Self-Bonding Solid Organic Polymers for Adhesive Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesives require liquid application and melting, making them unsuitable for certain applications where equipment is not available or substrates are difficult to access, leading to issues like flow or washing away due to gravity or fluids.
Innovation Solution
Development of a solid, non-tacky organic polymer that can bond at elevated temperatures and moisture, allowing for self-bonding without melting, suitable for forming agglomerated masses without the need for liquid adhesives or specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If liquid or pasty adhesives are used, then bonding can be achieved, but the adhesive flows away due to gravity or surrounding fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the adhesive from liquid/pasty to solid thermoplastic form. The solid adhesive compositions maintain their shape and do not flow under gravity or fluid flow conditions, yet can be softened and bonded through controlled heating to achieve strong adhesive bonds.
2Strength
If hot melt adhesives are used, then bonding is achieved, but specialized heating and dispensing equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex heating and dispensing equipment with simpler methods. The solid adhesive can be applied at ambient temperature and activated through controlled heating during bonding, eliminating the need for specialized hot melt dispensing equipment while maintaining bonding effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If solid thermoplastic adhesives are used, then handling and storage is simplified, but bonding requires controlled heating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the solid thermoplastic adhesive from solid to softened state through controlled heating, enabling bonding. The adhesive transitions back to solid upon cooling, providing strong bonds. This phase transition mechanism allows easy handling at ambient temperature while enabling effective bonding through temporary thermal activation.
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
Enables the assembly of large bonded masses using solid pieces that can be easily handled and stored, eliminating the need for liquid metering and dispensing equipment, with strong bonding achieved under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The self-bonding material would be capable of bonding to itself under predefined conditions, without melting or degrading to form a liquid that can run off
Implementation Method 2
The organic polymer has a dry glass transition temperature as measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis of 40 to 130°C
Implementation Method 3
The organic polymer has a wet aged glass transition temperature which is at least 15°C lower than the main dry glass transition temperature
Implementation Method 4
The pieces are subjected to a bonding step in which they are contacted together under conditions of applied pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Solid compositions made from or coated with a non-melting organic polymer having a main glass transition temperature of at least 65°C, few if any isocyanate groups and a wet aged glass transition temperature of up to 60°C are self-bonding materials that are useful in a variety of adhesive and molding operations. Under conditions of heat and moisture, these compositions will self- bond. The compositions can be used as adhesive coatings, which are solid and non-tacky and thus can be transported and stored easily under ambient conditions. These compositions are especially useful in applications in which, due to the location and/or orientation of the substrates, liquid or melting materials cannot be applied easily or will run off the substrates.