Bio-Based TPU 2K Acrylic Composition Balancing Tg and Elongation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic polyurethanes are predominantly derived from fossil fuels, which are non-renewable, and the use of bio-based alternatives often compromises physical properties such as glass transition temperature and elongation.
Innovation Solution
A two-component (2K) composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane made from a polyether polyol with a bio-based carbon content of at least 50%, combined with ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a radical generating initiator, which can be incorporated into acrylic monomers to form coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If natural oil based polyols are used to manufacture thermoplastic polyurethanes, then renewable resources are utilized, but the glass transition temperature is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polyol from conventional lower molecular weight natural oil based polyols to higher molecular weight polyols (number average molecular weight of 2,000 to 10,000), which improves the glass transition temperature while maintaining renewable resource utilization. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between using renewable resources and maintaining acceptable thermal properties.
2Temperature
If higher molecular weight natural oil based polyols are used, then glass transition temperature is improved, but elongation becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter to a specific range (number average molecular weight of 2,000 to 10,000) that balances glass transition temperature improvement with adequate elongation. This controlled parameter change resolves the contradiction between improving thermal properties and maintaining mechanical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polyol system by combining higher molecular weight natural oil based polyols with specific polyisocyanates and chain extenders to form a thermoplastic polyurethane composition that achieves both acceptable glass transition temperature and sufficient elongation through synergistic material combination.
3Strength
If conventional polyol materials are used, then acceptable physical properties are achieved, but non-renewable fossil fuel resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of renewable polyols to higher ranges (2,000 to 10,000 number average molecular weight) to make natural oil based polyols perform comparably to conventional fossil-derived polyols in terms of physical properties, thereby enabling resource renewability without sacrificing performance.
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 maintains desirable physical properties while utilizing renewable resources, enabling effective use in coatings, adhesives, and sealants with improved sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a two-component (2K) composition comprising... ethylenically unsaturated monomers and a radical generating initiator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a two component (2K) composition comprising: a first component comprising: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and, a second component comprising: b) at least one radical generating initiator, wherein said composition further comprises c) at least one thermoplastic polyurethane obtained from the reaction of: I) at least one polyether polyol having a weight average molecular weight of from 400 to 4000 g/mol, a polydispersity (PD) of less than 3 and a bio-based carbon content of at least 50%; II) at least one polyol having a molecular weight of less than 500 g/mol; III) optionally at least one further active hydrogen compound; and, IV) at least one polyisocyanate compound, wherein in said reaction the molar ratio of hydroxyl groups to NCO groups is at least 1:1 and preferably from 1:1 to 2:1.