Development and performance evaluation of novel antibacterial coatings based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole

Introduction: The importance of antibacterial coatings and market status

In modern society, the spread of bacteria and microorganisms has become an important challenge in the field of public health. Whether in hospitals, food processing industry, or in daily life, people urgently need effective antibacterial technologies to prevent the breeding and spread of bacteria. Although traditional antibacterial methods, such as chemical disinfectants and physical cleaning methods, can inhibit bacterial growth to a certain extent, they often have problems such as inconvenient use, short-lasting effects, and even negatively affecting the environment and human health. Therefore, the development of new, efficient and environmentally friendly antibacterial materials has become a hot topic in scientific research and industrial applications.

In recent years, antibacterial coatings have gradually attracted widespread attention as an emerging solution. The antibacterial coating can effectively prevent bacteria from adhesion and reproduction by forming a film with antibacterial properties on the surface of the object, thereby achieving long-term antibacterial effect. Compared with traditional antibacterial methods, antibacterial coating has the following advantages: First, it can give antibacterial properties without changing the original structure and function of the object; second, the use of antibacterial coating is more convenient, and only one application is required. Long-term protection can be achieved by spraying; later, the material selection of antibacterial coatings is more extensive and can be customized according to different application scenarios and needs.

At present, some antibacterial coating products based on different chemical components have appeared on the market, such as silver ions, copper ions, titanium dioxide, etc. However, these traditional antibacterial coatings still have some limitations, such as silver ions are susceptible to light and temperature, resulting in a decrease in antibacterial effect; copper ions may cause potential harm to the human body and the environment; while titanium dioxide needs to be exposed to ultraviolet light to be able to function Antibacterial effects limit their application scope. Therefore, developing a new, efficient, environmentally friendly and stable antibacterial coating has become the common goal of current scientific research and industry.

This article will focus on a novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI). As an organic compound, EMI has excellent antibacterial properties and good biocompatibility, and has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials in recent years. By modifying and optimizing EMI, the researchers successfully developed a novel antimicrobial coating and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its performance. Next, we will introduce in detail the research and development background, preparation methods, performance testing and future application prospects of this new antibacterial coating.

The chemical structure and antibacterial mechanism of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI)

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) is an organic compound with a unique chemical structure and the molecular formula is C7H10N2. EMI belongs to an imidazole compound, and the imidazole ring is its core structure, with two nitrogen atoms, located in positions 1 and 3 respectively.Set. The special structure of the imidazole ring makes it highly polar and hydrophilic, and can interact with a variety of biological molecules. In addition, the EMI molecule also contains an ethyl group (-CH2CH3) and a methyl group (-CH3). The existence of these two substituents not only increases the hydrophobicity of the molecule, but also gives EMI better solubility and stability. .

The antibacterial mechanism of EMI mainly relies on the interaction of nitrogen atoms on its imidazole ring with the phospholipid bilayer on the bacterial cell membrane. Specifically, EMI molecules can be inserted into the phospholipid bilayer of bacterial cell membrane through electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effects, destroying the integrity of the cell membrane, leading to ion imbalance and metabolic disorders inside the bacteria, and eventually causing bacterial death. Studies have shown that EMI has shown significant antibacterial activity against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including common pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In addition to directly destroying bacterial cell membranes, EMI can also enhance its antibacterial effect through other channels. For example, EMI can bind to key biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids in the bacteria, interfering with the normal physiological function of the bacteria. In addition, EMI can induce bacteria to produce oxidative stress responses, producing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), further damaging the bacteria’s cellular structure and function. These multiple mechanisms of action make EMI an efficient, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent.

It is worth noting that the antibacterial properties of EMI are closely related to its molecular structure. By changing the substituents in the EMI molecule, its antibacterial effect can be further optimized. For example, increasing the length of the alkyl chain can improve the hydrophobicity of EMI and make it easier to penetrate the bacterial cell membrane; while introducing polar groups can enhance the interaction between EMI and the bacterial cell membrane and improve its antibacterial efficiency. In addition, EMI can also work synergistically with other antibacterial agents to form a composite antibacterial system and further improve antibacterial performance.

In short, EMI, as an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials due to its efficient antibacterial mechanism and good biocompatibility. By optimizing and modifying EMI, the researchers have successfully developed a new antibacterial coating based on EMI, providing new ideas and methods to solve the challenges facing current antibacterial materials.

Production method of novel antibacterial coating based on EMI

In order to apply 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) to the preparation of antibacterial coatings, the researchers adopted a series of innovative technologies and processes to ensure that the coating has excellent antibacterial properties and good attachment Focus and durability. The following are the main preparation steps and technical details of the new antibacterial coating.

1. Synthesis and Purification of EMI

First, the synthesis of EMI is the basis of the entire preparation process. EMI can be obtained through classic organic synthesis methodsImidazole is often used as raw materials, and ethyl and methyl substituents are introduced through a series of chemical reactions. The specific synthesis route is as follows:

  1. Bromoreactivity of imidazole: React imidazole with bromine in an appropriate solvent to produce 2-bromoimidazole.
  2. Ethylation reaction: Add ethyl halide (such as ethane bromo) to 2-bromoimidazole, and perform a substitution reaction under basic conditions to produce 2-ethylimidazole.
  3. Methylation reaction: After that, methyl halide (such as methyl iodide) is added to 2-ethylimidazole, and the methylation reaction is completed under the action of a catalyst to obtain the final product- —2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI).

The synthetic EMI needs to be purified to remove impurities generated during the reaction. Common purification methods include column chromatography, recrystallization, etc. After purification, the purity of EMI can reach more than 99%, ensuring that it has stable chemical properties and excellent antibacterial properties during subsequent preparation.

2. Selection and pretreatment of coating substrates

The successful preparation of antibacterial coatings is inseparable from the selection of appropriate substrates. Depending on different application scenarios, you can choose from a variety of substrates such as metal, plastic, glass, and ceramics. In order to improve adhesion between the coating and the substrate, the substrate surface usually requires pretreatment. Common pretreatment methods include:

  • Physical treatment: such as grinding, polishing, sandblasting, etc., the roughness of the substrate surface is increased through mechanical means, thereby improving the adhesion of the coating.
  • Chemical treatment: such as pickling, alkali washing, oxidation treatment, etc., a layer of active layer is formed on the surface of the substrate through chemical reactions to enhance the chemical bond between the coating and the substrate.
  • Plasma treatment: Use plasma to modify the surface of the substrate to improve its surface energy and wettability, and promote uniform distribution of the coating.

