Aqueous Monomer Compositions for Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long-chain dibasic acids are challenging to use in aqueous environments due to their hydrophobic nature, limiting their application in polymerization reactions.
Innovation Solution
Development of aqueous compositions containing specific compounds of formula (I), which include long-chain alkylene or heteroalkylene chains, allowing for polymerization reactions to occur in aqueous environments by incorporating a compound that can react with monomers to form polymers such as polyesters, polyamides, or polycarbamates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If long-chain dibasic acids are used to make polymers with improved properties, then toughness and solvent resistance are improved, but hydrophobicity increases making aqueous polymerization difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses short-chain dibasic acid esters (C1-C6) as intermediary coupling agents between the long-chain dibasic acid (C12-C36) and the polyol. This intermediary ester facilitates the polymerization reaction in aqueous environment by providing water-soluble components that can bridge the hydrophobic long-chain acid and hydrophilic polyol, enabling the formation of tough, solvent-resistant polymers without requiring organic solvents.
2Reliability
If long-chain dibasic acids are used to enhance polymer properties, then resistance to hydrolysis is improved, but difficulty in conducting polymerization in aqueous environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameters of the dibasic acid component by using a combination of short-chain (C1-C6) and long-chain (C12-C36) dibasic acid esters in specific ratios. This parameter adjustment allows the polymerization to proceed in aqueous environment while maintaining the hydrolysis resistance provided by the long-chain components, thereby simplifying the overall process.
3Productivity
If long-chain dibasic acids are used to create high-performance polymers, then overall polymer performance is improved, but ease of use in aqueous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polymer system by combining polymers derived from long-chain dibasic acids with polymers derived from short-chain dibasic acids and polyols. This composite approach allows the final material to exhibit the high performance characteristics of long-chain acid-based polymers while maintaining processability in aqueous environments through the short-chain acid components.
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 the successful polymerization of long-chain dibasic acids in aqueous environments, enhancing properties like toughness and solvent resistance in the resulting polymers.
Implementation Method 1
reacting one or more compounds of formula (I) with one or more monomers to form a polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Aqueous compositions of carboxylic acids, carboxylate esters, and carboxylate salts are generally disclosed, including methods of using such compounds to make various polymers, including, but not limited to, polyesters, polyamides, and polycarbamates. In certain embodiments, the carboxylic acids, carboxylate esters, and carboxylate salts are derived from a renewable source, such as a natural oil.