Carboxy-functional polyester liquid-crystalline aqueous systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new components that can produce systems with pronounced liquid-crystalline properties in aqueous systems without the addition of further compounds, while also being simple to prepare and able to form liquid-crystalline phases on their own with water.
Innovation Solution
The development of new carboxy-functional polyester and diester derivatives, prepared by a ring-opening reaction of specific anhydrides with hydroxy-functional precursors, which can form liquid-crystalline phases in aqueous systems, combining anisotropic crystalline properties with the formulation capacity of liquid systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional polyesters are used in aqueous systems, then good formulation capacity and processing properties are achieved, but liquid-crystalline properties and structural anisotropy are not attained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating molecules with distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. The polyester molecules contain hydrophobic core structures (from diols and dicarboxylic acids) combined with hydrophilic peripheral groups (such as oxyethylated side chains or terminal hydroxyl groups), enabling liquid-crystalline phase formation in aqueous systems while maintaining processability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by combining multiple functional groups within a single polyester molecule. The molecules integrate rigid aromatic or cycloaliphatic cores with flexible aliphatic chains and hydrophilic functional groups, creating amphiphilic structures that self-assemble into liquid-crystalline phases in water
2Adaptability or versatility
If amphiphilic components are added to achieve liquid-crystallinity in aqueous systems, then liquid-crystalline phases are formed, but the number of additional compounds and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single polyester component. The molecule simultaneously provides structural rigidity for liquid-crystalline ordering, hydrophobic interactions for phase separation, and hydrophilic groups for water compatibility. This eliminates the need for separate amphiphilic additives or surfactants
Solution Approach 2:
The polyester derivatives serve multiple functions: they act as the primary binder, provide liquid-crystalline structure, enable water dispersion, and control rheology. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while achieving complex performance requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex amphiphilic molecules are synthesized to achieve liquid-crystallinity, then pronounced anisotropy is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the molecular structure into distinct functional modules: rigid cores (for anisotropy), flexible spacers (for fluidity), and hydrophilic terminals (for water compatibility). Each module can be selected and combined independently through standard polyesterification reactions, simplifying synthesis while achieving complex properties
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
These derivatives achieve pronounced liquid-crystallinity in aqueous systems, allowing for the formation of liquid-crystalline phases without additional compounds, thereby uniting the ordered properties of crystalline systems with the fluidity and formulation capabilities of liquid systems.
Implementation Method 1
ring-opening reaction of an anhydride with a hydroxy-functional precursor
Implementation Method 2
compositions which comprise the polyester and diester derivatives of the invention, and also water, form liquid-crystalline phases
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to new carboxy-functional polyester and diester derivatives preparable by ring-opening reaction of (A) at least one anhydride of the formula (I)where R1═H, C1 to C24 alkyl, or C2 to C24 alkenyl with (B) at least one hydroxy-functional component, where (B1) the polyester derivatives are prepared using at least one linear hydroxy-functional polyester prepared using 7 to 95 mol %, based on the total amount of the monomers used in preparing the polyester (B1), of at least one difunctional monomer (b1) with aliphatic groups with 12 to 70 carbon atoms between the functional groups, and (B2) the diester derivatives are prepared using at least one dihydroxy-functional component which has an aliphatic group with 12 to 70 carbon atoms between the hydroxyl groups. The present invention further relates to aqueous compositions comprising at least one such polyester derivative and/or diester derivative, and water. The present invention relates, moreover, to the use of the polyester and/or diester derivatives for producing liquid-crystalline phases.