Silicone-Polyether Copolymer Composition for Tunable Sealant Cure Speed
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silane modified polyether sealants have undesirable cure speeds that cannot be selectively controlled or tuned based on desired properties, and maximizing cure speed often requires high concentrations of catalysts, which negatively impacts performance properties.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a silicone-polyether copolymer with specific silicone and polyether moieties, prepared through a method involving a hydrosilylation reaction, allowing for controlled cure speed and optimized performance properties by varying the molar ratios of different silicone moieties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If high concentrations of catalysts are used to maximize cure speed, then cure speed is improved, but performance properties of the cured product deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the silicone polymer into distinct moieties with different cure characteristics: first silicone moieties (formula I) provide fast cure speed while second silicone moieties (formula II) provide enhanced performance properties. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the polymer structure are assigned different qualities: the first silicone moieties are designed specifically for rapid curing activity, while the second silicone moieties are designed for enhanced mechanical performance. This local differentiation of functional properties resolves the contradiction between speed and performance.
2Device complexity
If conventional silane modified polyethers are used, then sealant formulation is simplified, but cure speed cannot be selectively controlled or tuned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, tunable cure speed system by incorporating variable ratios of first and second silicone moieties. The formulation can be adapted to different applications by adjusting the proportion of fast-curing versus performance-oriented moieties, providing flexible control over cure characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite silicone-polyether structure combining multiple silicone moiety types within a single polymer architecture. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of fast cure speed and enhanced performance properties that would be difficult to obtain with conventional single-structure polymers.
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 achieves tunable cure speed and improved mechanical properties, such as modulus and elongation, without sacrificing performance, by balancing the molar ratios of silicone moieties with different cure speeds.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a polyether compound having on average more than one terminal unsaturated group, optionally a chain extending organosilicon compound, a first endcapping organosilicon compound, and a second endcapping organosilicon compound different from the first endcapping organosilicon compound, in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst to prepare the composition comprising the at least one silicone-polyether copolymer
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprises at least one silicone-polyether copolymer having the average formula Xg[ZjYo]c, where each X is an independently selected silicone moiety having a particular structure, each Y is an independently selected polyether moiety, each Z is an independently selected organosilicon moiety, subscript c is from 1 to 150, subscript g is >1, subscript j is independently 0 or 1, and subscript o is independently 0 or 1, with the provisos that 1≤j+o≤2 in each moiety indicated by subscript c and that there is at least one moiety indicated by subscript c in which subscript o is 1. A method of preparing the composition is also disclosed, along with a sealant formed therewith.