Biobased Copolymer Compositions for Sustainable Coatings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current copolymer compositions used in binders and coatings, such as those for carpet backing and adhesives, often rely on fossil fuel-derived monomers, which are unsustainable and do not meet environmental sustainability standards like the LEED Green Building Rating System™, while maintaining the necessary properties for their applications.

Innovation Solution

Development of copolymer compositions derived from vinyl aromatic monomers, biobased monomers like isobornyl acrylate and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, and other sustainable sources, with a biobased carbon content of 10% or greater, which can be used in binding and coating applications, including carpet backing, and include additional monomers to enhance properties and sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If copolymer compositions use fossil fuel-derived monomers, then performance properties are maintained, but environmental sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance propertiesVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the source parameter of the monomers from fossil fuel-derived to biobased sources while maintaining the chemical structure and performance properties of the copolymer composition. This allows the material to meet environmental sustainability criteria (LEED certification) without sacrificing the functional performance required for binder and coating applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite copolymer system combining vinyl aromatic monomers with biobased monomers (such as isobornyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, or lauryl methacrylate) to achieve both environmental sustainability and performance properties. The composite nature of using multiple monomer types from renewable sources enables meeting both ecological and functional requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If copolymer compositions use biobased monomers, then environmental sustainability is improved, but performance properties may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidperformance properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the composition parameters by incorporating specific ratios of biobased monomers (at least 10% biobased carbon content) combined with vinyl aromatic monomers to maintain the performance properties necessary for binder and coating applications while achieving environmental sustainability goals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops composite copolymer systems that integrate biobased monomers with conventional vinyl aromatic monomers, creating a synergistic material composition that preserves functional performance (adhesion, binding strength, coating properties) while incorporating renewable content to meet sustainability criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If copolymer compositions meet LEED Green Building Rating System requirements, then environmental certification is achieved, but material selection becomes more restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental certificationVSAvoidmaterial selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops copolymer compositions that serve multiple functions: they meet LEED Green Building Rating System requirements for rapidly renewable materials (5% threshold), maintain performance properties for various binder and coating applications, and provide versatility in monomer selection including vinyl aromatic monomers and multiple biobased options (isobornyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate)

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 resulting copolymer compositions meet environmental sustainability criteria, maintain necessary performance properties, and can be used in various applications like carpet backing and paints, while reducing VOC emissions and supporting LEED Green Building Rating System™ certification.

Implementation Method 1

Processes are described herein for preparing a copolymer that include copolymerizing a vinyl aromatic monomers, a second monomer, and a biobased monomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCopolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8889783B2Copolymers including biobased monomers and methods of making and using same

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 BASF SE

AI summary

Copolymer compositions and methods for making these compositions are described. The copolymers include a vinyl aromatic monomer; a second monomer, and a biobased monomer. The second monomer is selected from the group consisting of butadiene, alkyl acrylates, alkyl methacrylates, and mixtures thereof. Examples of biobased monomers useful in the compositions include isobornyl acrylate, isobornyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, and mixtures thereof. The compositions described herein can be used for binder or coating compositions and can include coating pigments, mineral fillers, and other additives.