ABRASION RESISTANT COATED WIRE

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20080193637
  • Publication Number
    20080193637
  • Date Filed
    February 28, 2008
    17 years ago
  • Date Published
    August 14, 2008
    17 years ago
Abstract
A coated wire includes an electrical conductor having an abrasion resistant coating. The coating is comprised of an insulating resin with a phosphorus based catalyst. The cured coating demonstrates exceptional techrand scrape and repeated scrape resistance and improved resistance to thermoplastic flow. Unilateral scrape resistance can also be improved using a phosphorus catalyst.
Description
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to insulation coatings for electrical conductors; and, more particularly, to an abrasion resistant coating for such conductors.


Coated electrical conductors typically comprise one or more layers of electrical insulation formed around a conductive core. Magnet wire is one form of a coated electrical conductor in which the conductive core is a copper wire, and the insulation layer (or layers) comprise dielectric materials, such as polymeric resins. Magnet wire is used in the electromagnetic windings of transformers, electric motors, and the like. When used in such windings, friction and abrading forces are often encountered with the result that the insulation layer is susceptible to damage.


High voltage-surge failures are a concern of motor manufacturers. These failures have been associated with insulation damage resulting from modern, fast automatic winding and abusive coil insertion processes for motor stators. Coating a polyester insulated wire with an abrasion resistant polyamideimide and a wax is one way to minimize friction and reduce wire surface damage during a winding process. However, wires manufactured this way can experience surge failure rates on the order of 10,000-20,000 parts per million (1-2%). This is an unacceptability high failure rate. Therefore, a need exists for a wire coating that offers high resistance to the various damaging effects to wire coatings, including abrasion.


The use of phosphorus based catalysts in polyamideimide resin synthesis is known in the art. The process requires the use of stoichiometric amounts of triphenylphosphite (TPP), typically in combination with pyridine, to promote polymerization of aromatic diamines and trimellitic anhydride. Because of the expense involved with the use of such catalysts, this method has never been commercially viable.


TPP can be produced in-situ by the addition of a phenol- or a phenolic-like substance to an activated phosphorus compound. Such activated phosphorus compounds would include, for example, species such as phosphorus trichloride or phosphorus tribromide. TPP has been post-added in the extrusion of polyester and polyamide resins. In their article, High-Temperature Reactions of Hydroxyl and Carboxyl PET Chain End Groups in the Presence of Aromatic Phosphite, Aharoni, S. M. et al, Journal of Polymer Science: Part A, Polymer Chemistry Vol. 24, pp. 1281-1296 (1986), the authors added varying levels of TPP to polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and found an increase in molecular weight compared to a degradation in molecular weight without the catalyst. Similar findings were reported for polyamide resins such as nylon 6,6.


TPP has typically been used in combination with a base such as pyridine. However, it has also been reported that other bases could be used including imidazole to increase the rate of reaction. TPP in combination with salts such as lithium chloride have also been reported in the literature.


BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, an electrical conductor is provided with a coating having an abrasion resistant coating system.


In a first embodiment of the invention, the coating includes a phosphorus catalyst dissolved in an insulating resin solution. The phosphorus catalyst can include diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulfide, alkyldiarylphosphites, dialkylarylphosphites and combinations thereof. The phosphorous catalyst is post-added to the resin in about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the resin, and more preferably, about 0.25% to about 2% by weight of the resin.


In a second embodiment, the coating includes an inorganic or organic particulate material and/or wax dispersed in polyamideimide (PAI). The particulate materials that are used include inorganic particles such as alumina, titanium dioxide, silica, boron nitride, or organic particles such as PTFE. Waxes include polyethylene, carnuba, bees wax, as well as other waxes known in the industry. The polyamideimide can be a monolithic coating, or dual coats with another electrical insulation resin being used.


In another embodiment, the coating includes a THEIC (trishydroxyethylisocyanuric) polyesterimide coating or a THEIC polyester coating. The polyesterimide or polyester can be a monolithic coating, or dual coats with another electrical insulation resin being used. In a dual coat application, a base coat is applied over the conductive core of the wire, and an outer coat is applied over the base coat. The base coat can be, for example, a polyester resin, such as a THEIC polyester resin. The outer coat can be a polyamideimide resin cross-linked by a phosphorous catalyst which was post-added to the resin.


In yet another embodiment, the coating includes a polyimide coating which can be a monolithic coating, or dual coats with another electrical insulation resin again being used.


In a further embodiment, the coating can include a heterocyclic base which is added to the resin along with the phosphorous catalyst. The heterocyclic base can include pyridine, pyridine, imidazole, lutidine, picoline, and combinations thereof. The heterocyclic base can be post-added to the resin in an amount of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the resin, and more preferably in an amount of about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the resin. The heterocyclic base is added to the resin in a ratio of about 1:1 with the phosphorous-based catalyst. The addition of the heterocyclic base to the resin along with the phosphorous catalyst increases the adhesion of the coating as measured using STP (slit-twist-peel) tests as compared to coatings which are cross-linked by a phosphorous catalyst but which do not include the heterocyclic base.


All of the above embodiments may be used as an enamel topcoat or second coating over an insulation coat for the conductor.