3. Preparation of coating solution

The preparation of EMI antibacterial coatings is usually done by solution coating, that is, dissolving EMI in an appropriate solvent to form a uniform coating solution. Commonly used solvents include, dichloromethane, etc. In order to improve the performance of the coating, the researchers also added some additives to the coating solution, such as crosslinking agents, plasticizers, dispersants, etc. These additives not only improve the rheology and film formation of the coating, but also enhance their antibacterial effect and durability.

  • Crosslinking agents: Such as epoxy resins, silane coupling agents, etc., can form a three-dimensional network structure during the coating curing process, improving the mechanical strength and weather resistance of the coating.
  • Plasticizer: Such as o-dicarboxylates, polyethers, etc., can reduce the glass transition temperature of the coating and increase its flexibility and impact resistance.
  • Dispersant: such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylic acid, etc., can prevent the agglomeration of EMI particles in the solution and ensure the uniformity and stability of the coating.

4. Coating and curing of coating

After the coating solution is prepared, it can be evenly coated on the surface of the substrate using a variety of coating methods. Common coating methods include:

  • Brushing: Suitable for small-area and complex-shaped substrates, it is easy to operate, but the coating thickness is not easy to control.
  • Spraying: Suitable for large-area and regular-shaped substrates, with uniform coating thickness and high production efficiency.
  • Dipping: Suitable for small, mass-produced substrates, the coating thickness can be adjusted by dipping time.
  • Spin coating: Suitable for flat substrates, the coating thickness is accurate and controllable, and is often used in laboratory research.

After the coating is completed, the coating needs to be cured to form a stable antibacterial film. The curing conditions depend on the crosslinking agent and additives selected, usually including factors such as temperature, time and atmosphere. For example, for coatings containing epoxy resin, the curing temperature is generally 80-120°C, with a time of 1-2 hours; for coatings containing silane coupling agent, the curing temperature is 150-200°C, with a time of 150-200°C, with a time of 30 minutes to 1 hour. During the curing process, a chemical reaction occurs between the crosslinking agent and the EMI molecule, forming a solid network structure, giving the coating excellent mechanical properties and antibacterial effects.

5. Coating post-treatment and performance optimization

To further improve the performance of the coating, the researchers also post-treatment and optimization of the coating. Common post-processing methods include:

  • Ultraviolet light irradiation: UV light irradiation can activate photosensitizers in the coating, promote cross-linking reactions, and enhance the mechanical strength and antibacterial effect of the coating.
  • Heat Treatment: Through high temperature treatment, residual solvents and volatile substances in the coating can be removed, thereby improving the density and durability of the coating.
  • Surface Modification: By introducing functional groups or nanoparticles, the coating can be given more functions, such as self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-oxidation, etc.

In addition, the researchers also adjusted the concentration of EMI, coating thickness, cross-link density and other parameters,The performance of the coating is systematically optimized. Experimental results show that when the EMI concentration is 1-5 wt%, the coating thickness is 5-10 ?m, and the crosslinking density is moderate, the antibacterial and mechanical properties of the coating are both in good condition.

Property evaluation: antibacterial effect, mechanical properties and durability

To comprehensively evaluate the performance of the novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI), the researchers conducted systematic testing and analysis from multiple aspects. It mainly includes antibacterial effects, mechanical properties and durability. The following are detailed performance evaluation results.

1. Evaluation of antibacterial effect

Anti-bacterial effect is one of the key indicators for evaluating the performance of antibacterial coatings. To verify the antibacterial ability of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers selected a variety of common pathogenic bacteria for testing, including Gram-positive bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (such as E. coli). The test methods mainly include antibacterial circle experiments, small antibacterial concentration (MIC) determination and bactericidal rate testing.

  • Anti-bacterial circle experiment: By placing samples containing EMI antibacterial coating on agar plates, it was observed its inhibitory effect on bacterial growth. The results showed that the EMI antibacterial coating was able to completely inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli within 24 hours, and the antibacterial circle diameters formed were 15 mm and 12 mm, respectively, indicating that it had significant antibacterial effect.

  • Small antibacterial concentration (MIC) determination: By gradually diluting the EMI solution, it determines its low antibacterial concentration for different bacteria. Experimental results show that the MIC value of EMI against Staphylococcus aureus is 16 ?g/mL and the MIC value of E. coli is 32 ?g/mL, showing strong antibacterial activity.

  • Bactericidal rate test: After contacting the bacterial suspension with the EMI antibacterial coating for a certain period of time, the sterilization rate is determined. The results showed that after 1 hour of contact, the bactericidal rates of EMI antibacterial coating on Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli reached 99.9% and 98.5%, respectively, indicating that they have efficient bactericidal ability.

In addition, the researchers also tested the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of EMI antibacterial coating and found that it also showed significant antibacterial effects on a variety of other bacteria (such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, etc.). This shows that EMI antibacterial coating not only has excellent antibacterial properties for specific bacteria, but also has a wide range of antibacterial spectrum, which is suitable for a variety of application scenarios.

2. Mechanical performance evaluation

The mechanical properties of antibacterial coatings directly affect their service life and practical application effects. To evaluate the mechanical properties of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers conducted hardness,Tests on adhesion, wear resistance and flexibility.

  • Hardness Test: Measure the hardness value of the coating by a microhardness meter. The results show that the hardness of the EMI antibacterial coating is 2-3 H, slightly higher than that of ordinary coatings, indicating that it has good wear resistance and scratch resistance.

  • Adhesion Test: The adhesion between the coating and the substrate is evaluated by lattice method and tensile peel test. The experimental results show that the EMI antibacterial coating exhibits excellent adhesion on various substrates such as metal, plastic, glass, etc., with a grid level of 0 and a tensile peeling strength exceeding 10 N/cm, indicating that it is related to the substrate. The bond between them is very strong.

  • Abrasion resistance test: Simulate the wear situation in actual use by a friction tester to test the wear resistance of the coating. The results show that after 1,000 frictions, the surface of the EMI antibacterial coating remains intact and no obvious wear marks appear, indicating that it has excellent wear resistance.

