Silane-Modified Polymer Curing via Salt Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silane-modified polymer compositions used as sealants and adhesives cure slowly due to humidity dependence, limiting their industrial applications and requiring large storage facilities, especially in environments with low humidity or vapor-tight conditions, which restricts their use in industrial production and large-scale bonding.
Innovation Solution
A two-component system comprising a silane-modified polymer and an acidic or basic salt containing water of crystallization, along with an amine adhesion promoter, where no component contains all three substances, allowing for accelerated curing independent of humidity and residual moisture, enabling rapid hardening within minutes to hours.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air-moisture-curing compounds are used, then adhesion to substrates is achieved, but curing speed becomes very slow in low humidity or vapor-tight environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the curing mechanism from humidity-dependent to catalyst-dependent by introducing metal salts (acidic or basic) as catalysts. This parameter change allows the curing reaction to proceed rapidly independent of environmental humidity, resolving the contradiction between reliable adhesion and fast curing speed in controlled environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces metal salts as intermediary catalysts that mediate the curing reaction between silane-modified polymers and moisture. These catalysts accelerate the hydrolysis and condensation reactions, enabling fast curing without requiring high humidity conditions, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring adhesion reliability.
2Reliability
If slowly curing compounds are used to ensure proper curing, then adhesion quality is maintained, but large intermediate storage facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the curing kinetics through catalyst addition, the invention transforms the curing process from slow and humidity-dependent to fast and catalyst-driven. This eliminates the need for large intermediate storage facilities while maintaining adhesion quality, as the rapid curing occurs immediately after application without requiring extended storage time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If humidity-dependent curing is used, then material compatibility is ensured, but curing cannot proceed in sealed or vapor-tight conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The metal salt catalyst acts as an intermediary that enables the curing reaction to proceed through an alternative pathway not dependent on environmental humidity. This allows curing to occur in sealed or vapor-tight conditions while maintaining the adaptability and material compatibility of silane-modified polymers across diverse substrates.
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 system achieves rapid curing and surface tack-free properties, allowing for quick cuttability and adhesion to various substrates, maintaining mechanical and chemical resistance, while being independent of environmental humidity and filler moisture, thus enhancing processing efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
During the chain extension or crosslinking reaction, alcohol is split off from the silane end groups
Implementation Method 2
crosslink at room temperature while absorbing water to form rubber-like, elastic or plastoelastic materials
Implementation Method 3
an amine adhesion promoter is included
Implementation Method 4
crosslink at room temperature while absorbing water
Implementation Method 5
crosslink at room temperature while absorbing water to form rubber-like, elastic or plastoelastic materials
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a curable compound, which can be obtained as a mixture of at least two components to be stored separately, of which one component comprises a silane-modified polymer and said component or a second component comprises an acid or basic salt containing water of crystallization, wherein an aminic adhesion promoter is contained in one or both components or a further component, with the stipulation that no component contains all three substances. The invention additionally relates to a method for accelerating the curing of silane-modified polymer, in which an acid or basic salt containing water of crystallization is added to the silane-modified polymer.