Azide-terminated Fluoropolymer Synthesis via Mixed Solvent TRIZ Case
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of an effective method for terminal modification of fluoropolymers, particularly for large-size parts and heat-sensitive applications, as existing methods face challenges with solubility and side reactions when introducing azide groups at both ends of the molecular chain.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fluoropolymer capped with a hydroxymethyl group, protected with a sulfonyl ester group, reacted with sodium azide in a mixture of non-fluorinated and partially or fully fluorinated organic solvents to achieve an azide group-containing fluoropolymer with a specific molecular structure, enhancing compatibility and reaction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fluoropolymer is reacted with sodium azide in a non-fluorinated organic solvent to introduce azide groups, then the reaction can proceed, but the solubility of the fluoropolymer is poor and side reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from pure non-fluorinated organic solvent to a mixed solvent system comprising non-fluorinated organic solvent and fluorinated organic solvent. This parameter change improves both solubility (reducing side reactions) and maintains reaction feasibility, resolving the technical contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing terminal modification methods are used for fluoropolymers, then some modifications are achievable, but they face challenges with solubility and side reactions when introducing azide groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solvent parameter by introducing a mixed solvent system with specific fluorinated and non-fluorinated organic solvents. This enables reliable azide group introduction while maintaining the versatility of terminal modification for fluoropolymers, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If azide groups are introduced at both ends of the molecular chain, then the polymer can be used for crosslinking applications, but solubility problems and side reactions occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mixed solvent system comprising fluorinated organic solvent and non-fluorinated organic solvent in specific proportions. This parameter change ensures the fluoropolymer remains soluble during azide group introduction at both ends of the molecular chain, enabling crosslinking applications while preventing side reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and reliability.
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
This approach allows for the quantitative preparation of azide group-containing fluoropolymers with improved solubility and reaction rates, reducing side reactions and enabling their use in crosslinking applications requiring chemical and oil resistance.
Implementation Method 1
reacted with sodium azide in a mixture of non-fluorinated and partially or fully fluorinated organic solvents to achieve an azide group-containing fluoropolymer
Data Source
AI summary
An azide group-containing fluoropolymer of formula (1) having a perfluoropolyether group of specific molecular structure as the backbone and terminated with an azide group via methylene group is provided.N3—CH2—Rf1—CH2—N3 (1)