Metallic acrylate curing agents and usage thereof in intermediate compositions

[0001] This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 10/978,081, filed on Oct. 27, 2004, which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 10/729,339, filed on Dec. 4, 2003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/430,882, filed on Dec. 4, 2002. The disclosures of these patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The subject matter of the instant invention relates to metallic acrylate curing agents. The subject matter also relates to using these curing agents to prepare useful compositions for use in coatings, films adhesives, among other uses.

[0003] Epoxy functional compounds and systems are known in this art and employed in a wide range of applications and formulations. By “epoxy functional system” it is meant to refer to a mixture or blend containing at least one epoxy functional compound and at least one curing agent for the compound. Examples of such systems comprise automotive and industrial adhesives/sealants, corrosion resistance coatings, films and paints, pre-preg, tapes, and hand lay-up structural composites, powder coatings/films/paints, adhesives, films, among other applications.

[0004] It is known in this art to employ curing agents to affect or control cross linking of epoxy functional compounds. Conventional epoxy curing agents include amines, polyamides, dicyandiamide, polysulfides, anhydrides, melamines, ureas, imidizole compounds, amidoamines, phenol/formaldehydes, boron trifluoride complexes, among other conventional curing agents. Formulations containing such epoxy curing agents can be heat activated. While these curing agents are effective at curing epoxy functional compounds, formulations containing these curing agents can have decreased shelf stability when catalysts are included (e.g., catalysts to decrease activation temperature), are incompatible with many types of fillers, produce either relatively soft or rough surfaces, can cause paint staining, dark or discolored film, shrinkage of the compound, among other undesirable characteristics. Epoxy functional systems such as coatings, films, adhesives, sealers, gels, among others, that employ conventional curing agents also suffer these negative characteristics. Conventional curing agents may also be environmentally undesirable.

[0005] There is a need in this art for a curing agent for an epoxy functional system that results in a cured system having improved shrinkage resistance, clarity, lower curing temperature, shelf stability, less charring, increased hardness, reduced paint staining, among other properties not achieved by conventional curing agents.

[0006] The instant invention solves problems associated with conventional curing agents by employing an effective amount of at least one metallic acrylate, metallic diacrylate, metallic monomethacrylate, metallic dimethacrylate compounds, among others (collectively and individually reference herein as “metallic acrylate”). By an effective amount it is meant that the amount of metallic diacrylate is sufficient to cure at least a portion of the resin composition, e.g., about 1 to about 98 wt. % and typically about 5 to about 20 wt. % of metallic diacrylate (e.g., about 6 to about 12 wt %) and typically about 20 to about 80 wt. % of an intermediate product. The specific amount of metallic acryl ate will vary depending upon the concentration of resin or polymer to be cured, whether an intermediate product comprising metallic acrylate is employed, processing time/temperatures, among other variables. The metallic diacrylate can provide other benefits while also acting as a curing agent such as reduced shrinkage, improved clarity or transparent coatings, improved heat aging, improved shelf life. While any suitable metallic diacrylate can be employed, examples of suitable diacrylates comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc diacrylate (ZDA), zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA), magnesium di acrylate, aluminum diacrylate, aqueous solutions of metallic acrylate monomers, among others. Zinc diacrylates and zinc dimethacrylates (e.g., ZDA and ZDMA) are especially useful for curing epoxy functional systems.

[0007] ZDA and ZDMA containing compounds will cure the epoxy functional component of the formulas while being substantially free of conventional curing agents. By “substantially free of conventional curing agents”, it is meant that an epoxy functional compound (or other compound curable with metallic diacrylates or dimethacrylates), is cured while in the presence of less than about 0.1 to about 1.0 wt. % (e.g., about 0% of conventional epoxy curing agents) of the following compounds polyamides, dicyandiamides, imidizoles, imidizole compounds, amines, ureas, substituted ureas, boron trifluoride and complexes, polysulfides, anhydrides, melamines, amidoamines, phenol/formaldehyde, among other conventional curing agents. While the instant invention can be practiced in combination with such conventional curing agents, the instant invention obviates the necessity of such compounds, among other benefits.

[0008] The epoxy functional systems of the instant invention may be used in a wide range of applications such as industrial and/or automotive sealants, coatings including corrosion resistant coatings, adhesives, gels, pipeline treatment or wrap, powder paints/coatings/films, films, liquid sealers in combination with UV activated compounds to provide dual cure functionality such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,461,691; hereby incorporated by reference (e.g., a system that is at least partially cured with UV and then heated for additional curing). These formulas are particularly useful in automotive, electronic, industrial, and aerospace, among other applications.

[0009] In one aspect of the invention, the instant invention relates to an intermediate product that can be blended or compounded into another composition. That is, an intermediate product that comprises at least one metallic acrylate, and at least one carrier or binder.

