Amine Nitroxide Additive Inhibits Styrene Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, such as styrene, during processing leads to the formation of unwanted polymers, resulting in yield loss and economic inefficiencies, as existing inhibitors and retarders require continuous addition and have limitations in effectively inhibiting polymerization to acceptable levels, and aromatic nitro compounds used in prior solutions are toxic and undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising aliphatic amines, specifically tertiary amines like tris(2-hydroxypropyl)amine, combined with nitroxide compounds, which effectively controls and inhibits polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers without using aromatic nitro compounds, allowing for reduced dosages and improved efficiency across a range of temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aromatic nitro compounds are used as polymerization inhibitors, then polymerization inhibition effectiveness is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the toxic aromatic nitro compound component from the inhibitor system while retaining the essential polymerization inhibition function through the use of amine and nitroxide compounds alone
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces long-standing but toxic aromatic nitro compounds with amine and nitroxide compounds that can be used at lower dosages and decompose more readily, reducing environmental persistence and toxicity
2Reliability
If inhibitors are used to control polymerization, then polymerization inhibition is achieved, but continuous addition is required leading to operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The amine and nitroxide compound combination provides sustained polymerization inhibition effectiveness that maintains control over extended periods, reducing the frequency of replenishment operations while ensuring continuous protection against unwanted polymerization
3Reliability
If retarders are used to reduce polymerization, then some inhibition is achieved, but substantial inhibition to acceptable levels is not attained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite inhibitory system combining amine compounds and nitroxide compounds that work synergistically to achieve substantial polymerization inhibition at acceptable levels, overcoming the limitations of using retarders alone
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 combination of aliphatic amines and nitroxide compounds significantly reduces polymerization of styrene to acceptable levels at lower dosages, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly while avoiding the use of toxic aromatic nitro compounds.
Implementation Method 1
Amine and nitroxide based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of styrene
Implementation Method 2
use of amine and nitroxide based additive composition of present invention to control and inhibit polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to additive composition for controlling and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising (a) one or more of nitroxide (i.e. nitroxyl) compounds, and characterized in that the said composition further comprises one or more of (b) aliphatic amines selected from a group comprising tertiary amines, secondary amines and primary amines. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of use of presently provided composition. In another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of controlling and inhibiting polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.