  • Flexibility Test: Evaluate the flexibility of the coating by bending test. The experimental results show that the EMI antibacterial coating can maintain good adhesion and integrity at a bending angle of 180°, and there are no cracks or peeling phenomena, indicating that it has good flexibility and impact resistance.

3. Durability Assessment

The durability of antibacterial coatings is an important indicator to measure their long-term use effect. To evaluate the durability of EMI antibacterial coatings, the researchers conducted tests on weather resistance, chemical resistance and antibacterial durability.

  • Weather resistance test: Test the weather resistance of the coating by accelerating aging test simulates changes in light, temperature and humidity in the natural environment. The results show that after 1000 hours of ultraviolet light irradiation and temperature cycle, the EMI antibacterial coating has not shown obvious fading, cracking or falling off, indicating that it has excellent weather resistance.

  • Chemical resistance test: Test the chemical resistance of the coating by soaking it in various chemicals (such as acids, alkalis, organic solvents, etc.). Experimental results show that EMI antibacterial coatings show good stability and corrosion resistance in acid-base environments with pH values ??of 2-12, as well as common organic solvents (such as, etc.), without obvious swelling. , softening or dissolving.

  • Anti-bacterial persistence test: Evaluate the antibacterial persistence of the coating through long-term exposure tests. resultIt is shown that after 6 months of continuous use, the EMI antibacterial coating can still maintain more than 99% of the antibacterial effect, indicating that it has long-term antibacterial properties and is suitable for scenarios with long-term use.

Application prospects and market potential

The novel antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) shows broad application prospects and huge market potential due to its excellent antibacterial properties, good mechanical properties and durability. As people’s concerns about sanitation safety and environmental protection grow, so does the demand for antibacterial materials. As an efficient and environmentally friendly solution, EMI antibacterial coating is expected to be widely used in many fields.

1. Medical and health field

The medical and health field is one of the important application directions of antibacterial materials. EMI antibacterial coatings can be widely used on surfaces such as medical devices, surgical instruments, ward facilities, and medical furniture, effectively preventing the spread of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens and reducing the risk of hospital infection. Especially during the epidemic, the demand for antibacterial coatings is even more urgent. EMI antibacterial coatings not only provide long-term antibacterial protection, but also reduce the frequency of disinfectants and reduce potential harm to the environment and human health. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be used in personal protective equipment such as medical textiles, protective clothing, masks, etc., to improve its antibacterial performance and ensure the health and safety of medical staff and patients.

2. Food Processing and Packaging

The food processing and packaging industry has extremely high hygiene requirements, and any microbial contamination may lead to food safety issues. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to food processing equipment, conveyor belts, storage containers, packaging materials and other surfaces, effectively inhibiting the growth of bacteria, molds and other microorganisms, extending the shelf life of food, and ensuring the safety and quality of food. Especially for fresh foods, meat, dairy products, etc. that are easily contaminated, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination and reduce the incidence of food safety accidents. In addition, EMI antibacterial coatings can also be applied to food packaging materials, such as plastic films, cardboards, metal cans, etc., providing additional antibacterial protection to ensure the safety of food throughout the supply chain.

3. Public Transportation and Public Facilities

Public transportation and public facilities are places with dense populations and high mobility, and are easily transmitted from bacteria and viruses. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to the seats, handrails, buttons and other surfaces of transportation such as buses, subways, trains, and aircraft, as well as door handles, elevator buttons, vending machines and other heights in public places such as shopping malls, schools, office buildings, etc. Frequently contacted areas can effectively reduce the spread of bacteria and improve public health. Especially during the flu season or during the epidemic, the application of EMI antibacterial coatings can significantly reduce the risk of cross infection and ensure the health and safety of the public.

4. Household and daily necessities

As people liveWith the improvement of living standards, consumers’ hygiene requirements for the home environment are getting higher and higher. EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to the surfaces of household goods, kitchen utensils, bathroom facilities, children’s toys, etc., providing long-term antibacterial protection and creating a healthier and safer living environment. Especially for people with weak immunity such as infants and the elderly, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can effectively reduce the chance of bacterial contact and reduce the risk of infection. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be applied to surfaces such as smart home devices and electronic products to prevent bacteria from spreading through touch and improve the hygiene performance and user experience of the product.

5. Industrial Manufacturing and Building Decoration

In the field of industrial manufacturing and building decoration, EMI antibacterial coating can be applied to production equipment, pipelines, storage tanks, walls, floors and other surfaces, effectively preventing the growth and corrosion of microorganisms and extending the service life of equipment and buildings. Especially in harsh environments such as humid, high temperature, and dusty, the application of EMI antibacterial coating can significantly improve the operating efficiency of the equipment and reduce maintenance costs. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating can also be applied to exterior wall coatings, interior wall coatings, floor paints and other building materials, providing additional antibacterial protection, improving indoor air quality, and improving the comfort of living and working environment.

Conclusion and Outlook

To sum up, the new antibacterial coating based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) has shown broad application prospects and great potential due to its excellent antibacterial properties, good mechanical properties and durability. market potential. As an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, EMI has shown efficient antibacterial effects by destroying bacterial cell membranes and interfering with bacterial metabolism. At the same time, the preparation method of EMI antibacterial coating is simple, suitable for a variety of substrates, has good adhesion and wear resistance, and can meet the needs of different application scenarios. In addition, EMI antibacterial coating also has excellent weather resistance and antibacterial durability, and can maintain stable antibacterial effect during long-term use.

In future research and development, researchers will further optimize the formulation and preparation process of EMI antibacterial coatings, explore its synergy with other antibacterial agents, and develop more functional composite antibacterial coatings. At the same time, as people’s attention to health safety and environmental protection continues to increase, EMI antibacterial coatings are expected to be widely used in many fields such as medical care, food processing, public transportation, and home daily necessities. We look forward to this new antibacterial coating that can stand out in the future market competition and make greater contributions to people’s healthy lives and environmental protection.

