Bio-Based Plasticizer for PVC Surface Coverings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of phthalate esters as plasticizers in PVC products poses health concerns due to their toxicity and non-renewable origin, necessitating a replacement with bio-based, renewable alternatives in surface coverings like Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT).
Innovation Solution
A surface covering composition incorporating a bio-based plasticizer, such as Chloro-methoxy fat diethylene glycol dinitrate, along with a stabilizer and co-stabilizer, is developed to replace phthalate esters, ensuring compatibility with halogen-containing and non-halogen-containing polymers, and providing similar plasticizing effects while being derived from natural oils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phthalate esters are used as plasticizers in PVC products, then flexibility and durability are improved, but health safety and environmental sustainability deteriorate due to toxicity and non-renewable origin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing phthalate ester plasticizers with bio-based plasticizer alternatives derived from renewable resources. This substitution maintains the plasticizing function (flexibility and durability) while eliminating the harmful effects of phthalates, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material formulation by combining bio-based plasticizers with PVC and other additives to create a new plasticized PVC composition. This composite approach achieves both the mechanical performance of traditional phthalate-based formulations and the environmental benefits of bio-based materials
2Reliability
If phthalate esters are used as plasticizers, then plasticizing effect is achieved, but renewable resource content deteriorates due to petroleum-based origin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source material parameter from petroleum-based phthalates to bio-based plasticizers derived from renewable resources. This parameter change maintains the essential plasticizing effect while increasing the bio-based content to meet sustainability requirements
3Object-affected harmful factors
If bio-based plasticizers are used to replace phthalates, then environmental sustainability is improved, but compatibility with PVC and performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes parameters of the bio-based plasticizers (molecular structure, polarity, molecular weight) to ensure compatibility with PVC polymer chains. By carefully selecting and modifying these parameters, the invention achieves both environmental sustainability and reliable performance in the plasticized PVC composition
Data Source
AI summary
A surface covering is provided. The surface covering is made of a composition of a polymer a bio-based plasticizer, a stabilizer, and a co-stabilizer.