Block Copolymer RAFT Polymerization Benzene Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Block copolymers with acrylate and chloroprene polymers have inadequate number average molecular weight and lack active functional groups, making them unsuitable for industrial applications requiring both flexibility and mechanical strength, and they often require the use of benzene as an organic solvent.
Innovation Solution
A block copolymer with a number average molecular weight of 110,000 or more, featuring a chloroprene polymer block with a molecular weight of 80,000 or more and incorporating a functional group, produced through radical emulsion polymerization using a RAFT agent, eliminating the need for benzene as a solvent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional block copolymerization methods are used, then polymerization can proceed, but the number average molecular weight remains too low for industrial application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymerization method from conventional free radical polymerization to RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) polymerization, which allows precise control of molecular weight parameters. By using RAFT agents with specific structures and controlling the polymerization conditions, the number average molecular weight is increased to 110,000 or more, meeting industrial application requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional polymerization methods are used, then polymer can be synthesized, but active functional groups are not introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates active functional groups (such as carboxylic acid groups from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid) into the polymer chain during the polymerization process. This preliminary introduction of functional groups enables subsequent crosslinking reactions and improves physical properties like adhesion and mechanical strength, without requiring additional post-polymerization modification steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If benzene is used as solvent, then polymerization can proceed, but toxic organic solvent requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent system from organic solvents like benzene to water-based systems. By conducting RAFT polymerization in aqueous media, the process eliminates the use of toxic organic solvents while maintaining polymerization efficiency and enabling the synthesis of water-dispersible or water-soluble block copolymers suitable for industrial applications.
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 block copolymer achieves excellent flexibility and mechanical strength, making it suitable for industrial applications such as rubber compositions and vulcanized products without the use of benzene.
Implementation Method 1
performing radical emulsion polymerization of an acrylate alone, or an acrylate and another monomer in the presence of a RAFT agent to synthesize a block of an acrylate polymer
Implementation Method 2
performing radical emulsion polymerization of chloroprene alone, or chloroprene and another monomer in a mixture to synthesize a block of a chloroprene polymer
Implementation Method 3
performing radical emulsion polymerization of an acrylate alone, or an acrylate and another monomer in the presence of a RAFT agent
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a block copolymer including one or more blocks of an acrylate polymer and one or more blocks of a chloroprene polymer, wherein the number average molecular weight of the block copolymer is 110,000 or more, the number average molecular weight of the block of a chloroprene polymer is 80,000 or more in total, and the block copolymer has a functional group with a structure represented by the following chemical formula (1) or (2):wherein in the chemical formula (1), R1 represents hydrogen, chlorine, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted, or unsubstituted heterocyclyl group.