[0010] The instant invention relates to using metallic diacrylate compounds such as zinc diacrylate (ZDA), zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA), mixtures thereof, among others for curing epoxy functional and other cross-linking or reactive compounds, and to systems containing such compounds (e.g., epoxy powder coatings, films, sealers, gels, paints/coatings/sealers, etc.). The metallic diacrylates or metallic acrylates or metallic monomethacrylates or metallic dimethacrylate or mixtures thereof, among others, can be employed to cure a wide range of systems. Examples of such systems comprise at least one curable polymer selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, melamine, isocyanates, epoxy and epoxy functional compounds such as bis A, bis F, cycloaliphatic epoxy, novolac, epoxy esters, polyesters, acrylates, phenolic modified alkyds, alkyds, acrylic alkyd copolymers, Blox(epoxy resin/alkanolamine polymer), among other systems. The amount of curable polymer will normally range from about 1 to about 99 wt % (e.g., about 75 to about 90 wt. %).

[0011] The use of metallic diacrylates such as zinc diacrylate (ZDA), zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA), magnesium diacrylate, aluminum diacrylate, hydroxy functional metallic monomethacrylates, aqueous solutions of metallic acrylate monomers, among others, as a curing agent, for example, epoxy functional systems (e.g., epoxy powder coatings, films, etc.), can be an effective replacement for dicyandiamide, amine, polyamide, polysulfides, anhydrides, melamines, ureas, substituted ureas, imidizole compounds, boron tri-fluoride and complexes, amidoamines, phenol/formaldehyde or other conventional heat activated cures. The ability to reduce, if not eliminate, the usage of conventional curing agents can reduce environmental hazards that have been associated with many conventional curing agents.

[0012] The metallic acrylate (e.g., metallic diacrylate, metallic dimethacrylate, or metallic monomethacrylate) curing agents of the invention can be easily blended with solid or liquid epoxy resins, or mixtures of liquid and solid resins in order to produce epoxy functional systems such as relatively clear coatings, coatings with reduced shrinkage, different cure responses, among other properties. The replacement of dicyandiamide or other conventional curing compounds with metallic diacrylate or dimethacrylate can usually be accomplished without significant changes in the manner in which the epoxy functional systems are prepared. The inventive epoxy functional systems are normally heat activated (e.g., at a temperature of about 300 F to about 400 F depending upon the length of heating time). However, the cure response of the metallic diacrylate or dimethacrylate can also offer advantages over systems cured with dicyandiamide or other conventional cures. That is, the inventive acrylates curing ability is a generally linear function of time vs temp, rather than a relatively sharp peak at the melt point of a curing agent (e.g., as with dicyandiamide agents). Clarity, adhesion and stability, compatibility with fillers such as high ph silicates, plastic, and metallic powder, reactive resins among others, are aspects of the epoxy functional systems which can be improved with the inventive metallic diacrylate curing agent.

[0013] Epoxy functional systems which incorporate at least one metallic acrylate (e.g. metallic diacrylate, metallic dimethacrylate or metallic monomethacrylate), as the curing mechanism have mechanical properties similar to conventionally cured formulas. The cure response is not dependent on melting point, but is normally time and temperature dependent. This can be very advantageous for many processes such as metal part painting, electronic component, aerospace, among other uses. End use applications can achieve desired mechanical properties such as toughness and flexibility among others, by adjusting time and temperature for each specific need.

[0014] The metallic diacrylate can have a structure comprising:
C₃H₄O_2.1/2M

• • [0015] wherein M can comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc (e.g., 2-propenoic acid zinc salt), aluminum, magnesium, tin, copper, nickel, aqueous solutions of acrylate (e.g., aqueous solutions of metallic acrylate monomer such as zinc acrylate monomer), among others. While any suitable metallic diacrylate or ZDA/ZDMA compounds or modified ZDA/ZMA compounds can be employed, examples of commercially available ZDA/ZDMA products comprise: SR 633, SR 634, SR 9016, CN 2401, CN 2400, PC 300, PRO 5903, M Cure 204, SR 705, SR 706, SR 709 and aqueous solutions of zinc acrylate and a non-metallic acrylate monomer such as CD 664 and CD 665 all of which are available from Sartomer, Exton Pa. Non-metallic acrylates (and other compatible organic compounds) can be combined with the metallic diacrylate in order to modify the system, increase cure rate or hardness, among other beneficial improvements. The particle size of the metallic diacrylate or dimethacrylate can be varied thereby permitting production of thin and thick film formulations (e.g., Sartomer® CN2400 and CN 2401 are commercially available as liquids; SR 9016 comprises particles ranging from about 40 to about 50 microns and SR 633 comprises particles having a standard 200 mesh). If desired, the metallic diacrylate or dimethacrylate can be dispersed or dissolved within at least one carrier prior to compounding into a system, e.g., water and other solvents. When the metallic diacrylate comprises ZDA/ZDMA, the amount of ZDA/ZDMA ranges from about 1 to about 75 wt. % and typically about 5 to about 20 wt. % of metallic diacrylate (e.g., about 5 to about 10 wt. % for an epoxy functional system).

[0016] Without wishing to be bound by any theory or explanation it is believed that suitable metallic diacrylate compounds may induce co-polymerization of an epoxide with the acrylic group through the nucleophilic Michael Addition reaction. The epoxide curing may begin with an initiation step of a proton addition to the oxirane ring. The proton can be taken from any available donor, e.g. water (moisture), acid, amine or phenolic modifier of the metallic diacrylate. This first step can produce a reactive intermediate, e.g. HOCH₂—CH—, that will further react with the proton donor group, another epoxide or any other nucleophilic reagent, such as acrylic double bonds of ZDA. Acrylic double bonds are the known nucleophiles, e.g. acrylic acid will react with water under basic conditions, CH₂═CH—COOH+H₂O→HOCH₂—CH₂COOH.

[0017] Without wishing to be bound by any theory or explanation, it is also believed that the reaction between the activated epoxide and the diacrylate could be as follows:
HOCHRCH₂—+CH₂═CH—R→HOCH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH(R)—→, etc.
The aforementioned reaction between an epoxy functional compound and a metallic diacrylate such as ZDA can produce a uniform clear solid formation having an improved thermal stability, e.g., due to the structure of an ionomer with —Zn— in the main polymer chain.

[0018] In one aspect of the invention, the inventive curing agent reduces shrinkage in comparison to conventional curing agents. That is, epoxy functional resin compositions were observed to have less shrinkage when compared to the same resin cured with dicyandiamide. Normally, systems cured with the inventive curing agent shrink less than 2% (e.g., in comparison to greater than about 2% to about 8% with conventional curing agents).

[0019] In one aspect of the invention, ZDA/ZDMA cured epoxy systems are more compatible with additives and fillers. This allows greater versatility in the formulation of epoxy, melamine, isocyanurates, polysiloxane, alkyds, phenolic modified alkyds, acrylic alkyd copolymers, polyesters, epoxy esters and polybutadiene containing systems, e.g., adhesives, sealers, coatings, among other systems. In contrast to conventional curing agents such as dicyandiamides, ZDA/ZDMA are more compatible with acid type, and high pH, among other fillers. For example, the inventive system permits curing epoxy containing systems that include high pH silicate fillers (e.g., a system comprising epoxy, calcium silicate and metallic diacrylate). Such systems are normally difficult, if not impossible, to cure with conventional curing agents due to an undesired reaction between dicyandiamide and calcium silicate (e.g., which cause compound to foam).

[0020] Formulations or systems of the instant invention can be compatible with a wide range of filler materials. Examples of such filler materials comprise at least one from the group consisting of silicates such as calcium, sodium, potassium, lithium, aluminum, magnesium, among others; trihydrates such as aluminum trihydrate; carbonates, bitumins (e.g., gilsonite), clays, nitrides such as aluminum nitride, boron nitride and silicon nitride, carbides such as silicon carbide, silica, metallic powders (e.g., ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as copper, zinc, aluminum, iron, among others), among other fillers. In some cases, the filler materials can be employed for modifying the torque tension (e.g., for threaded fasteners), lubricity, wear resistance, colorants, conductivity, among other surface characteristics. The amount of filler can vary depending upon the desired properties in the cured formulation, and will typically range from about 1 to at least 70 wt % (e.g., about 5 to about 25 wt. %).

[0021] Many current sealing tapes and structural adhesive tapes are formulated using epoxidized elastomers or epoxy elastomer blends. In many cases, additions of filler, thixotropes and pigments are added to achieve the required texture, color, or other physical characteristics that are necessary for application. The addition of these ingredients may decrease the performance of the tape in application, especially in structural tapes or pastes. A reactive resin may be used in the powder composition of the instant invention as the filler or pigment component in order to overcome the decrease in performance seen in conventional cure systems. Examples of reactive resins comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of epoxy, phenoxy, acrylic, urethane, mixtures thereof, among others. The amount of reactive resin normally comprises about 10 to about 95 wt. % of the composition or system (e.g., about 20 to about 50 wt. %). Curing of the composition containing the reactive resin may be accomplished by convection heating, induction heating, radiant heating, radiation, among other methods.

[0022] The elevated temperature melt point of powder resins allows the incorporation of the powder resins in tape or paste formulas without the resin being dissolved into the composition. The resin remains suspended in the tape or paste composition, and provides properties very similar to formulas using non-reactive fillers to adjust the consistency of the composition. When the tape or paste composition is heated to the activation point of the reactive resin, increased strength and toughness among other properties can be greatly improved over formulas which contain non-reactive fillers. For example, a reactive resin system comprising ZDA is also thermosetting at a given application or heating temperature (e.g., a composition comprising epoxy resin and ZDA can be employed as a filler in another formation).

[0023] Formulations or systems of the instant invention can be employed for obtaining a relatively clear or colorless product. In contrast to conventional curing agents that impart an amber or dark hue, the inventive formulations can be substantially clear (depending upon the thickness, formulation composition, among other parameters). Color of epoxy formulations was measured in accordance with conventional practices and using the Gardner scale. Gardner color for dicyandiamide cured epoxy was 8-10 whereas Gardner color for same system but cured with ZDA (e.g., commercially available from Sartomer as Sr9016), was about 2 to 4.

[0024] The instant invention can be employed for tailoring the curing rate. Conventional curing agents typically have a rapid cure which is undesirable for certain applications. The curing rate of the instant invention can be increased by exposure to higher temperatures, and decreased by lower temperatures. The ability to control curing rate (and temperature) is desirable in that such permits finished coating surfaces to be optimized for smoothness, hardness, gloss, and clarity. Generally a higher curing temperature also results in an increased hardness.

