Self-Healing Sealing Composite for High-Temperature Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing rings used in high-temperature environments, such as those in chemical engineering equipment, face challenges with durability and oxygen-free resistance, requiring frequent replacement and risking production disruptions if damaged during operation.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing sealing composite material is developed, incorporating a hydrogen bond between an amine group and a carboxylic acid group, combined with polymethylsiloxane for elasticity, formed from vinyl terminated siloxane-g-p-aminothiophenol and vinyl terminated siloxane-g-p-mercaptobenzoic acid polymers, which can be applied to form a sealing ring with enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high molecular elastomer materials are used for sealing rings in high-temperature environments, then elastic properties and durability are improved, but the sealing ring still suffers from high-temperature damage and requires periodic replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining high molecular elastomer with reactive functional groups (amines and carboxylic acids) that form cross-linked networks through hydrogen bonding and covalent bonds. This composite structure provides both the elastic properties needed for sealing and the thermal stability for extended service life at high temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the elastomer by introducing functional groups that can undergo chemical reactions. The amine and carboxylic acid groups react to form cross-linked structures, transforming the material from a simple elastomer to a chemically modified composite that resists high-temperature degradation.
2Reliability
If seal rings are replaced periodically during maintenance, then normal effective use is ensured, but production disruption occurs if seal rings are damaged during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing the self-healing functional groups into the sealing ring material before it is put into service. These functional groups are prepared in advance to automatically activate and repair damage when high-temperature conditions trigger the healing response, preventing production disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the autonomous self-healing capability of the sealing ring. The embedded amine and carboxylic acid groups automatically detect and repair thermal damage without external intervention, allowing the seal to maintain effectiveness and prevent production interruptions.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing materials are used in oxygen-free equipment, then sealing function is provided, but oxygen-free resistance is significantly affected when seal rings are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-equipping the sealing ring with self-healing functional groups that act as a protective mechanism. When thermal damage occurs, these groups automatically activate to repair the seal, cushioning against the harmful effect of oxygen contamination that would otherwise compromise the oxygen-free environment.
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 sealing composite material effectively seals high-temperature equipment, demonstrating self-healing capabilities and maintaining significant tensile strength and elongation at break, even after damage, thus offering improved durability and reduced need for frequent replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a connection between a NH2 bond and a HOOC bond in the molecular formula is a hydrogen bond, and the hydrogen bond is a noncovalent bond
Implementation Method 2
combined with polymethylsiloxane for elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing composite includes a molecular formula as follows:


