Adhesive Polymer Composition for Multilayer Pipe Delamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multilayer structures, such as coated metal pipes, face adhesion issues between layers of different materials, leading to potential delamination and damage, despite the use of intermediate adhesive layers and existing adhesive polymer compositions.

Innovation Solution

A novel adhesive polymer composition comprising a non-elastomeric copolymer of ethylene and α-unsaturated olefins, combined with an elastomer, both grafted with an acid grafting agent, is developed, offering improved adhesion properties when used as an adhesive layer in multilayer structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for adjacent layers in multilayer structures, then each layer provides its specific protective properties, but adhesion between layers deteriorates leading to delamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective properties of different layersVSAvoidadhesion between layers
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediate adhesive layer composed of a specific polymer blend (polyester resin, polyamide resin, and elastomer) between the epoxy primer layer and the polyolefin topcoat layer. This intermediary layer acts as a bridge that is chemically compatible with both adjacent layers, providing strong adhesion to the epoxy layer through chemical groups and strong adhesion to the polyolefin layer through physical entanglement, thereby preventing delamination while maintaining the protective properties of each layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layer employs a composite material system combining polyester resin, polyamide resin, and elastomer in specific proportions. This composite formulation integrates the benefits of each component: polyester provides adhesion and flexibility, polyamide enhances strength and bonding, and elastomer contributes to toughness and stress absorption. The synergistic combination creates a multi-functional adhesive layer that simultaneously bonds to dissimilar substrates and maintains structural integrity under various conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If an adhesive layer is added to improve adhesion between layers, then delamination is prevented, but the complexity of the multilayer structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion between layersVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the adhesive layer by specifying precise weight ratio ranges for each component (polyester resin 20-60 parts, polyamide resin 20-60 parts, elastomer 5-30 parts). By carefully controlling these parameters, the adhesive layer achieves maximum bonding efficiency with minimal thickness requirements. This parameter optimization allows the system to maintain strong inter-layer adhesion while minimizing the adhesive layer thickness, thereby reducing overall structural complexity and material usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The adhesive polymer composition enhances peel strength values at 23°C, providing improved adhesion and mechanical protection in multilayer structures like coated metal pipes, reducing the risk of delamination.

Implementation Method 1

both grafted with an acid grafting agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrafting: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11001736B2Adhesive polymer composition
Publication Date: 2021.05.11 BOREALIS AG

AI summary

An adhesive polymer composition comprising a non-elastomeric copolymer of ethylene and one or more comonomers having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and an elastomer is disclosed herein. The non-elastomeric copolymer is present in an amount of 60 to 95% by weight, based on the adhesive polymer composition, has a weight average molecular weight Mw of from 50 000 to 80 000 g/mol, molecular weight distribution Mw/Mn of 2.0 to 5.5, density of from 0.925 to 0.945 g/cm3, and at most 0.1 vinyl groups/1000 carbon atoms. The non-elastomeric copolymer or the non-elastomeric copolymer and the elastomer have been grafted with an acid grafting agent.