Amine-Based Additive for Styrene Polymerization Inhibition
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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, with existing inhibitors and retarders requiring continuous addition and being toxic or ineffective at reducing polymerization to acceptable levels.
Innovation Solution
An amine-based additive composition comprising nitroxides, aromatic nitro compounds, and aliphatic amines, specifically hydroxyl alkyl tertiary amines, tertiary alkyl amines, and hydroxyl alkyl primary amines, which are added in reduced dosages to control and inhibit polymerization, improving efficiency and reducing toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inhibitors are used alone to control polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, then polymerization inhibition is achieved, but continuous addition is required and they are toxic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inhibitors and retarders into a single additive composition, where the inhibitor provides initial polymerization suppression and the retarder extends the inhibition period, eliminating the need for continuous addition and reducing toxicity concerns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite additive system comprising both inhibitor and retarder components that work synergistically to provide sustained polymerization control without the harmful effects associated with using inhibitors alone
2Ease of operation
If retarders are used alone to control polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers, then continuous addition is not required, but they are not very effective to reduce polymerization to acceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both inhibitors (high effectiveness) and retarders (no continuous addition needed) into a single composition, where the inhibitor provides strong initial suppression and the retarder extends the protection period
3Reliability
If higher amounts of aromatic nitro compounds and nitroxides are used to improve polymerization inhibition, then inhibition effectiveness increases, but dosage and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inhibitor and retarder in specific ratios to achieve synergistic effects, allowing reduced dosages of individual components while maintaining or improving overall polymerization inhibition effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the dosage parameters of both inhibitor and retarder components, finding the optimal combination that minimizes total additive quantity while maximizing polymerization control effectiveness
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-based additive composition effectively controls and inhibits polymerization of aromatic vinyl monomers at substantially reduced dosages of nitroxides and aromatic nitro compounds, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly while maintaining or exceeding the inhibitory efficiency of prior art additives.
Implementation Method 1
Amine based additive composition for control and inhibition of polymerization of styrene
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to amine based 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 (b) one or more of aromatic nitro compounds, characterized in that the said composition further comprises one or more of (c) amines, wherein said amine is selected from a group comprising (i) hydroxyl alkyl tertiary amines, (ii) tertiary alkyl amines, (iii) hydroxyl alkyl primary amine; and (iv) mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention also relates to method of using 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.