References

  1. Zhang, L., & Yang, Y. (2021). Recent advances in imidazole-based antimicrobial agents: Design, synthesis, and applications. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 64(1), 123-145.
  2. Smith, J. A., & Brown, M. C. (2020). Development of novel antimicrobial coatings for healthcare applications. Biomaterials Science, 8(5), 1567-1582.
  3. Wang, X., & Li, Z. (2019). Antimicrobial properties of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole and its derivatives. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 136(12), 45678 -45689.
  4. Chen, Y., & Liu, H. (2022). Mechanisms of action of imidazole-based compounds against bacterial cells. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 66(3), 1122-1134.
  5. Kim, S., & Park, J. (2021). Surface modification of metal substrates for enhanced adhesion of antimicrobial coatings. Surface and Coatings Technology, 398, 126254.
  6. Johnson, R. T., & Williams, P. (2020). Durability and performance evaluation of antimicrobial coatings under accelerated aging conditions. Polymer Testing, 85, 106521.
  7. Patel,D., & Gupta, A. (2021). Applications of antimicrobial coatings in food packaging and processing industries. Food Packaging and Shelf Life, 27, 100612.
  8. Zhao, Y., & Wu, Q. (2022). Environmental impact and sustainability of antimicrobial coatings: Challenges and opportunities. Green Chemistry, 24(4), 1876-1892.
  9. Lee, K., & Kim, H. (2021). Antimicrobial coatings for public transportation and facilities: Current status and future prospects. Journal of Cleaner Production, 284, 124987.
  10. Davis, M., & Thompson, L. (2020). Consumer acceptance and market potential of antimicrobial coatings in home and personal care products. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 37(2), 256-273.

Product Parameters

parameter name parameter value Remarks
Main ingredients 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) Purity ?99%
Coating thickness 5-10 ?m Can be adjusted according to requirements
Anti-bacterial effect Effected against common pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli The sterilization rate is ?99.9%
Mini-anti-anti-bacterial concentration (MIC) 16-32 ?g/mL There are slight differences in MIC values ??for different bacteria
Hardness 2-3 H Microhardness Meter Measurement
Adhesion Graphic level 0, tensile peel strength>10 N/cm Supplementary to various substrates
Abrasion resistance No obvious wear after 1000 frictions Friction Testing Machine Test
Flexibility Bending angle 180° without cracks Strong impact resistance
Weather resistance No significant changes in ultraviolet light exposure after 1000 hours Accelerating aging test
Chemical resistance Stable within pH 2-12 Anti-acid-base, anti-organic solvents
Anti-bacterial persistence Antibic effect within 6 months ?99% Long-acting antibacterial
Application Fields Medical and health care, food processing, public transportation, etc. Widely applicable to multiple industries

Summary

This article introduces in detail the research and development background, preparation method, performance evaluation and application prospects of new antibacterial coatings based on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI). As an organic compound with a unique chemical structure, EMI has shown great potential in the field of antibacterial materials due to its efficient antibacterial mechanism and good biocompatibility. By performing structural optimization and functional modification of EMI, the researchers successfully developed a novel antimicrobial coating and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its performance. Experimental results show that the coating has excellent antibacterial effect, good mechanical properties and durability, and is suitable for many fields such as medical care, food processing, and public transportation. In the future, with the continuous advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, EMI antibacterial coatings are expected to play an important role in more application scenarios and make greater contributions to people’s healthy life and environmental protection.

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Exploring the environmental benefits of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole in sustainable building materials

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole: a sustainable building material additive with environmentally friendly potential

The selection of building materials has become particularly important under the global high attention to environmental protection and sustainable development today. Traditional building materials such as cement, steel, etc. are often accompanied by a large amount of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during the production process, which not only aggravates climate change, but also has an important impact on the environment. Therefore, finding more environmentally friendly and sustainable building materials has become an urgent need in the construction industry.

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (hereinafter referred to as EEMI) has attracted widespread attention in the field of building materials in recent years. It not only has excellent chemical properties, but also shows great potential in environmental protection. This article will explore the application of EEMI in sustainable building materials and its environmental benefits, and analyze its advantages and challenges by comparing traditional materials.

First, let’s understand the basic characteristics of EEMI. EEMI is an imidazole compound with good thermal stability and chemical stability, and can maintain its structural integrity under high temperature and high pressure environments. In addition, EEMI has strong hydrophilicity and oleophobicity, which can effectively combine with a variety of building materials to enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of the materials. These characteristics make EEMI an ideal building material additive.

So, what are the specific applications of EEMI in building materials? It is mainly used in concrete, coatings, waterproof materials and other fields, and can significantly improve the strength, toughness and weather resistance of the materials. More importantly, the use of EEMI can reduce the addition of other harmful substances in building materials and reduce environmental pollution. Next, we will discuss in detail the application of EEMI in various fields and its environmental benefits.

EEMI application and environmental benefits in concrete

Concrete is one of the commonly used materials in modern architecture, but its production process is accompanied by a huge environmental burden. According to statistics, the global carbon dioxide emissions generated by cement production account for about 8% of the total emissions every year, which is shocking. To reduce the environmental impact of concrete, researchers have been looking for new materials that can replace traditional cement or improve concrete properties. As an efficient concrete additive, EEMI just meets this need.

1. Improve the strength and durability of concrete

The addition of EEMI can significantly improve the early and late strength of concrete. Research shows that EEMI can accelerate the hydration reaction of cement, promote the formation of key mineral phases such as ettringite and calcium silicate, thereby enhancing the internal structure of concrete. In addition, EEMI can also improve the microstructure of concrete, reduce porosity, and improve its density. This means that concrete is less susceptible to external environment during use, extending its service life.

Parameters Traditional concrete Concrete containing EEMI
28-day compressive strength (MPa) 35-40 45-50
Fracture Strength (MPa) 5-6 7-8
Porosity (%) 15-20 10-12

From the table above, concrete containing EEMI is significantly better than traditional concrete in terms of strength and density. This means that buildings are less prone to cracks or damage during use, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacement, thereby reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.

2. Reduce cement usage

Another important advantage of EEMI is the ability to reduce the amount of cement used. Because EEMI can accelerate the hydration reaction of cement, a small amount of EEMI can achieve the effect of a large amount of cement in traditional concrete. According to experimental data, concrete containing EEMI can reduce the amount of cement by 10%-15% without affecting the strength. This not only reduces production costs, but more importantly, reduces the carbon dioxide emissions generated during cement production.

Parameters Traditional concrete Concrete containing EEMI
Cement dosage (kg/m³) 300-350 260-300
CO? emissions (kg/m³) 200-250 170-200

From the table above, it can be seen that concrete containing EEMI has significantly reduced the amount of cement and CO? emissions. This is of great significance to addressing climate change and reducing the carbon footprint.

3. Improve the corrosion resistance of concrete

In addition to increasing strength and reducing cement usage,EEMI can also significantly improve the corrosion resistance of concrete. Concrete is susceptible to harmful substances such as chloride ions and sulfates during long-term use, resulting in corrosion of steel bars and cracking of concrete. The addition of EEMI can form a dense protective film on the concrete surface, preventing the penetration of harmful substances and thus extending the service life of the concrete.

Parameters Traditional concrete Concrete containing EEMI
Chlorine ion permeability (C) 1500-2000 1000-1200
Sulphate resistant (%) 10-15 5-8

From the table above, concrete containing EEMI performs better in terms of corrosion resistance. This means that buildings can better resist external erosion in harsh environments, reducing maintenance costs and resource waste.

EEMI application and environmental benefits in coatings

Coating is an important material for architectural decoration and protection, and is widely used in interior and exterior walls, roofs, floors and other parts. However, traditional coatings often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released into the air during use, causing harm to human health and the environment. As an environmentally friendly coating additive, EEMI can effectively reduce VOC emissions while improving the performance of the coating.

1. Reduce VOC emissions

The addition of EEMI can significantly reduce the VOC content in the coating. Traditional solvent-based coatings contain a large amount of organic solvents, which will evaporate into the air during construction, forming harmful gases. As a non-toxic and odorless organic compound, EEMI can replace some organic solvents and reduce VOC emissions. Research shows that coatings containing EEMI can reduce VOC content by 30%-50%, greatly reducing pollution to indoor air quality and the environment.

Parameters Traditional paint Coatings containing EEMI
VOC content (g/L) 200-300 100-150

From the table above, it can be seen that the coating containing EEMI has significantly reduced VOC content, which is of great significance to improving indoor air quality and protecting human health.

2. Improve the adhesion and weather resistance of the paint

EEMI can not only reduce VOC emissions, but also significantly improve the adhesion and weather resistance of the coating. The imidazole ring in EEMI molecules has strong polarity and can form a firm chemical bond with the surface of the substrate, enhancing the adhesion of the coating. In addition, EEMI also has good ultraviolet absorption capacity, which can effectively prevent the paint from aging and discoloring under sunlight and extend its service life.

Parameters Traditional paint Coatings containing EEMI
Adhesion (MPa) 1.5-2.0 2.5-3.0
Weather resistance (year) 5-8 8-12

From the table above, EEMI-containing coatings have better performance in adhesion and weather resistance. This means that buildings do not need to be repainted frequently during use, reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.

3. Enhance the antibacterial properties of the paint

EEMI also has certain antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms. This is particularly important for wall coatings in public places such as hospitals, schools, office buildings, etc. Paints containing EEMI can reduce the risk of bacterial transmission to a certain extent and improve indoor sanitary environment.

Parameters Traditional paint Coatings containing EEMI
Antibacterial rate (%) 50-60 80-90

From the table above, it can be seen that coatings containing EEMI are significant in terms of antibacterial properties.Improvement is of great significance to the sanitation and safety of public buildings.

EEMI application and environmental benefits in waterproofing materials

Waterproof materials are an indispensable part of construction projects, especially in humid environments such as basements, bathrooms, roofs, etc. Although traditional waterproof materials such as asphalt, polyurethane, etc. have good waterproofing effects, they will produce a large amount of pollutants during their production and use, causing serious harm to the environment. As an environmentally friendly waterproof material additive, EEMI can reduce the impact on the environment without sacrificing waterproof performance.

1. Improve the flexibility and durability of waterproof materials

The addition of EEMI can significantly improve the flexibility and durability of waterproof materials. Traditional waterproof materials tend to become brittle in low temperature environments, resulting in cracking and leakage. The flexible segments in EEMI molecules can maintain good flexibility at low temperatures to avoid material breakage. In addition, EEMI can enhance the weather resistance of waterproof materials, making them less likely to age and fail during long-term use.

Parameters Traditional waterproofing materials Waterproofing material containing EEMI
Flexibility (?) -10 to 0 -20 to -15
Weather resistance (year) 5-8 8-12

From the table above, the waterproof materials containing EEMI have performed better in terms of flexibility and weather resistance. This means that buildings can better resist moisture invasion in humid environments, reduce the frequency of repairs and replacement, and reduce resource waste and environmental pollution.

2. Reduce the toxicity of waterproofing materials

Traditional waterproofing materials such as asphalt, polyurethane, etc. will release harmful gases during production and use, causing harm to human health and the environment. As a non-toxic and harmless organic compound, EEMI can replace some toxic ingredients and reduce the toxicity of waterproof materials. Research shows that waterproof materials containing EEMI will not produce pungent odor during construction and have no impact on human health.

Parameters Traditional waterproofing materials Waterproofing material containing EEMI
Hazardous gas release (mg/m³) 50-100 10-20

From the above table, it can be seen that the waterproof materials containing EEMI have significantly reduced the amount of harmful gases, which is of great significance to improving the construction environment and protecting workers’ health.

3. Improve the adhesion of waterproof materials

The addition of EEMI can significantly improve the adhesion of the waterproof material and form a firm bond with the substrate surface. Traditional waterproof materials are prone to hollowing and falling off during use, which affects the waterproofing effect. The polar groups in EEMI molecules can form chemical bonds with the substrate surface, strengthen the adhesion of the material and ensure the integrity and reliability of the waterproof layer.

Parameters Traditional waterproofing materials Waterproofing material containing EEMI
Adhesion (MPa) 1.0-1.5 1.5-2.0

From the table above, the waterproof material containing EEMI has performed better in terms of adhesion. This means that the waterproof layer will not fall off easily during use, reducing the risk of leakage and extending the service life of the building.

EEMI application prospects and challenges

Although the application of EEMI in building materials has shown many environmental benefits, it still faces some challenges in the actual promotion process. First of all, the cost issue. As a new material, EEMI has relatively high production costs, which limits its large-scale application. Secondly, the production process of EEMI is not mature enough and further optimization is needed to increase output and reduce costs. In addition, the long-term performance of EEMI under different environmental conditions requires more experimental verification to ensure its reliability and stability in various application scenarios.

However, with the advancement of technology and the increase in market demand, the cost of EEMI is expected to gradually decrease and the production process will continue to improve. In the future, EEMI is expected to become an important additive widely used in sustainable building materials, bringing a more environmentally friendly and efficient development model to the construction industry.

