Amine-Functionalized Interpolymer for Peroxide Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crosslinkable polymeric compositions used in medium to extra-high voltage cables face issues with peroxide initiators undergoing non-productive decomposition, particularly in the presence of acid, leading to reduced cure potential during storage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an ethylene-based polymer and an organic peroxide with an amine-functionalized interpolymer, which inhibits acid-catalyzed decomposition of the peroxide, thereby preserving the cure potential of the crosslinkable polymeric composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If peroxide initiator is used in crosslinkable polymeric composition, then crosslinking reaction can be initiated, but peroxide undergoes non-productive decomposition during storage particularly in presence of acid, reducing cure potential

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecure potentialVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acid scavenger as an intermediary substance that neutralizes acidic byproducts generated during storage. This mediator prevents the acid from catalyzing the decomposition of the peroxide initiator, thereby maintaining cure potential over extended storage periods while allowing the peroxide to remain active when needed for crosslinking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating acid scavengers and stabilizers into the composition before storage begins. These additives preemptively counteract the acid-catalyzed decomposition mechanism, creating a protective chemical environment that preserves peroxide integrity during storage while allowing normal crosslinking function when the composition is applied

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If amine-functionalized interpolymer is added to inhibit acid-catalyzed decomposition, then cure potential retention is improved, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecure potential retentionVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The amine-functionalized interpolymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an acid scavenger to neutralize acidic byproducts, functions as a crosslinking agent to build the polymeric network, and provides structural integrity to the composition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate additives and minimizes overall composition complexity while achieving reliable cure potential retention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 amine-functionalized interpolymer enhances the retention of cure potential, ensuring the crosslinkable polymeric composition maintains its effectiveness over longer storage periods and thermal aging, as demonstrated by improved torque measurements in moving die rheometer tests.

Implementation Method 1

The peroxides used as initiators for radical crosslinking in such materials can undergo non-productive decomposition during storage, particularly in the presence of an acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid-catalyzed decomposition:

Implementation Method 2

The peroxides used as initiators for radical crosslinking in such materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadical crosslinking:

Data Source

PatentUS11685823B2Crosslinkable polymeric compositions with amine-functionalized interpolymers, methods for making the same, and articles made therefrom
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Crosslinkable polymeric compositions comprising an ethylene-based polymer, an organic peroxide, and an amine-functionalized interpolymer. Such crosslinkable polymeric compositions and their crosslinked forms can be employed as polymeric layers in wire and cable applications, such as insulation in power cables.