Sprayable Organopolysiloxane Sealant for Rapid Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealants for construction, particularly water-based and silicone-based compositions, face challenges such as long curing times, instability at low temperatures and high humidity, absorption by insulating materials, and poor adhesion to various substrates, leading to inadequate sealing performance and weather resistance.
Innovation Solution
A composition based on organopolysiloxanes with hydroxyl groups or hydrolyzable groups, a crosslinking agent, silicon dioxide-based filler, and a condensation catalyst, which is free of water and solvents, allowing for rapid curing and excellent adhesion, even at low temperatures and high humidity, with a dynamic viscosity suitable for airless spraying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water-based or solvent-based sealants are used, then the formulation can be applied by spraying and requires little material, but the curing time is relatively long and they depend on climatic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using organopolysiloxanes with specific functional groups (hydroxyl, alkoxy, acyloxy, ketoxime, amino, or amido groups) that enable rapid moisture curing. The formulation includes crosslinking agents and catalysts that accelerate the curing reaction, reducing curing time from hours to minutes while maintaining sprayability through controlled viscosity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical drying mechanism (evaporation of water or solvent) with a chemical curing mechanism (moisture-induced crosslinking reaction). This substitution eliminates dependence on climatic conditions for curing, as the chemical reaction proceeds at controlled rates regardless of ambient temperature and humidity variations
2Ease of manufacture
If water-based sealants are used, then they are competitively priced, but they require significantly longer drying times at temperatures between 5 and 15 °C and high humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the temperature-dependent physical evaporation process with a catalyst-driven chemical crosslinking reaction. The condensation catalyst enables the curing reaction to proceed efficiently at low temperatures (5-15°C), making drying time independent of ambient temperature and humidity conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a condensation catalyst as an intermediary substance that mediates the crosslinking reaction between organopolysiloxanes and moisture. This catalyst accelerates the curing process, enabling rapid setting even in cold and humid conditions where water-based sealants would otherwise remain tacky for extended periods
3Ease of operation
If low-viscosity silicone-based sealants are used, then they can be sprayed, but they lack stability and are absorbed by the insulating material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation by combining organopolysiloxanes with specific functional groups, crosslinking agents, catalysts, and fillers in optimized proportions. This composite structure provides the right balance of viscosity for sprayability while the crosslinking agents and catalysts ensure rapid curing that prevents absorption by insulating materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to a specific range (100-10,000 cP) that enables sprayability while preventing excessive flow. The functional groups on the organopolysiloxanes provide rapid moisture reactivity, creating a formulation that cures quickly enough to maintain stability and prevent absorption by porous insulating materials
4Area of stationary object
If sealants are applied to joints filled with fibrous materials, then coverage is achieved, but high pressure causes deformation of filler material or penetration requiring thicker layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter to a specific range (100-10,000 cP) that enables effective spray application at reduced pressures (50-200 bar). This viscosity control, combined with the rapid curing properties of the functional organopolysiloxanes, allows the sealant to be applied without deforming or penetrating the fibrous filler material, maintaining joint integrity while achieving complete coverage
Data Source
AI summary
A sprayable composition, the use thereof, and a method for sealing openings or gaps in components. Described are a sprayable and stable composition comprising at least one organopolysiloxane that contains hydroxyl groups and/or hydrolysable groups, at least one crosslinking agent based on a functionalised silane, at least one filler based on silicon dioxide, and at least one condensation catalyst; the use thereof as a coating; and a method for sealing openings or gaps in components.