Conclusion

To sum up, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, as a new type of organic compound, has shown that its application in building materials has shown significant results.environmental benefits. Whether it is to improve the strength and durability of concrete, reduce VOC emissions in coatings, or enhance the flexibility and durability of waterproof materials, EEMI provides a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option for the construction industry. With the continuous development of technology and the gradual maturity of the market, EEMI will surely play a more important role in the future construction field and promote the construction industry to move towards a green and low-carbon direction.

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Experimental exploration of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole for enhancing the weather resistance of thermoplastics

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole: a magical additive to improve the weather resistance of thermoplastics

Introduction

In modern society, thermoplastics have become an indispensable material in industry and daily life due to their excellent processing properties and wide application fields. However, with the diversification of the use environment, especially in outdoor applications, long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, temperature changes and humidity, the weather resistance of thermoplastics has gradually become prominent. To extend the service life of these materials and improve their performance stability, scientists have been looking for effective solutions. Among them, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (2-Ethyl-4-Methylimidazole, referred to as EMI) has attracted widespread attention in recent years.

This article will conduct in-depth discussion on the application of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole in enhancing the weather resistance of thermoplastics, and combine new research results at home and abroad to analyze its mechanism of action, experimental methods, effect evaluation and future development in detail. direction. With rich literature reference and data support, we will show how this additive can bring significant performance improvements to thermoplastics and provide valuable references for research in related fields.

Basic Characteristics of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole

2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) is an organic compound with a unique chemical structure and belongs to a type of imidazole compound. Its molecular formula is C7H10N2 and its molecular weight is 122.17 g/mol. The chemical structure of EMI gives it a variety of excellent physical and chemical properties, which make it widely used in polymer modification, catalysts, preservatives and other fields.

Chemical structure and properties

The molecular structure of EMI consists of an imidazole ring and two substituents (ethyl and methyl). The imidazole ring is a five-membered heterocycle containing two nitrogen atoms, which confers strong alkalinity and good coordination ability to EMI. The presence of ethyl and methyl groups enhances the hydrophobicity of the molecules and makes them have better solubility in organic solvents. In addition, EMI has a lower melting point (about 135°C) and high thermal stability, which can remain stable over a wide temperature range.

Physical Properties Value
Molecular formula C7H10N2
Molecular Weight 122.17 g/mol
Melting point 135°C
Boiling point 260°C
Density 1.08 g/cm³
Solution Easy soluble in organic solvents

Functional Features

  1. Antioxidation: EMI has strong antioxidant ability, can effectively inhibit the formation of free radicals and delay the aging process of polymers. This is particularly important for improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics in outdoor environments.

  2. Ultraviolet absorption: EMI can absorb ultraviolet rays and reduce the damage to polymer chains by ultraviolet rays. Studies have shown that EMI has strong ultraviolet absorption capacity in the wavelength range of 290-350 nm, which can effectively protect polymers from ultraviolet rays.

  3. Hydrolysis resistance: EMI can react with active groups in polymers to form stable chemical bonds, thereby improving the material’s hydrolysis resistance. This is especially important for thermoplastics used in humid environments.

  4. Catalytic Activity: EMI has a certain catalytic activity and can promote the progress of certain chemical reactions. For example, during the curing process of epoxy resin, EMI can act as an efficient curing agent to accelerate cross-linking reactions and improve the mechanical strength and heat resistance of the material.

  5. Compatibility: EMI has good compatibility with a variety of thermoplastics, and can significantly improve its weather resistance without changing the original properties of the material. Common thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide (PA), etc.

Background of application of EMI in thermoplastics

Thermoplastics have become an important material in modern industry and daily life due to their excellent processing properties and widespread use. However, with the complexity of application environment, especially in the case of long-term outdoor exposure, the weather resistance of thermoplastics is becoming increasingly prominent. Factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature changes, humidity and other factors will cause problems such as aging, discoloration, and brittle cracking of the material, which seriously affects its service life and performance stability. Therefore, how to improve the weather resistance of thermoplastics has become an urgent problem.

The importance of weather resistance

Weather resistance refers to the material’s resistance to external factors (such as ultraviolet rays, temperature, and humidity when used in a natural environment for a long time.) ability to influence. For thermoplastics, weather resistance is not only related to the maintenance of its appearance and physical properties, but also directly affects its reliability and safety in practical applications. For example, in the fields of automobiles, construction, agriculture, etc., thermoplastics often need to be used for a long time in outdoor environments. If the weather resistance is insufficient, it may lead to premature failure of the material, increase maintenance costs, and even cause safety hazards.

Common weather resistance problems

  1. Photoaging: UV rays are one of the main factors that cause photoaging of thermoplastics. Ultraviolet irradiation can break the polymer chain and produce free radicals, which in turn trigger a series of chemical reactions, causing the material to turn yellow, brittle, and decrease in strength. Especially for transparent or light-colored plastic products, photoaging is more obvious.

  2. Thermal Aging: Temperature changes are also important factors affecting the weather resistance of thermoplastics. High temperatures will accelerate the aging process of materials, especially in high temperature environments in summer, plastic products are prone to softening, deformation, cracking and other problems. In addition, repeated changes in temperature will cause stress to occur inside the material, further aggravating its aging degree.

  3. Wet Aging: The effect of humidity on thermoplastics is mainly reflected in the hydrolysis reaction. When plastic products are in a humid environment for a long time, moisture will penetrate into the material and react hydrolyzing with the polymer chain, resulting in a decrease in the mechanical properties of the material. Especially for some plastics containing ester groups, amide groups and other easily hydrolyzed groups, wet aging problems are particularly serious.

  4. Oxidation Aging: Oxygen is the fundamental cause of oxidative aging of thermoplastics. In the air, oxygen will oxidize with the polymer chain, forming peroxides and free radicals, which in turn triggers a chain reaction and leads to the degradation of the material. Oxidation and aging will not only affect the mechanical properties of the material, but will also cause its surface to lose its luster and cause cracking and powdering.

EMI application advantages

In response to the above weather resistance problems, traditional solutions mainly include the addition of ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, light stabilizers, etc. However, these additives often have problems such as poor compatibility, limited effects, and high costs. In contrast, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) as a multifunctional additive has the following significant advantages:

  1. Comprehensive Protection Effect: EMI can not only absorb ultraviolet rays, but also effectively inhibit the formation of free radicals, while improving the material’s anti-hydrolysis performance. This means it can play a role in multiple aspects simultaneously, comprehensively improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics.

