Amine Additive Composition for Styrene Polymerization Control
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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 are not effective at reducing polymerization to acceptable levels, and compositions like quinone methide and 4HT fail to adequately control polymerization even with higher doses.
Innovation Solution
An amine-based additive composition comprising tertiary amines, such as hydroxyl alkyl tertiary amines or oxide-treated amines, combined with aromatic compounds like quinone methide and nitroxide compounds, which effectively controls and inhibits polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers at reduced dosages, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inhibitors and retarders are used to control polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, then polymerization control is improved, but the amount of additive required increases and continuous addition is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines aromatic compounds (quinone methide) and nitroxide compounds (4HT) in a specific ratio (95:5 to 5:95) to create a composite additive system. This composite approach produces a synergistic effect where the combination controls polymerization more effectively than either component alone, reducing the total amount of additive needed while maintaining reliable polymerization control throughout processing.
2Reliability
If higher amounts of quinone methide and 4HT composition are used, then polymerization inhibition is improved, but economic efficiency deteriorates due to increased cost and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratio of aromatic compounds to nitroxide compounds (95:5 to 5:95) to achieve maximum polymerization inhibition efficiency at minimum dosage. By adjusting these compositional parameters, the system achieves effective inhibition with substantially reduced amounts of additives compared to using either component alone or in suboptimal ratios, thereby improving economic efficiency while maintaining reliable inhibition.
3Reliability
If inhibitors are used alone, then polymerization control is partially improved, but the control is not sustained as inhibitors are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synergistic system where aromatic compounds and nitroxide compounds work together to provide continuous polymerization control. The combination ensures that as one component is consumed, the other continues to provide inhibition, maintaining effective polymerization control throughout the entire processing duration without requiring continuous addition of additives.
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 composition significantly improves polymerization control and inhibition efficiency with substantially reduced amounts of aromatic and nitroxide compounds, achieving acceptable levels of control and inhibition while minimizing waste and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention relates to an improved amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an improved amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers including styrene comprising one or more of the quinone methide or derivatives thereof, one or more of nitroxide compounds and further comprising one or more of aliphatic tertiary 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, particularly of styrene by employing presently provided composition. In still another embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of preparation of presently provided composition.