Thiol-Polythioether Sealant Actinic Curing Fuel Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerospace sealant compositions face challenges in achieving rapid curing while maintaining fuel resistance, low temperature flexibility, and elevated-temperature resistance, particularly in storage stability and adhesion to metal substrates.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising thiol-terminated polythioether, a polyene with polyvinyl ether and polyallyl compounds, and a photoinitiator, which is exposed to actinic radiation to form a cured sealant, enhancing adhesion and curing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealant compositions are used, then fuel resistance and elevated-temperature resistance are achieved, but curing time is extended and storage stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing thiol-terminated polythioether polymers with specific molecular weights and functionalities, combined with peroxide initiators and accelerators, to achieve rapid curing while maintaining fuel resistance. The composition parameters are optimized to balance curing speed and storage stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material composition combining thiol-terminated polythioether, polyene compounds, peroxide initiators, and accelerator compounds to achieve multiple properties simultaneously - rapid curing, fuel resistance, and storage stability through synergistic interactions between components
2Productivity
If rapid curing is achieved, then productivity is improved, but adhesion to metal substrates and storage stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration and selection of peroxide initiators and accelerator compounds to achieve rapid curing while maintaining adhesion properties through controlled cross-linking density and network structure formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality differences in the cured sealant structure, with regions of different cross-linking density and composition that provide both rapid curing characteristics and strong adhesion to metal substrates through tailored local properties
3Area of stationary object
If thick layers are applied, then coverage is improved, but curing uniformity and flexibility at low temperatures worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the composition parameters including polymer molecular weight, polyene content, and catalyst concentrations to enable uniform curing through thick layers while maintaining low-temperature flexibility through controlled network structure and free volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal sealant composition that simultaneously provides thick-layer applicability, uniform curing throughout the thickness, and low-temperature flexibility through multi-functional components that address multiple requirements
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 solution enables the formation of a cured sealant with improved adhesion and resistance to fuels and high temperatures, achieving rapid curing and maintaining flexibility at low temperatures, even in thick layers, with enhanced storage stability and adhesion to various substrates.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the unreacted sealant composition to actinic radiation to provide a cured sealant
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods for making a cured sealant. The methods include depositing an uncured sealant composition on a substrate and exposing the uncured sealant composition to actinic radiation to provide a cured sealant. The uncured sealant composition includes a thiol-terminated polythioether, a polyene comprising a polyvinyl ether and/or a polyallyl compound, a hydroxy-functional vinyl ether, and a photoinitiator. Related sealant compositions are also disclosed.