Nanoporous Cerium Oxide Macro-Structures in Elastomers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymeric elastomers face challenges in maintaining mechanical properties, such as ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and modulus, especially when exposed to UV radiation, as existing technologies do not effectively enhance these properties without compromising material integrity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle macro-structures with specific size distributions into polymeric elastomers, which are formed by aggregating cerium oxide nanoparticles with diameters between 10 nm to 100 nm and having macro-structure diameters and pore diameters ranging from 50 nm to 30,000 nm and 10 nm to 1100 nm, respectively, and mixing them with polymeric elastomers at levels between 0.1% to 5.0% by weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional additives are used to enhance mechanical properties of polymeric elastomers, then ultimate tensile strength and elongation are improved, but the material integrity and resistance to UV exposure deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultimate tensile strengthVSAvoidresistance to UV exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of polymeric elastomer combined with nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle macro-structures. This composite approach allows simultaneous improvement of mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength, elongation) and UV resistance, as the cerium oxide nanoparticles provide both structural reinforcement and UV shielding capabilities without compromising material integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by incorporating nanoporous cerium oxide structures with specific pore sizes (10-1000 nm) and controlled distribution within the elastomer matrix. The nanoporous structure provides localized UV absorption and scattering at the nanoscale while maintaining the bulk mechanical properties of the elastomer, achieving both strength enhancement and UV protection simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle macro-structures are added to polymeric elastomers, then ultimate tensile strength and elongation are improved, but the processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultimate tensile strengthVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cerium oxide material into nanoparticle macro-structures with controlled pore sizes (10-1000 nm) and diameters (50-30,000 nm). This segmentation into standardized nanoscale building blocks simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing direct incorporation into the elastomer matrix without complex assembly steps, reducing processing complexity while maintaining strength enhancement benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the nanoporous cerium oxide structures, specifically controlling pore diameter (10-1000 nm) and macro-structure diameter (50-30,000 nm), to optimize both mechanical reinforcement and UV protection. These parameter optimizations enable effective performance at lower additive concentrations (0.1-5.0 wt%), thereby reducing processing complexity and improving ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If existing technologies are used to enhance elongation and reduce modulus, then mechanical flexibility is improved, but resistance to UV radiation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelongation and modulusVSAvoidUV radiation damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle macro-structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as mechanical reinforcements to enhance elongation and reduce modulus for improved flexibility, while also providing UV radiation shielding through their nanoporous structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the trade-off between mechanical flexibility and UV resistance, as both properties are enhanced by the same additive system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 these nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle macro-structures significantly increases ultimate tensile strength by at least 5%, elongation by at least 10%, and reduces modulus at 100% strain by at least 50%, while also improving resistance to UV exposure over 200 hours, maintaining enhanced mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

ability to retain color intensity and resistance to fading on exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20230373806A1Nanoporous Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Macro-Structures In Polymeric Elastomers

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 XHEME INC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to nanoporous cerium oxide nanoparticle (NCeONP) macro-structures in polymeric elastomers. Such macrostructures can be used to modify the mechanical properties of the polymeric elastomer and influence the response to UV exposure.