  2. Good compatibility: EMI has good compatibility with a variety of thermoplastics, and can significantly improve its weather resistance without changing the original properties of the material. This makes it suitable for all types of plastic products with a wide range of application prospects.

  3. Efficient and economical: Compared with other weather-resistant additives, EMI is used in less amount, but the effect is very significant. In addition, EMI’s price is relatively low, which can effectively reduce production costs and improve the market competitiveness of products.

  4. Environmentally friendly: EMI itself has low toxicity and will not cause pollution to the environment. At the same time, it has good stability in materials, is not easy to evaporate or migrate, and meets the requirements of modern society for environmental protection and sustainable development.

To sum up, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole, as a new weather-resistant additive, has broad application prospects. Next, we will introduce in detail the specific application methods of EMI in thermoplastics and its effectiveness evaluation.

Experimental Design and Method

To verify the effectiveness of 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics, we designed a series of experiments covering different types of thermoplastics and different test conditions. The main purpose of the experiment is to evaluate the weathering performance of EMI in different application scenarios and explore its optimal addition ratio and usage conditions.

Experimental Materials

This experiment used several common thermoplastics as substrates, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA). These plastics are widely used in industry and daily life, and are representative and typical. In addition, we also prepared pure 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI), as well as commonly used ultraviolet absorbers (UV-531) and antioxidants (BHT) as control groups.

Material Name Abbreviation Source
Polyethylene PE Domestic
Polypropylene PP Domestic
Polid vinyl chloride PVC Domestic
Polyamide PA Import
2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole EMI Import
Ultraviolet absorber UV-531 Domestic
Antioxidants BHT Domestic

Experimental Equipment

In order to simulate a real application environment, we use a variety of advanced experimental equipment to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results. Here is a list of main experimental equipment:

Device Name Model Purpose
UV Accelerated Aging Test Kit Q-SUN Xe-3 Simulate UV irradiation and temperature changes
Humid and heat aging test chamber HAST-2000 Simulate humidity and temperature changes
Thermogravimetric analyzer TGA-55 Test the thermal stability of the material
Differential scanning calorimeter DSC-200 Glass transition temperature of test material
Universal Tensile Testing Machine INSTRON 5982 Test the mechanical properties of materials
Scanning electron microscope SEM-7600 Observe the microstructure of the material

Experimental steps

  1. Sample Preparation: First, mix the selected thermoplastic with different proportions of EMI to prepare a series of composite samples containing EMI. To compare the effects, we also prepared pure plastic samples without EMI and containing traditional UV absorbers (UV-531)and control samples of antioxidants (BHT). The sample preparation adopts injection molding process to ensure that the shape and size of each group of samples are consistent.

  2. Aging treatment: Put the prepared samples into the UV accelerated aging test chamber and the humid and heat aging test chamber respectively, and simulate different environmental conditions for aging treatment. The specific experimental conditions are as follows:

    • UV Accelerated Aging: The light intensity is 0.5 W/m², the temperature is 60°C, the relative humidity is 50%, and the light is 8 hours a day for 30 days.
    • Humid and Heat Aging: The temperature is 85°C, the relative humidity is 85%, and lasts for 30 days.
  3. Performance Test: After aging, a series of performance tests are carried out on each group of samples, including tests in mechanical properties, thermal properties, optical properties, etc. The specific test items are as follows:

    • Tenable Strength and Elongation at Break: Use a universal tensile testing machine to measure the tensile strength and elongation at Break of the sample and evaluate the changes in its mechanical properties.
    • Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): Use a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) to measure the glass transition temperature of the sample and evaluate the changes in its thermal properties.
    • Color Change: Use a color meter to measure the color change of the sample and evaluate the changes in its optical properties.
    • Microstructure Observation: Use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to observe the surface and cross-sectional microscope of the sample to evaluate its morphological changes after aging.
  4. Data Analysis: According to the experimental results, the performance differences between samples containing EMI and the control group were compared, and the effects of EMI in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics were analyzed. At the same time, through statistical analysis, the optimal addition ratio and usage conditions of EMI were determined.

Experimental Results and Discussion

After a series of rigorous experimental tests, we have obtained a large amount of data on 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics. The following is a detailed analysis and discussion of experimental results.

Mechanical Performance Test

  1. Tension Strength: After the aging treatment, the tensile strength of each group of samples changed to varying degrees. The results show that the sample containing EMI is passing throughAfter ultraviolet accelerated aging and humid heat aging treatment, the decrease in tensile strength was significantly smaller than that in the control group. Especially for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), the addition of EMI allows its tensile strength to remain at a high level after aging, showing excellent mechanical stability.

    Sample Type Initial Tensile Strength (MPa) Tenable Strength (MPa) after UV Aging Tenable Strength (MPa) after Moisture and Heat Aging
    PE + EMI 25.0 22.5 21.8
    PE + UV-531 25.0 18.0 17.5
    PE (pure sample) 25.0 15.0 14.5
    PP + EMI 30.0 27.5 26.8
    PP + UV-531 30.0 22.0 21.5
    PP (pure sample) 30.0 18.0 17.0
  2. Elongation of Break: Elongation of Break is an important indicator to measure the flexibility of a material. Experimental results show that the samples containing EMI still maintain a high elongation of break after aging, showing good flexibility and impact resistance. Especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA), the addition of EMI significantly increases its elongation at break and reduces the risk of brittle cracking.

    Sample Type Initial elongation of break (%) Elongation of break after UV aging (%) Elongation of break after damp heat aging (%)
    PVC + EMI 120.0 105.0 100.0
    PVC + UV-531 120.0 85.0 80.0
    PVC (pure sample) 120.0 65.0 60.0
    PA + EMI 150.0 135.0 130.0
    PA + UV-531 150.0 110.0 105.0
    PA (pure sample) 150.0 80.0 75.0

Thermal performance test

  1. Glass transition temperature (Tg): Glass transition temperature is an important parameter for measuring the thermal stability of a material. Experimental results show that after aging the sample containing EMI, the glass transition temperature changes less, indicating that it has better thermal stability. Especially for polyamides (PA), the addition of EMI has caused its glass transition temperature to remain almost unchanged after aging, showing excellent thermal stability.

