Enhanced Amine-Functional Silane: SIVATE^TM E610

SIVATE™ E610 (SIA0610.E1) can be used in coatings and composite applications where conventional silanes are unable to withstand environments in which water and moisture initiate and propagate failure. Enhanced silanes use a conventional silane as a base silane for organic reactivity and combine it with a compatible dipodal silane which stabilizes interfacial bonding. In many instances time to failure is extended 100x beyond controls. After as short a period of 24 hours at exposure to ambient moisture, composites formulated with enhanced silanes demonstrate tensile and flexural strengths superior to composites formulated with conventional silanes. The general mechanism for higher performance is the ability of enhanced silanes to form tightly cross-linked networks adjacent to substrates that are more hydrophobic than conventional silanes. In general, enhanced silanes replace conventional silanes on a 1:1 basis. Preferred deposition is 100% or as a solution in dry solvents such as ethanol or toluene. The cure is dependent on moisture adsorbed on the treated substrate or adsorption from the atmosphere.

Enhancement of silanes is effected by incorporation of functional and non-functional dipodal silanes. The dipodal silane combines with the functional silane to form a tight conformal network of siloxane bonds, reduces water adsorption at the interface and, most importantly, forms multiple oxane bonds with the substrate. In comparison with conventional silanes, which potentially bond form 3 oxane bonds to the substrate, dipodal silanes can form up to 6 oxane bonds with the substrate. Theoretical studies suggest that the dipodal silanes could have up to 10⁶ x greater stability in aqueous environments than conventional silanes.

• Density: 0.948 g/mL
• pH value (1:1 in water): ~11
• Viscosity: 2.0 cSt
• Flashpoint: > 91 °C (> 196 °F)

The network and film-forming reaction of enhanced silane formulation is clearly demonstrated by observing the hydrolytic stability of films formed from the pure dipodal enhancing silane. Non-functional dipodal silanes, are resistant to hydrolysis and form high integrity films on a variety of substrates, but by themselves lack the ability to bond with organic polymers in coatings, adhesives and composites. However, they significantly enhance the film integrity of base silanes that are responsible for bonding with organic polymers. The barrier, integrity, and bonding properties of silanes are optimized by combining a base silane with both functional and non-functional dipodal silanes.

Barrier Properties (microporosity) of silanes on cold-rolled steel as measured by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is shown below. Properties for 4-6% aqueous silane solutions applied and then cured at 150 °C for 4 hours forming coatings 80-120 nm thick. R_p represents a polarization associated with electrolyte transport through pores.

While initial bond strengths of enhance silanes are similar to the base silane aging under high humidity conditions or in aqueous immersion, within 24 hours there is typically a significant increase in retention in properties. Relative flexural strength of 70% fused silica-filled epoxy molding compound (85 °C/85% relative humidity) is shown below.

Thermoplastics in which there is little opportunity for covalent chemical bonding, but rely on polar interactions and/or hydrogen bonding show dramatic increases in mechanical properties. Mechanical properties for 30% glass fiber reinforced polysulfone is shown.