Other advantages of the invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIGS. 1-3 are graphs showing the results of the repeated scrape, thermoplastic flow (cut through) and techrand scrape tests for varying amounts of triphenylphosphite (TPP) added to polyamideimide (PAI) coatings, polyesterimide (PEI) coatings or polyester (PES) coatings;



FIGS. 4-7 are graphs showing the results of the unilateral scrape, repeated scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow (cut through) tests for a coating comprising a top coat and a bottom or base coat in which varying amounts of triphenylphosphite was added to the top and base coats;



FIGS. 8-10 are graphs showing the results of the repeated scrape, thermoplastic flow (cut through) and techrand tests for varying amounts of diphenylphosphite (DPP) added to polyamideimide coatings;



FIGS. 11 and 12 demonstrate the increase in glass transition temperature of the resin due to the post-addition of TPP to the resin; and



FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a coated wire.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what we presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. As various changes could be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.


The present invention relates to an electrical conductor having an insulation coating; and more particularly, to an electrical conductor having an abrasion resistant coat system. An abrasion resistant coated magnet wire W (FIG. 13) comprises a coating C formed about or around a conductive core which is, for example, a copper or aluminum wire. The coating C can comprise a base layer B applied to the wire W and a top layer T applied over the base layer B. It will be appreciated, however, that the core may be formed from any suitable ductile conductive material. By way of further example, the core may be formed from copper clad aluminum, silver plated copper, nickel plated copper, aluminum alloy 1350, and combinations of these materials, or other conductive materials.


The coating or enamel C is electrically insulative and flexible and is formed from a polyamideimide (PAI), polyesteramideimide, polyesterimide (PEI), polyester (PES) or polyimide binder cross-linked by a phosphite catalyst which is post-added to the resin. The phosphite catalyst is post-added to the resin in the range of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the resin. The phosphite catalyst can be an aryl-, arylalkyl- or alkyl-phosphorus based catalyst. Arylphosphites, such as a diaryl- or triaryl-phosphite, work well. Phosphines, such as triphenylphosphine and triphenylphosphine sulfide also work. Alkyldiarylphosphites and dialkylarylphosphites should also work.


A heterocyclic base can also be post-added to the resin along with the phosphite catalyst. The addition of the heterocyclic base has been found to improve the coating's resistance to delamination (i.e., have better adhesion) as compared to the coating to which the phosphite catalyst (but not the base) has been added. The heterocyclic base can be post-added to the resin in the range of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the resin. The base can be picoline, lutidine or other alkylpyridine structures or heterocyclic structures such as imidizole.


Because of its electrically insulative properties, the coating helps insulate the core as it carries electrical current during use. Because of its flexibility characteristics, the coating is resistant to cracking and/or delaminating, as well as being impact and scrape resistant. The coating substantially improves the wire's toughness so that when it is wound into the windings of an electrodynamic machine (i.e., a motor, generator or the like), the coated wire will not be damaged.


The coating can be applied peripherally about the conductive core in a variety of ways. For example, the coating can be formed from a prefabricated film that is wound around the conductor. Or, the coating can be applied using extrusion coating techniques such as are well-known in the art. Alternatively, the coating can be formed from one or more fluid thermoplastic or thermosetting polymeric resins which are applied to the conductor and dried and/or cured using one or more suitable curing and/or drying techniques such as chemical, radiation, or thermal treatments; such curing and/or drying techniques being known in the art.


Working Examples and Comparison Tests: Phosphite Catalyst


The following working examples were made using 18 gauge control wires with different coating compositions, as noted below, applied to each wire. For example, control wire I comprised a polyamideimide coating; control wire II comprised a polyamideimide coating with alumina particles; and control wire III comprised a polyamideimide coating with polyethylene wax. A phosphorus based catalyst was added in varying percentages (by weight) to the coating composition of each control wire. The wires were tested via a repeated scrape test, a techrand scrape test, and a thermoplastic (cut through) flow test, and the results were compared to each test wire's respective control wire.


The repeated scrape test is a widely recognized and widely used measure of abrasion resistance for wire coatings. The test consists of a test wire suspended adjacent a pendulum having a needle attached at the distal end thereof. As the pendulum swings, the needle scrapes against the wire's outer coating. A defined load is exerted on the pendulum to provide a controlled force scraping the needle against the wire. For the working examples described herein, control and test wires were tested under a 700-gram load pendulum scraper for an 18 gauge (1 mm diameter) copper wire. The number of strokes (Repeated Scrapes) it took to wear through the coatings is recorded in the Tables below, and is shown in the graphs of FIGS. 1, 5, and 8. The greater number of strokes required before failure indicates a wire having a greater abrasion resistance compare to a wire where failure occurs with a fewer number of strokes.


A techrand scrape (windability) test also was performed on the wires. This test determines both scrape abrasion and elongation resistance of a magnet wire's insulation. The techrand test involves winding one turn of a magnet wire on a mandrel. The mandrel is then driven (stroked) to travel in the longitudinal direction of the magnet wire, with a tension applied to the wire. A voltage of 1,500 volts was applied between the magnet wire and the mandrel and the number of strokes on the wire until three (3) or more faults occur was counted. This data is recorded in the Tables in the “Techrand” column and is shown in the graphs of FIGS. 3, 6 and 10.


A thermoplastic flow, or cut through test was also performed. This test determines the capacity of the magnet wire's insulation to resist thermoplastic flow (softening) of the wire under the influence of temperature, load (pressure), and time. The specimen's test voltage was set at 110 volts AC, the test temperature's rate of rise was set at 5° C. per minute, and the loading was 975 g. Data from this test is recorded in the Tables in the “Cut Thru” column, and is shown in the graphs of FIGS. 2, 7 and 9.


PAI resins, whether synthesized by the trimellitic acid chloride, diisocyanate or TPP (catalyst) route, are all thermoplastic materials with a glass transition (Tg) of 270-280° C. (518-536° F.) for TMA-Methylenediphenylamine (MDA). Only with post resin synthesis addition of TPP can one change the Tg to 350° C. (662° F.) or higher. The thermographs (DSC) set in FIGS. 11 and 12 demonstrate the impact of TPP on Tg. A comparison to the control resin is shown for three heating cycles on the same sample. The top line is the initial heat in which the PAI resin is further cured and residual solvent is released. Both the control and TPP sample look the same. The middle line is the second heat cycle. In the control sample a noticeable Tg is observed around 270-280° C. (518-536° F.). In the TPP post-addition sample the Tg is observed around 340-350° C. (644-662° F.), about a 25% increase in Tg. The third heat cycle is shown on the bottom and again the control sample has a Tg of 270-280° C. Meanwhile the Tg for the TPP sample is >360-370° C. (680-698° F.), or about a 33% increase in Tg. The above thermal data suggests that significant catalyzed cross-linking is taking place giving a true thermosetting material. The thermal data is identical whether using a PAI resin synthesized by the trimellitic acid chloride, diisocyanate or TPP (catalyst) route and the impact of TPP post-addition is also the same. This increased cross-linking of the resin (which is due to the point in the process in which the catalyst is added) gives remarkable increases to the properties of the resin.


Seven control wires, identified as Control Wires I-VII, were made as follows:


Control Wire I


A polyamideimide resin made from trimellitic anhydride (TMA) and methylenephenyldiisocyanate (MDI) was prepared according to procedures published, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,541,038 which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 35% solids with a viscosity of about 800 cps at about 25° C. (about 77° F.). The solvent system was about 70:30 mixture of N-methylpyrrolidone and aromatic hydrocarbons.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire which was precoated with four passes of a polyester basecoat at a speed of about 30-40 feet per minute (fpm) in an oven having temperatures of between about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.8-3.3 mil in thickness with the polyamideimide topcoat being approximately 0.7-0.9 mil in thickness.


Control Wire II


Control Wire II was made identically to the way Control Wire I was made, except for the addition of about 3% (solids/solids) alumina powder into the polyamideimide coating. The typical size of the alumina powder was in the range of about 0.05-1 microns.


Control Wire III


Control Wire III was also made identically to the way Control Wire I was made, except for the addition of about 1% (solids/solids) polyethylene wax into the polyamideimide coating. The typical size of polyethylene wax was in the range of about 1-5 microns. The melting point of polyethylene wax used in making Control Wire III was approximately 120° C. (248° F.).


Control Wire IV


Control Wire IV was made identically to the way Control Wire I was made, except for the addition of about 1% (solids/solids) natural wax into the polyamideimide coating.


Control Wire V


A polyesterimide resin made from trimellitic anhydride (TMA), methylenephenyldiamine (MDA), trishydroxyethylisocyanuric acid (THEIC), terephthalic acid, and ethylene glycol was prepared according to procedures published, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,098, which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 45% solids with a viscosity of 4000 cps at 25° C. (77° F.). The solvent system was approximately a 65:35 mixture of cresylic acid and aromatic hydrocarbons. The resin solution was catalyzed with tetrabutyltitanate in accordance with the published literature (including patents) for magnet wire, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,426,098 referred to above.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire in six passes at a speed of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having temperatures of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.8-3.3 mil thick.


Control Wire VI


A THEIC polyester resin made from terephthalic acid (TA), trishydroxyethylisocyanuric acid (THEIC), and ethylene glycol was prepared in accordance with procedures published, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,780 which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 36% solids with a viscosity of about 700 cps at 25° C. (77° F.). The solvent system was approximately a 65:35 mixture of cresylic acid and aromatic hydrocarbons. The resin solution was catalyzed with tetrabutyltitanate in accordance with the published literature (including patents) for magnet wire, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,780 referred to above.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire in four passes at a speed of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having temperatures of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.4-2.6 mil thick. The wire was then topcoated with two passes of the Polyamideimide resin made for Control Wire I to a thickness of about 0.4-0.7 mil. Hence, Control Wire VI comprised a base coat of the THEIC polyester resin and a top coat of the noted polyamideimide resin.


Control Wire VII


A polyimide resin made from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) was prepared according to published procedures such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,008 which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 15% solids with a viscosity of about 5500 cps at about 25° C. (about 77° F.). The solvent system was N-methylpyrrolidone.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire at a speed of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having temperatures of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.2-2.3 mil thick.


The Control Wires are summarized in the Table I below:











TABLE I





Control




Wire
Base Coat
Top Coat







I
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin


II
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin with 3%




(solids/solids) alumina powder


III
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin with 1%




(solids/solids) polyethylene wax


IV
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin with 1%




(solids/solids) natural wax


V
THEIC polyesterimide resin



VI
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin


VII
polyimide resin










Working Examples: Triphenylphosphite (TPP)


Varying amounts of triphenylphosphite (TPP) including 0.1% or 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% by weight were added to each control coating. Each control wire with triphenylphosphite was then tested and compared to each control wire with no triphenylphosphite to determine effects on abrasion resistance and thermoplastic flow (cut-through). The following illustratively describes how the varying amounts of triphenylphosphite were added to the coating of each wire.


The resultant coating made for Control Wires I-IV was applied to 18 AWG copper wires. Each copper wire was pre-coated with four passes of a polyester basecoat at a speed of about 28-65 fpm in an oven having a temperature profile of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). Results were achieved with cure speeds of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having a temperature of about 425° C. (about 797° F.). Wall-to-wall build, or thickness, of the coated wire was controlled to be within about 3.5 mils, and preferably within about 3.0-3.3 mils. The build ratio of topcoat to basecoat was controlled to be within about 15%-25% to about 75%-85%.


Control Wires I-IV, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite, were subjected to the repeated scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow tests. Their results are shown in Table II below. In each instance, the number of repeated and techrand scrapes increased dramatically as compared to the control as the amount of triphenylphosphite (TPP) in the coating was increased. This indicates that the triphenylphosphite catalyst increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. Thermoplastic flow (cut through) also rises between 5-23° C. for the samples with TPP as compared to the control. Improved cut through is a desirable property for high thermal endurance wires. Flex and dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed.


Control Wires V and VI, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite, were also subjected to the repeated scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow tests. Their results are shown in Table II. As before, compared to the control sample, the number of repeated scrapes increased dramatically as triphenylphosphite was added. Again this indicates that a triphenylphosphite catalyst increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. In these tests, cut through rose about 15° C.-25° C. for the sample with TPP compared to the control. Flex and dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed.


Control Wire VII, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite, were also subjected to the repeated scrape and techrand scrape tests, but not the thermoplastic flow tests. Their results are shown in Table III. As before, compared to the control sample, the number of repeated scrapes increased dramatically as triphenylphosphite was added. Again this indicates that phosphite catalysts, and in particular, a triphenylphosphite catalyst increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. Flex and dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed. Cut Through was not possible to measure with our equipment due to the high values achieved.












TABLE II









Flex



















0%
20%
% to
man at

Repeated
Cut

COF
Tan



















Catalyst
Additive
snap
snap
break
break
DE
Scrape
Thru
Techrand
Static
Dynamic
Delta






















PAI
dual coat













Control I

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
12.3
93
375
21


0.5% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
12.6
175
392
24


146/228


  1% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
39%
OK 2X
13.9
818
383
23
0.14
0.11
150/233


PAI
dual coat


Control II
3%
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
11.3
262
381
21
0.09
0.12
158/238



alumina


0.1% TPP
3%
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
11.8
272
383
24
0.11
0.12
158/237



alumina


0.5% TPP
3%
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
11.8
174
389
23
0.13
0.14
154/237



alumina


  1% TPP
3%
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
11.1
330
390
23
0.12
0.10
154/236



alumina


  2% TPP
3%
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
11.8
300
381
22
0.11
0.12
154/237



alumina


PAI
dual coat


Control III
1% PE
OK 1X
OK 1X
36%
OK 1X
9.7
211
383
23
0.07
0.09
154/233



wax


0.1% TPP
1% PE
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
10.7
249
382
22
0.07
0.10
160/234



wax


0.5% TPP
1% PE
OK 1X
OK 1X
36%
OK 3X
9.3
175
385
20
0.08
0.10
153/236



wax


  1% TPP
1% PE
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
8.6
160
389
23
0.07
0.10
153/232



wax


  2% TPP
1% PE
OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
9.2
199
385
24
0.07
0.11
152/231



wax


PAI
dual coat


Control IV
1% wax
OK 1X
OK 1X
39%
OK 1X
12.3
158
367
21
0.09
0.10
157/240


0.2% TPP
1% wax
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
11.0
282
387
23
0.09
0.10
158/237


0.5% TPP
1% wax
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 1X
11.3
197
387
25
0.09
0.09
163/245


  1% TPP
1% wax
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 1X
12.1
232
388
25
0.09
0.10
162/243


  2% TPP
1% wax
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
11.2
161
393
25
0.09
0.11
161/245


PEI
monolithic


Control V

OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
8.5
28
356
20
HS
HS 90%
185/257












90%


0.2% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 1X
8.6
93
368
16
HS
HS 80%
185/259












70%


0.5% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
10.0
104
370
17
HS
HS
187/256












100%
100%


  1% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
9.7
142
371
18
HS
HS
183/257












90%
100%


  2% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
8.0
36
359
17
HS
HS
185/266












90%
100%


PES(base)
Dual Coat


Control VI

OK 1X
OK 1X
35%
OK 1X
11.1
188
374
26


153/228


0.2% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
33%
OK 1X
10.3
115
390
23


147/229


0.5% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
11.4
284
387
20


151/233


  1% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
11.4
485
393
25


152/232


  2% TPP

OK 1X
OK 1X
36%
OK 1X
9.3
65
380
18


146/233



















TABLE III









Flex



















0%
20%
% to
man at

Repeated
Cut

COF
Tan


















Catalyst
snap
snap
break
break
DE
Scrape
Through
Techrand
Static
Dynamic
Delta





















Control
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
10.8
34
377
20
0.09
0.16
159/242


0.1% DPP
OK 1X
OK 1X
39%
OK 2X
11.6
217
383
18
0.09
0.17
161/245


0.5% DPP
OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
11.6
317
385
17
0.09
0.18
162/245


  1% DPP
OK 1X
OK 1X
39%
OK 2X
10.8
359
381
18
0.10
0.14
162/244


  2% DPP
OK 1X
OK 1X
39%
OK 2X
10.9
588
387
19
0.10
0.16
162/250



OK 1X
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
9.7
210
377
21


159/239









The effect of a phosphorus catalyst in the basecoat and topcoat was also examined. This data is summarized in Tables IVA-B below. Compared to the control sample, the number of repeated scrapes increased dramatically as triphenylphosphite was added, further indicating that triphenylphosphite catalyst increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. The cut through (thermoplastic flow) rose about 15-25° C. for the sample with TPP compared to the control. A modest improvement in techrand windability was also observed. Flex and dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed.