[0025] The instant invention can be employed for tailoring the activation temperature of formulations. The activation or curing temperature can range from about 275 to about 425° F. depending upon the thickness, amount of curing agent, composition of system being cured, method of heating, among other conventional variables. Generally a thinner coating will require less heat and time to cure, and the higher the curing temperature the harder the resultant coating. Additions of titanates, zirconates, among other complexing agents can be used for lowering the cure temperature of the inventive formulations. The amount of complexing agent will normally range from about 0.1 to about 20 wt. % of the composition or formulation. For example, adding 1-5% of a commercially available titanate (Lica 38J supplied by Kenrich) is effective at lowering the cure temperature of formulations containing epoxy functional compounds as the base polymer (e.g., to a cure temperature to less than 250° F.).

[0026] In one aspect of the invention one or more additives are included in the inventive formulations. Examples of such additives comprise at least one member selected from the group of fillers, metal powders (e.g., zinc, aluminum, iron, steel, copper, among other metal powders), magnetic materials, ceramic powders, plastic powders, resins (e.g., silicone, silanes, polysiloxanes, titanates and zirconates), among others. Formulations incorporating at least one polysiloxane, at least one metallic powder and at least one ceramic powder can be used when increased temperature resistance is desired (e.g., a coating or formulation formed into a tape and applied onto a pipeline). These additives will normally comprise about 1 to about 25 wt. % of the composition.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, the inventive system is placed (e.g., extruded, pumped, dipped, sprayed, brushed applied or wiped on), upon a reinforcement. The reinforcement can be located upon or within the inventive blend, e.g., a sandwich or laminate structure. The reinforcement permits easier handling during application and/or manufacture, reduces flow (or sagging) when the inventive system is exposed to increased temperatures, increases tensile strength, improves abrasion resistance, among other characteristics. Depending upon the desired properties, e.g., temperature resistance, the reinforcement material can comprise any suitable material. The reinforcement material normally comprises a scrim, web, matte, mesh, perforated or un-perforated polymer films, an unwoven or a woven assemblage, among other fibrous or film type reinforcements. When employing a scrim as the reinforcement (e.g., a fiberglass scrim having generally round fibers and approximately 12 squares per inch), the reinforcement can have an open surface area of greater than 20 to at least about 80%. When the reinforcement material comprises a perforated polymer or metallic film, the reinforcement material can have an open surface area or porosity of about 1 to at least about 80%. The open surface area also allows a reinforced system to retain its flexibility. Examples of suitable reinforcement materials comprise fiberglass, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, fluoropolymers, graphite, plastics, Kevlar®, aluminum, steel, copper, brass, cheesecloth, mixtures thereof, among other materials. Additional examples of reinforcement materials are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,002, issued Mar. 7, 2000 and entitled “Sealing Tape For Pipe Joints”, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,120,381 and 4,983,449; each of the previous U.S. patents are hereby incorporated by reference. While the reinforcement material can have any suitable porosity or weave density, in most cases the porosity of the reinforcement material is such that the inventive composition is self-adhering (or self-sealing). For example when employing a reinforced inventive composition as a pipe wrap, the composition at least partially passes through the material in a manner sufficient for the blend to adhere to itself as the blend is being wrapped around the pipe, e.g., the blend passes through the reinforcement thereby permitting the blend to bond to itself. The self-adhering characteristic normally obviates the need for primers or pre-treatments, and increases the efficiency with which the reinforced composition covers a surface. In another example, bubbling or blistering of the tape or coating during the cure process can be reduced, if not eliminated, by employing a reinforcement. Reducing bubbling or blistering is particularly desirable if the inventive system is employed as a paintable automotive sealant (e.g. so-called automotive “roof ditch” sealant).

[0028] If desired, the reinforcement material can be coated or pretreated with an emulsion, dispersion, UV reactive (including reactive to sunlight), electron beam active, water or solvent based systems, 100% solids, powder coat systems, or other composition for sizing the reinforcement material, e.g., the reinforcement material is coated with an emulsion for increasing the rigidity of the material thereby permitting the material to be cut to a predetermined size or configuration. The coating can be applied by any suitable methods known in the art such as dipping, laminating, spraying, roller coating, among others. Examples of suitable coatings for the reinforcement material comprise at least one of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl acetate, acrylic, urethane, epoxy, polyurethane or latex emulsions. Another example of a suitable coating for the reinforcement material comprises oligomers, monomers, additives, and a photo-initiator (e.g., ionium salts).

[0029] In another aspect of the invention, formulations containing the metallic diacrylate curing agent have an improved shelf life relative to conventional curing agents. For example, the inventive formulation is stable for at least 120 days without special packaging or refrigeration whereas formulations containing conventional curing agents are typically stable for about 90 days.

[0030] In a further aspect of the invention, the inventive formulations or system are employed as a corrosion resistant coating. For example, a zinc plated article or component treated in accordance with the process described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,794; 6,258,243; 6,153,080; 6,322,687 and PCT Patent Application Publications PCT/US02/24716; PCT/US02/24617 and PCT/US02/24446 (all of which are hereby incorporated by reference), is coated with the inventive system. The coated article has increased corrosion resistance when measured in accordance with ASTM B-117.

