formed at one temperature, then the adhesive activated at a higher temperature with minimal further effect on the state of cure
Data Source
AI summary
A rubber-metal bonded article with an adhesion promoter in the rubber selected from neoalkoxy zirconates and polyimides. Articles requiring compressed rubber exhibit improved retention of compressive strain after assembly of the article and activation of the adhesion promoter. Also claimed is a method wherein a rubber composition may be fully cured, then assembled between two substrates under compression, then the adhesion promoter activated to form the bond.