Further, the addition of the catalyst in the topcoat and basecoat improved the unilateral scrape resistance. The unilateral scrape resistance test determines the scrape abrasion resistance of magnet wire insulation. In performance of the test, a scrape head applies an increasing load to the magnet wire's insulation until a fault occurs. Scrape head speed is set at 16 inches per minute, and the wire sample is rotated through 0°, 120° and 240° after each test, thereby allowing 3 scrape tests per sample.













TABLE IVA









TPP
Flex




















TPP
Top-
TPP

top coat/
0%
20%
% to
man/
Dielectric



Basecoat
Catalyst
coat
Catalyst
WLR
base coat
snap
snap
break
break
Breakdown
Repeated Scrape

























Polyester
0.0%
PAI
0.0%
74737
0.0/0.0
OK
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
10.6
9.4
9.6
19
20
38








1X


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
0.0%
74906
0.5/0.0
OK
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
11.3
13.5
9.3
282
536
35








1X


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
0.0%
74907
1.0/0.0
OK
OK 1X
37%
OK 1X
11.8
9.8
12.6
413
892
151








1X


Polyester
0.0%
PAI
0.5%
74702
0.0/0.5
OK
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
12.8
13.0
12.1








1X


Polyester
0.0%
PAI
1.0%
74703
0.0/1.0
OK
OK 1X
39%
OK 2X
14.5
13.2
13.9
867
786
800








1X


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
0.5%
74968
0.5/0.5
OK
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
10.4
11.0
9.6
640
240
610








1X


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
1.0%
74969
0.5/1.0
OK
OK 1X
40%
OK 2X
11.5
12.0
12.2
364
783
430








1X


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
0.5%
74970
1.0/0.5
OK
OK 1X
37%
OK 2X
14.0
13.0
12.7
323
492
437








1X


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
1.0%
74971
1.0/1.0
OK
OK 1X
38%
OK 2X
11.4
10.9
11.6
397
460
289








1X




















TABLE IVB









Ave.

COF


















TPP
Top-
TPP

Unilateral
Cut

Ave.

Tan


Basecoat
Catalyst
coat
Catalyst
Unilateral Scrape
Scrape
Thru
Techrand
Techrand
Dynamic
Delta
























Polyester
0.0%
PAI
0.0%
1650
1600
1500
1583
374
20
21
23
21
0.13
159/245


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
0.0%
1150
1600
1700
1483
387
22
21
17
20

151/233


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
0.0%
1800
1550
1200
1517
393
27
23
26
25

152/232


Polyester
0.0%
PAI
0.5%
1950
2000
1750
1900
392
24
23
24
24

146/228


Polyester
0.0%
PAI
1.0%
1950
2000
1950
1967
383
24
23
23
23
0.11
150/233


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
0.5%
1850
2000
1800
1883
393
23
25
23
24
0.10
140/227


Polyester
0.5%
PAI
1.0%
1850
1800
1750
1800
396
26
23
22
24
0.09
157/245


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
0.5%
1850
1650
1750
1750
395
24
23
20
22
0.07
155/240


Polyester
1.0%
PAI
1.0%
1800
1800
1250
1617
391
20
26
26
24
0.07
150/245









Working Examples: Diphenylphosphite


Varying amounts of diphenylphosphite including 0.2%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% by weight were added to the control coating of Polyamideimide. The resultant control wire with diphenylphosphite was then tested and compared to the control wire with no diphenylphosphite to determine effects on abrasion resistance. The following describes how the varying amounts of diphenylphosphite were added to the coating of each wire.


The resultant coating was applied to separate 18 AWG copper wires, each of which was pre-coated with four passes of polyester basecoat, at a speed of about 28-65 fpm in an oven having a temperature profile of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). Results were achieved with cure speeds of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having a temperature of about 425° C. (about 797° F.). The wall-to-wall build or thickness of the coated wire was controlled to be within about 3.5 mils, and preferably within about 3.0-3.3 mils. The build ratio of topcoat to basecoat was controlled to be within about 15%-25% to about 75%-85%.


Control Wire VIII and the test wires of each percentage of diphenylphosphite were subjected to repeated scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow tests. The test results are shown in Table V and illustrated in the graphs of FIGS. 8-10. Compared to the control sample, the number of repeated scrapes increased dramatically as diphenylphosphite was added. This indicates that a diphenylphosphite catalyst increases abrasion resistance of the coating. The cut through rose about 5-10° C. for the sample with DPP compared to the control.