[0031] The inventive formulation can be employed for improving conventional epoxy functional coatings. The inventive formulation can be used for curing epoxy functional coatings such as e-coats, powder coatings, adhesives, among others. For example, an inventive coating comprising an epoxy powder and a metallic diacrylate curing agent (e.g., ZDA and substantially free of dicyandiamides), can be applied or sprayed upon a metal article. The metal article is then heated in order to fuse and cure the epoxy coating. In one aspect, a ZDA containing epoxy powder coating is applied onto a pipe, heat cured and then buried. By employing the inventive coating, a tightly bonded coating can be obtained without using curing agents such as dicyandiamides.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, the inventive formulations or systems can be modified by an additive comprising cubes or particulates. Particularly desirable results can be achieved by employing cubes comprising nylon 6/12, nylon 6/6 or other commercially available materials (e.g., 0.04/0.08/0.10 inch cubes available commercially from Maxi-Blast). In some cases the cubes or media can comprise metallic materials such as copper, aluminum, among other metals (e.g., about 10 to about 60 wt % metallic materials especially if improved conductivity is desired). The cubes function as an in situ dampener or spacer that increases the compressive strength of the inventive system. When the system is employed as a sealant (e.g., automotive sealant), the cubes reduce the tendency of the sealant to be forced out of a seam or joint formed between at least two members being sealed, e.g., two metal members. That is, the cubes define the minimum distance between two members such that the sealant is retained in the joint. Normally, the amount of this additive ranges from about 0.1 to about 5 wt. % of the system.

[0033] In one aspect of the invention, the instant invention relates to an intermediate product that can be blended or compounded into another or final composition. That is, an intermediate product that comprises at least one metallic acrylate, and at least one carrier or binder. The metallic acrylate can comprise a relatively high percentage of the intermediate product such as about 90 to at least about 98 wt. % of the intermediate product. The metallic acrylate can also comprise a relatively low percentage of the intermediate product such as about 1 to at least about 25 wt. % of the intermediate product (e.g., a final composition having a relatively low concentration of epoxy functional compound to be cured, or a final composition prepared by adding an intermediate product to a formulation already containing at least one metallic acrylate). While any suitable carrier or binder can be employed examples of suitable carriers or binders comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of at least one epoxy functional compound, at least one synthetic or naturally derived oil, at least one reactive carrier (e.g., monomers, oligomers, etc.), at least one clay, at least one elastomer (e.g., thermoplastics, rubbers, among others), polybutadienes, polysiloxanes, ethylene methacrylates, mixtures thereof, among others. Examples of suitable synthetic and/or naturally occurring oils comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of castor oils, polyalphaolefins, linseed oils, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes, among others. If desired, the epoxy functional compound that is employed as a carrier can correspond to the epoxy functional compound of the final composition (e.g., in order to ease increase compatibility of the intermediate product with the final composition). The intermediate product can also reduce dusting, improve handling when a liquid metallic acrylate is used, among other benefits associated with delivering a curing agent as an intermediate product. The intermediate product can comprise a paste, powder, gel, liquid, solid (e.g., at least one metallic acrylate dispersed in rubber), among other consistencies or viscosities that are selected depending upon the characteristics and usage of the final composition.

[0034] In another aspect of the instant invention, while the instant invention can be substantially free of conventional curing agents, the inventive curing agent can be combined with at least one other curing agent (e.g., peroxides, sulfur and sulfur derivatives, among others). The other curing agent can be employed for curing an epoxy functional compound or another compound of formulation. A non limiting example comprises an intermediate or a final composition wherein the curing agent comprises at least one peroxide curing agent and at least one metallic acrylate such thereby permitting two polymers in the composition to be cured (e.g., the metallic acrylate can cure an epoxy functional compound and the peroxide cures an acrylic functional compound).

[0035] The combinations of the instant invention can be prepared by any suitable method such as kneading, batch mixing, continuous mixing, extrusion, among other methods. While the above description has emphasized using the inventive composition for automotive and industrial coatings/paints/sealers, structural reinforcement, sealants, adhesives and tapes, the instant invention can be employed in wide array of application such as decorative crafts, glazing, concrete aggregate, gels, structural reinforcement, among other applications.

[0036] The combinations of the instant invention can be applied by any method that is conventional for a given end use such as manual or robotic applications. If desired, the inventive combinations can be fabricated into a tape that is dispensed or applied by using the apparatus and method described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/087,930 (Sharp); hereby incorporated by reference.

[0037] The following Examples are provided to illustrate certain aspects of the instant invention and shall not limit the scope of any claims appended hereto.

[0038] Examples 1-8 demonstrate ZDA/ZDMA compositions used for coatings. These compositions were prepared by hand mixing or mechanical stirring (i.e., an air motor with an impeller) in a beaker under ambient conditions.

Material	Description	Supplier	wt percent
Example 1
Uvacure 1500	Cycloaliphatic	Radcure	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 2
Epalloy 8240	Novolac	CVC specialties	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 3
Epon 828	Bis A	Resolution	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 4
Epon 872	Bis F	Resolution	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 5
Ricon 100	Polybutadiene	Sartomer	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 6
Aerotex 3030	Melamine	Cytec	90%
SR 633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 7
Epon 828	Bis A	Resolution	90%
PRO 5903	Mg Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Example 8
Epon 828	Bis A	Resolution	88%
PC 300	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Lica 38J	Titanate	Kenrich	2%

[0039] Examples 9-10 demonstrate ZDA/ZDMA containing systems that were prepared using commercially available materials (e.g., Sartomer® ZDA's: SR 634, SR 9016, and CN 2400). Example 9 illustrates using the inventive compositions to form a coating and Example 10 illustrates making a tape from the inventive compositions.

