Silane Modified Polymers for Adhesive Strength and Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing silane terminated polymers used in adhesive compositions have limitations in achieving improved adhesive and tensile properties without significant changes to the base formulation or processing.

Innovation Solution

A silane modified polymer is created through the reaction of an aminosilane with a urethane terminated prepolymer, comprising a high molecular weight polyether polyol and an amine based diol, along with a cycloaliphatic diisocyanate, to form a block copolymer that can be easily incorporated into existing adhesive formulations, enhancing adhesive and tensile properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silane terminated polymers are used in adhesive compositions, then adhesion to multiple substrates is improved and isocyanate groups are eliminated, but adhesive strength and tensile properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to substratesVSAvoidadhesive strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite polymer system by incorporating silane-modified segments into the polymer backbone. The silane groups (such as alkoxysilanes) are integrated into the polymer structure during synthesis, creating a hybrid material that combines the adhesive properties of the base polymer with the crosslinking capabilities of silane groups. This composite approach enables both good adhesion and improved strength without requiring separate adhesive layers or surface treatments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the polymer composition by introducing silane-functionalized monomers or oligomers with specific chemical structures and ratios. By controlling the concentration and type of silane groups (e.g., methoxysilane vs ethoxysilane, monofunctional vs difunctional), the adhesive properties and crosslinking density can be tuned to achieve optimal balance between adhesion, strength, and curing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If silane terminated polymers are used to improve adhesive properties, then curing at room temperature is achieved, but processing complexity and formulation changes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecuring temperatureVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The silane-modified polymers in the patent are designed to undergo self-crosslinking at room temperature through atmospheric moisture. The silane groups automatically react with water vapor in the air to form crosslinked networks without requiring external heat, catalysts, or additional processing equipment. This self-service mechanism simplifies the overall system while achieving the desired low-temperature curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The silane groups are pre-incorporated into the polymer structure during manufacturing, so the adhesive is ready for immediate application and will begin crosslinking automatically upon exposure to moisture. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate crosslinking agents or complex multi-step formulation processes, reducing formulation complexity while enabling room temperature curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 resulting silane modified polymer exhibits improved adhesive and tensile properties, allowing for stronger bonds and faster curing, while maintaining compatibility with existing formulations and processing methods.

Implementation Method 1

In the presence of atmospheric moisture these silyl alkoxy terminated polymers are capable, at room temperature, of crosslinking and curing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

these silyl alkoxy terminated polymers are capable, at room temperature, of crosslinking and curing to form, depending on the concentration of alkoxysilyl groups and their configuration, long-chain polymers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3619254B1Silane modified polymers with improved characteristics for adhesive compositions
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

A silane modified copolymer that is the reaction product of an aminosilane and an isocyanate functional copolymer, wherein the isocyanate functional copolymer is the reaction product of a polyether polyol having a molecular weight greater than 6000 and an amine based diol containing secondary hydroxyl groups and a cycloaliphatic diisocyanate. Also disclosed are curable adhesive compositions comprising the silane modified copolymers; and methods of making the silane modified copolymers.