TABLE V









Flex






















man









0%
20%
% to
at

Repeated
Cut

COF
Tan


















Catalyst
snap
snap
break
break
DE
Scrape
Through
Techrand
Static
Dynamic
Delta





















Control
OK
OK
38%
OK 2X
10.8
34
377
20
0.09
0.16
159/242



1X
1X


0.1%
OK
OK
39%
OK 2X
11.6
217
383
18
0.09
0.17
161/245


DPP
1X
1X


0.5%
OK
OK
38%
OK 2X
11.6
317
385
17
0.09
0.18
162/245


DPP
1X
1X


1% DPP
OK
OK
39%
OK 2X
10.8
359
381
18
0.10
0.14
162/244



1X
1X


2% DPP
OK
OK
39%
OK 2X
10.9
588
387
19
0.10
0.16
162/250



1X
1X



OK
OK
38%
OK 2X
9.7
210
377
21


159/239



1X
1X









The foregoing shows that triphenylphosphite (TPP) and diphenylphosphite (DPP) catalysts increase the abrasion resistance of the polyamideimide coating. It is believed that any other phosphite catalyst would similarly enhance the abrasion resistance of the polyamideimide coating.


Working Examples And Comparison Tests: Phosphite Catalyst+Heterocyclic Base


The following working examples were made using 18 gauge control wires with different coating compositions, as noted below, applied to each wire. For example, control wire VIII comprised a polyamideimide coating; control wire IX comprised a THEIC polyester coating; and control wire X comprised a polyesterimide coating. A phosphorus based catalyst and heterocyclic base was added in varying percentages (by weight) to the coating composition of each control wire. The weight of phosphorus based catalyst and heterocyclic base were equal in all examples. However, it is not necessary that the weights be equal. Excess base can be utilized as demonstrated in the technical literature in synthesizing PAI resins. The wires were tested via a repeated scrape test, unilateral scrape test, a techrand scrape test, and a thermoplastic (cut through) flow test, and the results were compared to each test wires respective control wire.


Six control wires, identified as Control Wires VIII-XIII, were made as follows:


Control Wire VIII


A polyamideimide resin made from trimellitic anhydride (TMA) and methylenephenyldiisocyanate (MDI) was prepared according to procedures published, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,541,038 which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 35% solids with a viscosity of about 800 cps at about 25° C. (about 77° F.). The solvent system was about 70:30 mixture of N-methylpyrrolidone and aromatic hydrocarbons.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire which was precoated with four passes of a polyester basecoat at a speed of about 30-40 feet per minute (fpm) in an oven having temperatures of between about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.8-3.3 mil in thickness with the polyamideimide topcoat being approximately 0.7-0.9 mil in thickness.


Control Wire IX


Control Wire IX was made from the resin described in Control Wire VIII. The monolithic coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire at a speed of about 30-40 feet per minute (fpm) in an oven having temperatures of between about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.0-2.2 mil in thickness.


Control Wire X


Control Wire X was identical to Control Wire IX except 0.5% TPP was added to the resin solution prior to coating.


Control Wire XI


Control Wire XI was identical to Control Wire IX except 1.0% TPP was added to the resin solution prior to coating.


Control Wire XII


A THEIC polyester resin made from terephthalic acid (TA), trishydroxyethylisocyanuric acid (THEIC), and ethylene glycol was prepared in accordance with procedures published, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,780 which is incorporated herein by reference. The resulting resin solution was approximately 36% solids with a viscosity of about 700 cps at 25° C. (77° F.). The solvent system was approximately a 65:35 mixture of cresylic acid and aromatic hydrocarbons. The resin solution was catalyzed with tetrabutyltitanate in accordance with the published literature (including patents) for magnet wire, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,780 referred to above.


The resultant coating was applied to an 18 AWG copper wire in four passes at a speed of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having temperatures of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). The total insulation build-up was approximately 2.0-2.2 mil thick.


Control Wire XIII


Control Wire XIII was identical to Control Wire XII except 1.0% TPP was added to the resin solution prior to coating.


The Control Wires are summarized in the Table VI below:











TABLE VI





Control Wire
Base Coat
Top Coat







VIII
THEIC polyester resin
polyamideimide resin


IX
polyamideimide resin


X
polyamideimide resin + 0.5 TPP


XI
polyamideimide resin + 1.0 TPP


XII
THEIC polyester resin


XIII
THEIC polyester resin + 1.0 TPP









Working Examples: Triphenylphosphite/Heterocyclic Base


Varying amounts of triphenylphosphite (TPP) and an aromatic or heterocyclic base (in a 1:1 ratio) including 0.25%, 0.5% and 1% by weight were added to each control coating. Each control wire with triphenylphosphite and heterocyclic base was then tested and compared to each control wire with no triphenylphosphite or heterocyclic base to determine effects on abrasion resistance and thermoplastic flow (cut-through). The following illustratively describes how the varying amounts of triphenylphosphite/heterocyclic base were added to the coating of each wire.


The resultant coating made for Control Wire VIII was applied to 18 AWG copper wire. The copper wire was pre-coated with four passes of a polyester basecoat at a speed of about 28-65 fpm in an oven having a temperature profile of about 400-500° C. (about 752-932° F.). Results were achieved with cure speeds of about 30-40 fpm in an oven having a temperature of about 425° C. (about 797° F.). Wall-to-wall build, or thickness of the coated wire, was controlled to be within about 3.5 mils, and preferably within about 3.0-3.3 mils. The build ratio of topcoat to basecoat was controlled to be within about 15%-25% to about 75%-85%.