[0040] The formula listed below was prepared and applied by hand onto a steel panel and cured at 400° F. in air for 10 minutes.

Material	Description	Supplier	wt. %
Uvacure 1500	cycloaliphatic epoxy	Radcure	44%
Epon 8240	novolac epoxy	CVC specialties	44%
SR 9016	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	10%
Z 6040	silane	Dow	2%

[0041] If desired, the above formula and other coatings disclosed herein can be employed as a sealer or top coating for metallic surfaces previously treated in accordance with U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,794; 6,258,243; 6,153,080; 6,322,687 and PCT Patent Application Publications PCT/US02/24716; PCT/US02/24617 and PCT/US02/24446; hereby incorporated by reference.

[0042] The inventive compositions can be fabricated into a tape. Such tapes can be used for improving the corrosion resistance of a steel pipeline. An example of such usage is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US-2002-0013389-A1; hereby incorporated by reference. These tape formulations, which are listed below in Tables 1 and 2, were prepared by mixing in a Baker Perkins double arm mixer.

TABLE 1
Material	Description	Supplier	wt. %
Vamac G	ethylene acrylic rubber	DuPont	7.5%
ZOCO 104	zinc oxide	ZOCO	1.25%
Gilsonite MP	gilsonite	Lexco	12.5%
Hubersorb 600	calcium silicate	Huber	12.5%
SU 2.5	epoxy	Resolution	25%
Trilene 65	EPDM rubber	Uniroyal	37.5%
SR633	zinc diacrylate	Sartomer	3.75%

[0043]

TABLE 2
Material	Description	Supplier	wt. %
Vamac G	ethylene acrylic rubber	DuPont	10%
ZOCO 104	zinc oxide	ZOCO	1%
Z 6018	polysiloxane	Dow corning	12.25%
HM 443	metallic powder	Hoosier	47%
LER HH	epoxy/phenoxy	Inchemrez	20%
Viton A	fluoro elastomer	Dupont Dow Elastomers	5%
SR633	zinc diacrylate	Sartomer	3.75%
Lica 38J	titanate	Kenrich	1%

[0044] Examples 11-13 demonstrate using ZDA containing materials as a reinforcement material, e.g., a material applied onto an automotive component wherein the material becomes rigid after exposure to heating in a paint oven (e.g., refer to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,040,803; 5,151,327, 5,755,486; all of which are hereby incorporated by reference). These materials comprised modified and unmodified epoxy resins as a base or master batch to which mineral fillers and nitrile rubber were added for dimensional control during forming, handling, vehicle installation, among other purposes. Three materials having the formulations listed in Table 3 below were prepared by mixing in a sigma blade mixer with subsequent heated pressing to obtain a composite comprising a laminate with fiberglass cloth reinforcement. The composite was applied to cold rolled steel test panels and baked at 350° F. for 30 minutes. The flexural strength of the baked test panels was measured on an Instron tensile testing machine in accordance with conventional procedures with the resulting in the data listed below in Table 4.

TABLE 3
Formulations
			Example 11	Example 12	Example 13
Material	Description	Supplier	(%)	(%)	(%)
NySyn 33-3	Nitrile Rubber	Zeon Chemicals	6.96	6.81	6.66
Epon 58005	CTBN Rubber Modified Bis-A	Resolution	9.05	8.85	8.66
	Epoxy
SB 222	Alumina Trihydrate	J. M. Huber	10.72	10.49	10.26
Isolene 400	Polyisobutylene (Liquid)	Elementis	5.57	5.45	5.33
		Specialties
Epon 872	Bis-A Epoxy	Resolution	11.14	10.9	10.66
InChemRez LER-HH	Phenoxy modified Bis-A Epoxy	Phenoxy Associates	20.05	19.61	19.19
Epon 834	Bis-A Epoxy	Resolution	15.59	15.25	14.93
3M K37 Glass	Hollow Glass Spheres	3M	22.28	21.79	21.33
Bubbles
Cab-O-Sil TS720	Silane Treated Fumed Silica	Cabot	1.78	1.74	1.71
Black	Carbon Black	Cabot	0.89	0.87	0.85
Sartomer SR633	Zinc Diacrylate	Sartomer	2.23	4.36	6.40

[0045]

TABLE 4
Flexural Strength (Pounds)
Example 11	Example 12	Example 13
30.61	36.52	36.78

Table 4 illustrates an increase in flexural strength. Without wishing to be bound by any theory or explanation, it is believed that the increase in flexural strength is caused by curing or cross-linking the epoxy resins during the bake process. While there are no adverse affects, Table 4 indicates that no additional flexural strength is achieved by adding greater than about 20 parts (6.5%). In addition to improving the flexural strength, epoxy functional systems that were cured with a metallic acrylate and without using conventional curing agents such as amines had increased adhesion with the cold rolled steel substrate, i.e., all three formulations demonstrated cohesive bonds to the cold rolled steel substrate.

