Alkyl Phenyl Ether Markers for Aqueous Polymer Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker systems for aqueous polymer compositions, such as traffic paints, face challenges including interference from other materials, lack of sensitivity for small amounts, toxicity issues, and instability across varying temperatures and pH levels, making it difficult to verify the presence and identity of specified polymer grades in coatings and paints.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating C1-C12 alkyl phenyl ether compounds into aqueous polymer compositions, which are detectable using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, allowing for sensitive and stable marking without affecting the appearance or performance of the coatings, even in dried forms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If color or fluorescence detection techniques are used for marker detection, then detection speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to interference from other materials and limited applicability across different tints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas chromatography as an intermediary detection method that separates and identifies marker compounds based on their chemical properties rather than optical properties. This intermediary approach eliminates interference from other materials in the paint composition while maintaining reliable detection across all tints and formulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (color/fluorescence) with a chemical separation and detection system (gas chromatography). This substitution eliminates the limitations of optical methods regarding material interference and tint variability, providing universal and reliable detection capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydrophilic markers are used for marking aqueous compositions, then ease of incorporation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to leaching or washing from dried compositions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the marker compounds by selecting specific alkyl phenyl ethers with controlled hydrophobicity. This parameter adjustment allows the markers to remain soluble enough for easy incorporation into aqueous compositions while being stable enough to resist leaching from dried films, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If complete analytical take-apart is performed for verification, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to lengthy and expensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification function by using gas chromatography to specifically detect and quantify marker compounds. This extraction approach provides sufficient verification accuracy for quality control without requiring complete analytical take-apart, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
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
Enables quick and sensitive detection of polymer compositions, ensuring quality verification and identity confirmation in both aqueous and dry forms, with low concentrations of markers that are stable and non-interfering, facilitating compliance with regulatory specifications.
Implementation Method 1
detectable using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy
Implementation Method 2
detectable using gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides aqueous polymer compositions containing one or more, or, preferably, two or more markers selected from a C1-C12 alkyl phenyl ether having a formula Ph(R2)m(OR1)n, wherein Ph is an aromatic ring containing group having from six to nine carbon atoms, R1 is a C1-C12 alkyl group, R2 is a C1-C12 alkyl group, m is an integer of from 0 to 5, n is an integer of from 1 to 3, and (m +n) is an integer of from 1 to 6. The markers are readily detectable, such as by mass spectroscopy, upon solvent extraction and separation from the aqueous polymer compositions, or from dried or cured coatings, film or layers thereof.