Control Wire VIII, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite and heterocyclic base, were subjected to the repeated scrape, unilateral scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow tests. Their results are shown in Table VII below.















TABLE VII








Re-
Uni-







peated
lateral
Cut



Catalyst
Base
DE
Scrape
Scrape
Thru
Techrand






















Control VIII
10.8
111
1467
378
17


0.25 TPP
0.25 Pyridine
10.8
171
1500
375
17


 0.5 TPP
 0.5 Pyridine
7.9
257
1550
365
20


 1.0 TPP
 1.0 Pyridine
9.8
190
1583
380
16


0.25 TPP
0.25 Imidazole
11.7
358
1783
375
21


 0.5 TPP
 0.5 Imidazole
10.1
312
1683
381
17


 1.0 TPP
 1.0 Imidazole
10.2
335
1700
378
17









In each instance, the number of repeated and techrand scrapes increased dramatically relative to the control as the amount of triphenylphosphite (TPP)/heterocyclic base in the coating was increased. This indicates that the triphenylphosphite catalyst/heterocyclic base increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. Flex and dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed. Although the repeated scrape numbers are less than TPP alone, the unilateral scrape resistance increased while TPP-only dual coats tended to give no improvement in unilateral scrape resistance. A negative property is the poor adhesion as measured by the aged STP test with the TPP alone or with TPP/heterocyclic base combination.


Control Wires IX-XI, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite and differing heterocyclic bases, were also subjected to the repeated scrape, unilateral scrape, techrand scrape, and thermoplastic flow tests. Control wires X and XI contain varying amounts of TPP without the heterocyclic base. Their results are shown in Table VIII, below.















TABLE VIII









Repeated
Unilateral
Cut

STP















Catalyst
Base
DE
Scrape
Scrape
Thru
Techrand
Before
After



















Control IX
7.7
231
1163
375
6
64
51


0.5 TPP
Control X
8.1
312
1447
395
5
60
50


1.0 TPP
Control XI
8.9
272
1267
377
5
51
30


0.5 TPP
0.5 Pyridine
8.5
439
1233
379
11
53
21


1.0 TPP
1.0 Pyridine
7.5
691
1167
383
7
54
20


0.5 TPP
0.5% (2,6-lutidine)
7.5
619
1267
383
11
52
51


1.0 TPP
1.0% (2,6-lutidine)
8.8
853
1283
387
9
53
50


0.5 TPP
0.5% (2-Picoline)
7.4
397
1200
401
6
52
55


1.0 TPP
1.0% (2-Picoline)
8.2
394
1167
391
7
54
45


0.5 TPP
0.5% (4-Picoline)
7.8
504
1133
403
8
50
42


1.0 TPP
1.0% (4-Picoline)
8.0
293
1100
393
10
58
37









As before, compared to the control sample, the number of repeated scrapes increased dramatically as triphenylphosphite/heterocyclic base was added, even more than TPP alone. Again this indicates that a triphenylphosphite/heterocyclic base catalyst increases the abrasion resistance of the coating. Dielectric breakdown remained virtually unchanged in the samples analyzed.


A second advantageous property found was that alkylpyridine bases like 2,6-lutidine do not have a negative impact on the slit-twist-peel (STP) test sometimes required in electrical insulation. TPP alone was found to have a negative impact on STP on thermal aged samples. However, TPP with 2,6-lutidine was found to have minor impact on STP initial or aged samples.


Control Wire XII and XIII, as well as the test wires of each percentage of triphenylphosphite (or diphenylphosphite)/heterocyclic base, were also subjected to the repeated and unilateral scrape, techrand scrape test, and thermoplastic flow test. Their results are shown in Table IX, below.















TABLE IX









Repeated
Unilateral
Cut

STP















Catalyst
Base
DE
Scrape
Scrape
Thru
Techrand
Before
After



















Control X
5.7
21
1030
374
8
90
94


1.0 TPP
Control XII
5.2
22
1080
387
8
85
45


0.5 TPP
0.5 (2,6-lutidine)
4.6
13
1200
388
7
91
91


1.0 TPP
1.0 (2,6-lutidine)
5.4
13
1203
392
6
91
81


0.5 DPP
0.5 (2,6-lutidine)
7.2
22
1183
399
10
80
84


1.0 DPP
1.0 (2,6-lutidine)
8.4
50
1133
389
10
82
63









Cut Through was mainly impacted with increasing levels of triphenylphosphite (or diphenylphosphite)/heterocyclic base. Cut Through rose 18° C. upon addition of 1% TPP/2,6-lutidine. A slightly diminished STP was significantly better than prior results with TPP alone in which aged STP dropped dramatically.


In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present invention have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained.

