Bottlebrush polymer network, method for the manufacture thereof, and pressure sensitive adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bottlebrush elastomer materials are limited in their use as pressure sensitive adhesives due to weak adhesive strength, insufficient architectural control, and complex synthetic routes, particularly in applications requiring high surface area interfaces and tunable properties.

Innovation Solution

A bottlebrush polymer network is prepared via ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of macromonomers, utilizing specific alkyl and alkylene groups, with controlled degree of polymerization between crosslinks and backbone, to create a pressure sensitive adhesive layer with enhanced molecular defects and adhesive strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional bottlebrush elastomer materials are used, then the material structure is simple, but the adhesive strength is weak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidmaterial structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining bottlebrush polymer networks with specific crosslinking agents and functional groups to create a multi-component adhesive system. This composite approach enhances adhesive strength while maintaining the unique bottlebrush architecture, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups and crosslinking densities at different regions of the bottlebrush polymer network. This creates spatial variation in properties, enhancing adhesive strength at the interface while preserving the overall simple bottlebrush structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional bottlebrush elastomer materials are used, then the synthesis process is straightforward, but the architectural control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitectural controlVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying molecular weight, grafting density, and crosslinking degree during synthesis. This enables precise control over the bottlebrush architecture and adhesive properties, achieving high manufacturing precision through controlled parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through characterization techniques that monitor and adjust synthesis parameters in real-time. This ensures accurate architectural control by comparing actual product properties against target specifications and making necessary adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bottlebrush elastomer materials are used, then the material properties are fixed, but the tunability for specific applications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetunability of propertiesVSAvoidmaterial design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by creating a tunable material system where parameters such as crosslinking density, molecular weight, and functional group composition can be dynamically adjusted for different applications. This enables the same base bottlebrush structure to adapt to various adhesive requirements without redesigning the fundamental architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 adhesive exhibits significantly improved critical energy release rates and adhesive strength, allowing for strong, reversible adhesion under various conditions, including underwater, with tunable properties and minimal additional additives.

Implementation Method 1

the bottlebrush polymer network is prepared by ring opening metathesis copolymerization of macromonomers according to Formula (I), Formula (II), or a combination thereof and a macromonomer according to Formula (III)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRing opening metathesis copolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250340691A1Bottlebrush polymer network, method for the manufacture thereof, and pressure sensitive adhesive
Publication Date: 2025.11.06 UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS
  • US20250340691A1 patent drawing
  • US20250340691A1 patent drawing
  • US20250340691A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bottlebrush polymer network is provided by ring opening metathesis copolymerization of macromonomers according to Formula (I), Formula (II), or a combination thereof and a macromonomer according to Formula (III)wherein X, R1, R2, R3, L, Z, m, and n are as defined herein. The bottlebrush polymer network has a degree of polymerization between crosslinks of the bottlebrush polymer network is less than two times the degree of polymerization of a primary backbone of the bottlebrush polymer network. The bottlebrush polymer network is particularly useful in pressure sensitive adhesives.