Carbohydrate Terminating Agent for Anionic Polymerization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional terminating agents for anionic polymerization form complexes with alkali metal ions that are difficult to separate, affecting polymer transparency and contaminating the environment, and require complex and energy-intensive processes for removal.

Innovation Solution

A carbohydrate-based terminating agent with low solubility in common solvents is used to form a complex with alkali metal ions, allowing for easy separation through solid-liquid processes without affecting polymer transparency and reducing environmental contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional terminating agents (alcohol, halogen, or ester groups) are used to terminate anionic polymerization, then the polymerization reaction is completely terminated, but the terminating agent forms a complex with alkali metal ions that cannot be separated from the polymer solution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermination effectivenessVSAvoidseparation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the terminating agent from traditional alcohol/halogen/ester groups to carbohydrate groups (specifically glucosyl groups). This structural parameter change enables the terminating agent to form complexes with alkali metal ions that have different solubility characteristics, allowing them to precipitate and be easily separated from the polymer solution through filtration or decantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The carbohydrate-based terminating agent causes the formed complex to transition from a soluble state in the polymer solution to an insoluble precipitated state. This phase transition enables simple solid-liquid separation methods to remove the complex effectively, resolving the separation difficulty without compromising termination effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If traditional terminating agents are used, then the polymerization is terminated, but the polymer transparency is reduced and the final product or by-product contaminates the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermination effectivenessVSAvoidtransparency reduction and environmental contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a carbohydrate-based terminating agent that forms a disposable precipitated complex which can be easily removed. The carbohydrate structure (particularly glucosyl groups) is environmentally benign and decomposes harmlessly, replacing traditional terminating agents that leave persistent toxic residues in the polymer and environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the typically harmful soluble complex into a beneficial insoluble precipitate. The carbohydrate-based terminating agent transforms the soluble toxic complex into an insoluble form that can be easily separated, thereby converting the harm of complex formation into the benefit of easy removal and environmental safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If traditional liquid terminating agents are used, then the polymerization is terminated, but extra energy is consumed for removing the terminating agent from the solvent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetermination effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption for terminating agent removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The carbohydrate-based terminating agent induces the formed complex to transition from dissolved to precipitated state, enabling removal through simple filtration or decantation without requiring energy-intensive distillation or extraction processes that would be needed for liquid terminating agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 carbohydrate terminating agent effectively removes alkali metal ions from anionic polymer solutions, maintaining polymer transparency and stability while being environmentally friendly and reducing waste water contamination.

Implementation Method 1

The terminating agent forms a complex with the alkali metal ion in the anionic polymer solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplex formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the complex can be removed from the anionic polymer solution through a solid-liquid separation process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolid-liquid separation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS7834111B2Terminating agent for anionic polymerization

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 TSRC CORP

AI summary

A terminating agent and a method for preparing an anionic polymer are provided. The terminating agent includes a carbohydrate, which is a solid substantially insoluble in a solvent and is used for terminating an anionic polymerization of a polymer. Another aspect of the method includes steps which provide an initiator for initiating an anionic polymerization, adding a terminating agent for terminating the anionic polymerization and forming a complex, wherein the terminating agent is a carbohydrate, and an alkali metal ion is removed by a solid-liquid separation process.