Claims
  • 1. A method of producing an abrasion resistant coated wire; the method comprising: (a) providing a resin chosen from the group consisting of a polyamideimide resin, a polyesterimide resin, a THEIC polyester resin, and a polyimide resin;(b) post-adding a phosphorous based catalyst to said resin to form a coating composition;(c) applying said coating composition to a conductive core to produce a base coat; and(d) forming cross-linking of said resin by curing said coating composition to form a base coat about said wire.
  • 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating composition comprises 0.001% to about 10% phosphorus catalyst by weight.
  • 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of adding the phosphorous catalyst comprises about 0.1 to about 2% by weight of said resin.
  • 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the phosphorous catalyst is an aryl, arylalkyl or alkyl phosphorous based catalyst.
  • 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the catalyst is chosen from the group consisting of triphenylphosphite, diphenylphosphite and combinations thereof.
  • 6. The method of claim 4 wherein said phosphorous catalyst chosen from the group consisting of diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulfide, alkyldiarylphosphites, dialkylarylphosphites and combinations thereof.
  • 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the arylphosphite is chosen from the group consisting of diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites and combinations thereof.
  • 8. The method of claim 1 including a step of dispersing an additive in the coating composition, the additive being chosen from the group consisting of an inorganic or organic particulate material, wax, and combinations thereof.
  • 9. The method of claim 8 said particulate material is chosen from the group consisting of alumina, silica, titanium dioxide, boron nitride, PTFE and combinations thereof.
  • 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the coating composition comprises approximately 3% alumina by weight.
  • 11. The method of claim 8 wherein said wax is chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene, carnuba wax, bees wax, and combinations thereof.
  • 12. The method of claim 11 wherein said coating composition comprises about 1% wax by weight.
  • 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the coating composition is applied to the core to produce a coat of about 2.2-3.5 mil thick.
  • 14. The method of claim 1 including a step of applying a second coat of said coating composition about said base coat; and curing said second coat.
  • 15. The method of claim 14 wherein said second coat of coating composition is applied after said base coat has been cured.
  • 16. The method of claim 14 wherein the build ratio of said second coat to said base coat is about 15% to about 85%.
  • 17. The method of claim 1 further including post-adding an aromatic base to said resin with said phosphorous-based catalyst such that said coating composition comprises said aromatic base, said phosphorous-based catalyst and said resin.
  • 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said aromatic base is chosen from the group consisting of pyridine, pyridine, imidazole, lutidine, picoline, and combinations thereof.
  • 19. The method of claim 17 wherein said aromatic base is post-added in an amount of about 0.001% to about 10% by weight of the resin.
  • 20. The method of claim 17 wherein said aromatic base is post-added in an amount of about 0.25% to about 1% by weight of the resin.
  • 21. A method of increasing the physical properties of a coated wire, the wire being coated with a cured resin; the method comprising: (a) providing coating composition; the coating composition comprising a resin, a heterocyclic base and a phosphorous base; said heterocyclic base and phosphorous base having been post-added to said resin; said resin being chosen from the group consisting of a polyamideimide resin, a polyesterimide resin, a THEIC polyester resin, and a polyimide resin;said phosphorous base being chosen from the group consisting of diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulfide, alkyldiarylphosphites, dialkylarylphosphites and combinations thereofsaid heterocyclic base being chosen from the group consisting of pyridine, pyridine, imidazole, lutidine, picoline, and combinations thereof.(c) applying said coating composition to a conductive core to produce a base coat; and(d) forming cross-linking in said resin by curing said coating composition on said core.
  • 22. The method of claim 21 wherein said phosphorus catalyst and said heterocyclic base are added to said resin in a 1:1 ratio.
  • 23. The method of claim 22 wherein said resin comprises about 0.001% to about 10% phosphorus catalyst and about 0.001% to about 10% heterocyclic base by weight.
  • 24. The method of claim 22 wherein said resin comprises about 0.25% to about 2% phosphorus catalyst and about 0.25% to about 1% heterocyclic base by weight.
  • 25. The method of claim 21 wherein the physical property is abrasion resistance.
  • 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the coating has an abrasion resistance at least 10% greater than a control coating of the same resin which is not cross-linked by a phosphorous catalyst, as tested using a repeated scrape test.
  • 27. The method of claim 25 wherein the coating has an abrasion resistance at least 50% greater than a control coating of the same resin which is not cross-linked by a phosphorous catalyst, as tested using a repeated scrape test.
  • 28. The method of claim 25 wherein the coating has an abrasion resistance at least 100% greater than a control coating of the same resin which is not cross-linked by a phosphorous catalyst, as tested using a repeated scrape test.
  • 29. The method of claim 21 wherein including dispersing an additive in the resin, the additive being chosen from the group consisting of inorganic or organic particulate material, wax, and combinations thereof.
  • 30. The method of claim 21 wherein the catalyst is chosen from the group consisting of diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulfide, alkyldiarylphosphites, dialkylarylphosphites, triphenylphosphite, diphenylphosphite and combinations thereof.
  • 31. The method of claim 21 wherein the physical property is adhesion.
  • 32. A method of increasing the physical properties of a coated wire, the wire being coated with a cured resin; the method comprising: (a) providing coating composition; the coating composition comprising a resin and a phosphorous base; said heterocyclic base and phosphorous base having been post-added to said resin; said resin being chosen from the group consisting of a polyamideimide resin, a polyesterimide resin, a THEIC polyester resin, and a polyimide resin; the phosphorous base being chosen from the group consisting of diarylphosphites, triarylphosphites, triphenylphosphine, triphenylphosphine sulfide, alkyldiarylphosphites dialkylarylphosphites and combinations thereof(c) applying said coating composition to a conductive core to produce a base coat; and(d) forming cross-linking in said resin by curing said coating composition on said core.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 11/324,709, filed on Jan. 3, 2006, entitled ABRASION RESISTANT COATED WIRE, and which is incorporated herein by reference.

Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 11324709 Jan 2006 US
Child 12039103 US