[0046] Examples 14-20 demonstrate applying the inventive compositions onto a zinc substrate that had been pretreated in a silicate-containing medium (i.e., known as the EMC™ process). The coatings were either mixed by hand or mixed with a high-speed disperser. The pretreatment process is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,794; 6,258,243; 6,153,080; 6,322,687 and PCT Patent Application Publications PCT/US02/24716; PCT/US02/24617 and PCT/US02/24446; hereby incorporated by reference. The inventive coatings were applied onto 2″×3″ zinc plated substrates. The substrates were cleaned with isopropyl alcohol prior to coating. The substrate was dipped into the coating for approximately 10 sec. The coated substrate was removed and hung vertically. The coating was cured for 20 min. at 340° F. The coating compositions used in Examples 14-20 and evaluation of the coating effectiveness are listed below (CRS=Cold Rolled Steel).

Material	Example 14	Example 15	Example 16
Epon 828	50 g	50 g	20 g
(Epoxy from
Resolution)
Erisys EMRM-20		15 g
(Elastomer Modified
Epoxy from
CVC Specialty)
Cardura E-10P	25 g	35 g	55 g
(Glycidyl Ester
from Resolution)
Veova 10	25 g		25 g
Vinyl Ester
from Resolution)
DAPRO U-99	0.2 g
(Interfacial Tension
Modifier from
Elementis)
Z6040		0.2 g	0.2 g
(Silane from
Dow Corning)
SR 706	20 g	15 g	10 g
(Modified Metallic
Diacrylate from
Sartomer)
Cured Properties
Surface Cure	Good	Good	Good
Cross Hatch	Good: 0%	Good: 0%	Good: 0%
Adhesion:	Coating Loss	Coating Loss	Coating Loss
Initial (CRS)
Cross Hatch	Good: 0% Coating	—	—
Adhesion: Initial	Loss
(EMC)
Material	Example 17	Example 18
Epon 828	50 g	50 g
(Epoxy from Resolution)
Veova 10	50 g	50 g
(Vinyl Ester from Resolution)
DAPRO U-99		1 g
(Interfacial Tension
Modifier from Elementis)
Z6040	0.2 g	0.2 g
(Silane from Dow Corning)
SR 706	10 g	10 g
(Modified Metallic
Diacrylate from Sartomer)
Surface Cure	Good	Good
Cross Hatch	Good: 0%	Good: 0% Coating Loss
Adhesion: Initial (CRS)	Coating Loss
Cross Hatch	—	Good: 0% Coating Loss
Adhesion: Initial
(EMC)
Material	Example 19	Example 20
Epon 828	50 g	50 g
(Epoxy from
Resolution)
Veova 10	50 g	50 g
(Vinyl Ester
from Resolution)
Baghouse Fines	3 g
(Sodium Silicate)
Sipernat D10		3 g
(Synthetic
Amorphous
Silicon
Dioxide from
Degussa)
DAPRO U-99	1 g	1 g
(Interfacial
Tension
Modifier from
Elementis)
Z6040	1 g	1 g
(Silane from
Dow Corning)
SR 706	10 g	10 g
(Modified
Metallic
Diacrylate from
Sartomer)
Pre-Bake	None	None
Surface Cure	Good	Good
Cross Hatch	Good: 0%	Good: 0%
Adhesion: Initial	Coating Loss	Coating Loss
(CRS)
Flexibility	Good: 90° with	Good: 90° with no cracks but has
	no cracks but has	some signs of stress. Has good
	some signs of	adhesion at the bend, also looks
	stress. Has good	good at 180°
	adhesion at
	the bend, also
	looks good
	at 180°

[0047] Tables #1 and 2 demonstrate powder coat and film adhesive formulations. The powder coat formulations of Table 1 were prepared by heating the epoxy (or phenoxy) resin components to about 140 C in order to melt the solid epoxy and the epoxy components were mixed to form a homogenous mixture. The diacrylate was added and mixed into the molten epoxy mixture (or phenoxy mixture), and then the mixture was force cooled on a chilled plate. The cooled mixture was ground with a ball mill to form a powder having a mesh of about 200 mesh.

[0048] The film of Table 2 as prepared by combining and heating and cooling the mixtures as previously described in connection with the powder coat formulations of Table 1. The powder was then placed between release papers and converted into a film on a heated Carver Lab Press. A film of about 10 mils in thickness was produced. Thinner films can be obtained by applying greater pressure.

TABLE #1
Example Powder Coat Formulas
	Compound	Compound Description	Wt %	Supplier
Example 21	Epon 1002	Solid epoxy resin	90	Resolution
	SR 9016	Metallic diacrylate	10	Sartomer
Example 22	Epon 1007	Solid epoxy	60	Resolution
	Epon 828	Liquid epoxy	30	Resolution
	SR 9016	Metallic diacrylate	10	Sartomer
Example 23	Epon 1009	Solid epoxy	50	Resolution
	Epon 828	Liquid epoxy	40	Resolution
	SR 9016	Metallic diacrylate	10	Sartomer

[0049] Example 22 was repeated with the exception that the solid epoxy (Epon 1007) was replaced with phenoxy resin. Example 22 was also repeated using epoxy resin/alkanolamine polymer (Blox) to replace the solid epoxy resin (Epon 1007).

