Functionalized Polymers with Terminal Alkenyl Groups for Mild Crosslinking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer compositions for coatings lack efficient crosslinking methods that do not require problematic catalysts and cannot achieve enhanced properties such as flexibility, adhesion, solvent resistance, and high temperature resistance under mild conditions.
Innovation Solution
Development of functionalized polymers with alkenyl groups, specifically 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds, that are attached to a central polymer portion, allowing for cross-linking through transesterification reactions without the need for harsh catalysts, enabling the formation of cross-linked networks and block copolymers with improved properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional crosslinking methods are used for polymer coatings, then crosslinked networks can be formed, but problematic catalysts are required and harsh conditions are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by introducing terminal alkenyl groups (specifically 1,1-disubstituted alkene groups) to the polymer chains. This structural modification enables the polymer to undergo crosslinking through transesterification reactions under mild conditions without requiring problematic catalysts, thus resolving the contradiction between crosslinking efficiency and catalyst toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the terminal alkenyl groups as intermediary functional groups that facilitate crosslinking reactions. These groups act as reactive sites that can undergo transesterification with other polymers or crosslinking agents, enabling network formation without direct use of harmful catalysts, thereby mediating between the need for crosslinking and the avoidance of toxic substances.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymers are designed with terminal functional groups for crosslinking, then crosslinked networks can be formed under mild conditions, but the polymer structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer structure into distinct functional regions: a central polymer portion and terminal alkenyl groups. This segmentation allows the bulk polymer to maintain its simple structure for ease of manufacture while the terminal segments provide the necessary reactivity for crosslinking under mild conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the reactive alkenyl functional groups at the terminals of the polymer chains rather than distributing them throughout the entire polymer structure. This localized functionalization enables crosslinking capability at specific sites without complicating the overall polymer structure, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired crosslinked network formation under mild conditions.
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 functionalized polymers exhibit enhanced properties like flexibility, adhesion, solvent resistance, and high temperature resistance, and can be processed under mild conditions, resulting in coatings with improved performance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for cross-linking through transesterification reactions without the need for harsh catalysts
Data Source
AI summary
Functionalized compounds including residues of one or more 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds. Preferably the functionalized compound includes the residue of two or more 1,1-disubstituted alkene compounds, which are spaced apart. The functionalized compound may be produced by a transesterification reaction. The functionalized compounds may be employed in a polymerizable composition and may be used to prepare new polymers, (for example by reacting the alkene group).