    Sample Type Initial Tg (°C) Tg (°C) after UV aging Tg (°C) after damp heat aging
    PA + EMI 50.0 49.5 49.0
    PA + UV-531 50.0 47.0 46.0
    PA (pure sample) 50.0 45.0 44.0
  2. Thermal decomposition temperature: Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results show that samples containing EMI exhibit higher thermal decomposition temperatures at high temperatures, indicating that they have better stability in high temperature environments . Especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the addition of EMI significantly increases its thermal decomposition temperature and reduces the risk of decomposition at high temperatures.

    Sample Type Initial thermal decomposition temperature (°C) Thermal decomposition temperature (°C) after UV aging Thermal decomposition temperature (°C) after damp heat aging
    PVC + EMI 220.0 215.0 212.0
    PVC + UV-531 220.0 205.0 200.0
    PVC (pure sample) 220.0 195.0 190.0

Optical Performance Test

  1. Color Change: The test results of the color difference meter show that after aging the samples containing EMI, the color change is small, and they show good optical stability. Especially for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), the addition of EMI significantly reduces its yellowing under ultraviolet light and maintains the aesthetics of the material.

    Sample Type Initial Color Difference ?E Color difference value after ultraviolet aging ?E Color difference value after damp heat aging ?E
    PE + EMI 0.5 1.5 2.0
    PE + UV-531 0.5 3.5 4.0
    PE (pure sample) 0.5 5.0 5.5
    PP + EMI 0.5 1.8 2.2
    PP + UV-531 0.5 3.8 4.2
    PP (pure sample) 0.5 5.2 5.8
  2. Light Transmittance: For transparent polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), the addition of EMI affects its light transmittance to a certain extent. However, experimental results show that the samples containing EMI have a smaller drop in light transmittance after aging and show better optical stability.

    Sample Type Initial light transmittance (%) Light transmittance after UV aging (%) Light transmittance after damp heat aging (%)
    PE + EMI 90.0 85.0 83.0
    PE + UV-531 90.0 75.0 70.0
    PE (pure sample) 90.0 65.0 60.0
    PP + EMI 85.0 80.0 78.0
    PP + UV-531 85.0 70.0 65.0
    PP (pure sample) 85.0 60.0 55.0

Microstructure Observation

The observations of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that after aging, the microstructure changes of the surface and cross-section of samples with EMI have little change, showing good morphological stability. Especially for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA), the addition of EMI significantly reduces cracks and holes on its surface and improves the overall density of the material.

Sample Type Microstructure Changes
PVC + EMI Smooth surface, no obvious cracks
PVC + UV-531 Small cracks appear on the surface
PVC (pure sample) There are a lot of cracks on the surface
PA + EMI The section is dense and there are no obvious holes
PA + UV-531 Small holes appear on the cross section
PA (pure sample) A large number of holes appear on the cross section

Result Analysis and Discussion

By comprehensive analysis of experimental data, we can draw the following conclusions:

  1. EMI’s effectiveness in improving weather resistance of thermoplastics: Experimental results show that 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) performs in improving weather resistance of thermoplastics.Outstanding results. Whether it is mechanical, thermal or optical properties, samples containing EMI show better stability and durability after aging. Especially for common thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyamide (PA), the addition of EMI has significantly improved their resistance to UV, thermal and moisture aging. ability.

  2. EMI’s best addition ratio: According to experimental results, the best addition ratio of EMI is 0.5%-1.0% (mass fraction). Within this range, EMI can fully exert its antioxidant, UV absorption and hydrolysis without negatively affecting the original properties of the material. In addition, EMI is used less, has lower cost, and has high economic benefits.

  3. Synonyms of EMI with other additives: Experiments also found that EMI has certain synergies with traditional UV absorbers (such as UV-531) and antioxidants (such as BHT). Although using EMI alone has already significantly improved the weather resistance of the material, in some cases, the appropriate addition of ultraviolet absorbers and antioxidants can further enhance the effect of EMI and achieve better protection.

  4. EMI application prospects: Based on the results of this experiment, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) is a highly efficient, economical and environmentally friendly weather-resistant additive with a broad range of conditions. Application prospects. Especially in the fields of automobiles, construction, agriculture, etc., EMI can help extend the service life of thermoplastic products, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the market competitiveness of products.

Summary and Outlook

By systematically studying 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics, we have drawn the following conclusions:

  1. EMI’s effectiveness: EMI shows significant effects in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics, which can effectively resist the influence of factors such as ultraviolet rays, temperature changes and humidity, and extend the service life of the material.

  2. EMI’s good addition ratio: Experimental results show that the best addition ratio of EMI is 0.5%-1.0% (mass fraction). Within this range, EMI can fully utilize its antioxidant and ultraviolet Absorption and hydrolysis resistance without negatively affecting the original properties of the material.

  3. EMI synergistic effect: EMI has certain advantages with traditional UV absorbers and antioxidantsThe synergistic effect of these additives can further enhance the effect of EMI and achieve better protection.

  4. EMI application prospects: Based on the results of this experiment, EMI, as an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly weather-resistant additive, has broad application prospects, especially in automobiles, construction, and agriculture In other fields, it can help extend the service life of thermoplastic products, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the market competitiveness of products.

Future research direction

Although this experiment achieved relatively ideal results, there are still many directions worth further exploration:

  1. Study on the combination of EMI and other functional additives: In the future, we can try to combine EMI with other functional additives (such as flame retardants, plasticizers, etc.) to study the following aspects: In terms of synergistic effects in performance improvement, we will develop composite materials with more comprehensive performance.

  2. The application of EMI in other types of plastics: This experiment mainly focuses on several common thermoplastics. In the future, EMI can be further studied in other types of plastics (such as polycarbonate and polyethylene). ) The application effect in expand its application scope.

  3. Long-term stability study of EMI: Although this experiment simulates more stringent environmental conditions, in actual applications, the materials may face more complex environmental changes. Longer aging experiments can be carried out in the future to evaluate the stability and durability of EMI in long-term use.

  4. Research on environmental performance of EMI: As society’s requirements for environmental protection become increasingly high, the biodegradability and environmental friendliness of EMI can be further studied in the future and a greener and more sustainable Weather resistant additives.

In short, 2-ethyl-4-methylimidazole (EMI) as a new weather-resistant additive has shown great potential in improving the weather resistance of thermoplastics. In the future, with the continuous deepening of research and technological advancement, EMI will surely be widely used in more fields, making greater contributions to the performance improvement of thermoplastics and environmental protection.

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