Branched Pre-Polymer Composition for Low Shrinkage Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymerization methods face challenges with volume contraction leading to material stresses and defects, particularly in laminated glass, due to high polymerization shrinkage, which is not effectively addressed by current methods such as filler addition, pre-polymer use, or expanding monomers, as these either alter physical properties or are costly and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 20-60% monomer and 30-60% branched pre-polymer, which remains liquid at room temperature, allowing for radical polymerization with low viscosity and reduced shrinkage, using the Strathclyde method to prepare branched pre-polymers that minimize shrinkage without significantly increasing viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pre-polymers are added to reduce shrinkage, then polymerization shrinkage is reduced, but viscosity increases unfavorably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the molecular weight of pre-polymers (1,000-10,000 g/mol) and their composition (30-60% by weight) to achieve reduced shrinkage while maintaining acceptable viscosity. This optimization of physical parameters resolves the contradiction between shrinkage reduction and viscosity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system combining monomers (20-60% by weight) with pre-polymers of specific molecular weights to achieve a balanced formulation. This composite approach allows the mixture to benefit from both the reactivity of monomers and the shrinkage-reducing properties of pre-polymers without excessive viscosity increase.
2Manufacturing precision
If filler particles are added to reduce shrinkage, then polymerization shrinkage is reduced, but physical properties such as hardness and flexibility are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the shrinkage-reducing function from filler particles and transfers it to pre-polymers. By removing the need for inorganic fillers and using organic pre-polymers instead, the solution maintains the shrinkage reduction benefit while preserving the natural physical properties of the polymer system.
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-polymer proportion is increased to reduce shrinkage, then polymerization shrinkage is reduced, but processability deteriorates due to gelation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a controlled proportion of pre-polymers (30-60% by weight) rather than attempting complete conversion. This partial use of pre-polymers is sufficient to reduce shrinkage while avoiding the gelation that would occur with higher proportions, thus maintaining processability.
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 method significantly reduces polymerization shrinkage while maintaining low viscosity, enabling efficient processing and use in industrial applications, such as electrically dimmable glazings, without altering the polymer's physical properties.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for radical polymerization with low viscosity and reduced shrinkage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for producing a polymer, comprising: a) from 20 to 60% by weight, based on the entire composition, of at least one monomer; and b) from 30 to 60% by weight, based on the entire composition, of at least one branched pre-polymer, wherein the composition is liquid at room temperature and under normal pressure; use of the composition, a method for producing a polymer using the composition, as well as an electrically dimmable glazing that encloses the polymer.