Boron Nitride Elastomeric Articles for Thermal Conductivity and Lubricity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric articles, such as gloves and condoms, often lack natural feel and sensory properties, such as warmth and smoothness, while maintaining desired tensile strength and thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating boron nitride particles into polymer latex compositions for elastomeric articles, particularly in the form of platelets or spheroids, to enhance thermal conductivity and lubricity without compromising mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If elastomeric articles are made from conventional polymer latex compositions, then they can be manufactured with desired tensile strength, but they exhibit poor thermal conductivity and unnatural sensory properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by incorporating boron nitride particles into polymer latex compositions to create elastomeric articles with enhanced thermal conductivity. The boron nitride particles (0.1-20 phr) form a thermal conduction network within the polymer matrix, transforming the conventional single-material structure into a composite that simultaneously achieves natural sensory properties and maintains mechanical strength.
2Temperature
If boron nitride particles are added to enhance thermal conductivity, then sensory properties improve, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of boron nitride particles (0.1-20 parts per hundred rubber) to achieve desired thermal conductivity enhancement while managing composition complexity. This quantitative parameter optimization allows the formulation to balance sensory properties with manufacturing feasibility, avoiding excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional elastomeric articles are used, then they maintain simple composition, but they lack lubricity and natural feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating boron nitride particles at specific locations within the elastomeric article structure, particularly at interfaces and surfaces where lubricity is most needed. This localized particle distribution provides enhanced natural feel and lubricity without requiring uniform high particle loading throughout the entire material volume.
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 addition of boron nitride particles improves thermal conductivity by at least 5% and lubricity by at least 5%, while maintaining or enhancing tensile strength, providing a more comfortable and desirable user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomeric article can exhibit a thermal conductivity that is at least 5% greater than the thermal conductivity of an elastomeric article that does not include the boron nitride particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides compositions and products formed therefrom. In particular, the disclosure provides elastomeric articles, such as gloves and condoms, that can be prepared utilizing a polymer latex composition that includes particles of boron nitride. The elastomeric articles can exhibit desired properties, such as tensile strength, lubricity, and thermal conductivity. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing elastomeric articles using polymer latex compositions including boron nitride particles.