Self-Catalyzing Thioether Hardener for Epoxy Resins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reactive resin hardener systems require catalysts to achieve satisfactory curing speed and mechanical properties, which can be inconvenient and may not meet all performance requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of thioether compounds with at least two thiol groups and an α,β-unsaturated amide group and a tertiary amine group, which can self-catalyze the curing reaction of reactive resins such as isocyanate, acrylate, and epoxy systems without the need for additional catalysts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If mercaptan hardeners are used without catalysts, then the system simplifies composition and reduces additional additives, but the curing speed becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The thioether compound is designed to self-catalyze the curing reaction of epoxy resins without requiring external catalysts. The compound's molecular structure enables it to automatically promote its own curing process, eliminating the need for separate catalyst components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining fast curing speed.
2Productivity
If catalysts are added to mercaptan hardeners, then the curing speed increases, but the system requires additional components and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The thioether compound contains built-in catalytic functionality that allows it to self-catalyze the epoxy curing reaction. This eliminates the need for separate catalyst additives while maintaining fast curing performance, thereby reducing system complexity without sacrificing productivity.
3Productivity
If conventional mercaptan hardeners with catalysts are used, then satisfactory curing speed is achieved, but the mechanical properties and adhesive performance may not meet all requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the molecular structure of the hardener by incorporating specific thioether compounds with defined functional groups and molecular weights. These structural parameter changes enable the hardener to simultaneously achieve fast curing speed and superior adhesive performance, meeting both productivity and reliability requirements that conventional mercaptan hardeners cannot satisfy alone.
4Reliability
If the processing time is extended to ensure proper bonding, then adhesive performance improves, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thioether compound's optimized molecular parameters enable the curing reaction to proceed rapidly while achieving full adhesive strength. This allows the processing time to be significantly reduced without compromising adhesive performance, thereby eliminating the trade-off between reliability and time loss.
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
This approach enables efficient curing and maintains high mechanical properties, including lap shear strength above 8 MPa and a processing time of less than 30 minutes, without the need for external catalysts, ensuring reliable adhesive performance.
Implementation Method 1
the thioether compounds used according to the invention are able to catalyze the curing reaction themselves
Implementation Method 2
special compounds containing thioether groups lead to the desired combination of properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the use of a thioether compound, obtainable from a first reactant having at least two thiol groups and a second reactant having at least one a,ß-unsaturated amide group and also at least one tertiary amine group, for the curing of reactive resins.