TABLE #2
Example Adhesive Film Formulations
		Compound
	Compound	Description	Wt %	Supplier
Example 24	Epon 1009	Solid epoxy	40	Resolution
	Epon 828	Liquid epoxy	40	Resolution
	TC 140	Ethylene methyl	10	ExxonMobile
		acrylate
	SR 9016	Metallic diacrylate	10	Sartomer
Example 25	Epon 1007	Solid epoxy	20	Resolution
	Epon 1002	Solid epoxy	20	Resolution
	Epon 828	Liquid epoxy	40	Resolution
	TC 140	Ethylene methyl	10	ExxonMobile
		acrylate
	SR 9016	Metallic diacrylate	10	Sartomer

[0050] This Example demonstrates using metallic acrylates for curing systems other than epoxy functional systems, and that the cure temperature can affect curing. The formulations listed below were mixed in a plastic cup by hand. Approximately 7-10 g of the blend was poured into a tin lid (≈50.15 mm diameter×≈7.5 mm height). The material was then cured at a designated temperature and time. Observations were made for signs of curing. Observations were also made for shrinkage.

Formulation	Example 26	Example 27	Example 28	Example 29
Chempol	10 g
211-3369
(High Solids
Polyester
from Cook
Composites
& Polymers)
Chempol		10 g
812-2218
(High Solids
Phenolic
Modified
Alkyd from
Cook
Composites
& Polymers)
Chempol			10 g
910-0453
(Water
Reducible
Epoxy Ester
from Cook
Composites
& Polymers)
Chempol				10 g
810-0089
(Water
Reducible
Chain
Stopped
Alkyd from
Cook
Composites
& Polymers)
SR 705	1 g	1 g	1 g	1 g
(Metallic
Diacrylate
from
Sartomer)
Cure	275 F./	275 F./	275 F./	275 F./
Observations	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins
	No Signs	No Signs	Partial Cure	Partial Cure
	of Cure	of Cure
Cure	350 F./	350 F./	350 F./	350 F./
Observations	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins
	Very Slight	Very Slight	Good Cure	Good Cure
	Cure	Cure	No	No Shrinkage
			Shrinkage	Noticed
			Noticed
Formulation	Example 30	Example 31	Example 32
Chempol 810-1537	10 g
(Acrylic Alkyd Copolymer
from Cook Composites &
Polymers)
Chempol 816-1200		10 g
(High Solids Epoxy Ester
Adduct from Cook
Composites
& Polymers)
Chempol 210-9889			10 g
(Water Reducible Polyester
from Cook Composites &
Polymers)
SR 705	1 g	1 g	1 g
(Metallic Diacrylate from
Sartomer)
Cure Observations	350 F./	350 F./	350 F./
	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins
	Partial to	Partial to	Very
	Good Cure	Good Cure	Slight Cure
	No	No
	Shrinkage	Shrinkage
	Noticed	Noticed

[0051] This example demonstrates making a composition comprising an intermediate product (e.g., the inventive curing agent as an intermediate product that can be combined with another composition in order to obtain a final composition). This Example also demonstrates that the physical characteristics of the intermediate product can be modified (e.g., the intermediate product can comprise a powder, paste, etc.). The intermediate product can be used for supplying the curing agent of the final composition.

[0052] Formulations A and B listed below were mixed in a Hobart model N50 mixer at slow speed. Epoxy resin was slowly added to the zinc diacrylate powder to avoid clumping. Formulation C listed below was mixed in a lab Baker Perkins mixer model 4AN2. A polymer carrier (ethylene methacrylate) was sheared and ZDA powder and epoxy resin were then slowly added to minimize clumping. Although these Formulations were prepared without external heating, an amount of heat (which is insufficient to significantly cure the epoxy) can be supplied.

Material	Description	Supplier	Amount Wt. %
Formulation A: Non dusting powder
EPON 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	10%
SR 9016	zinc diacrylate	Sartomer	90%
Formulation B: Paste intermediate
Epon 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	50%
SR 9016	zinc diacrylate	Sartomer	50%
Formulation C: Carrier intermediate
Epon 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	30%
TC 140	ethylene methacrylate	Exxon/Mobil	10%
SR 9016	zinc diacrylate	Sartomer	60%

[0053] This Example demonstrates using the intermediate Formulations of Example 33 to prepare adhesive compositions. The Adhesive Formulas listed below were blended in a Baker Perkins sigma blade mixer model 4AN2. Vamac Polymer was added and remaining ingredients were slowly added and mixed to obtain a homogeneous composition.

Material	Description	Supplier	Amount Wt. %
Adhesive Formula 1
Vamac G	ethylene acrylic polymer	Dupont	18%
Epon 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	40%
Formulation “C” - Example 33	20%
LD 80	metal powder	Pyron	22%
Adhesive Formula 2
Vamac G	ethylene acrylic polymer	DuPont	20%
Epon 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	40%
Formulation “B” - Example 33	20%
LD 80	metal powder	Pyron	20%
Adhesive Formula 3
Vamac G	ethylene acrylic polymer	Dupont	20%
Epon 828	epoxy resin	Resolution	50%
Formulation “A” - Example 33	12%
LD 80	metal powder	Pyron	18%

[0054] While the apparatus, compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred or illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the process described herein without departing from the concept and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of the invention and the appended claims.