Diradical Generating Compounds for Polymer Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of traditional free radical generating compounds in polymer compositions for wire and cable applications leads to the formation of undesirable gaseous by-products, such as methane, which can cause voids and reduce the electrical strength of cables, necessitating costly and energy-intensive degassing processes to remove these volatile decomposition products.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of diradical generating compounds, specifically cis-ene-diyne compounds that cyclize to form diradicals, which interact with the polymer to effect crosslinking with minimal or no formation of undesirable by-products, thereby enhancing mechanical properties and reducing volatile content in the polymer composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional free radical generating compounds (peroxides) are used for crosslinking polymer composition, then crosslinking reaction is initiated and mechanical properties are improved, but gaseous decomposition products (methane) are formed causing voids and reducing electrical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing traditional peroxide free radical generating compounds with alternative compounds that decompose to form free radicals without producing gaseous by-products. This substitution maintains the crosslinking function while eliminating the harmful gas generation, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving mechanical strength improvement and avoiding gaseous decomposition products.
2Reliability
If degassing processes are implemented to remove volatile decomposition products, then voids are reduced and electrical strength is improved, but production time increases and energy consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or eliminates the source of the problem by using free radical generating compounds that do not produce gaseous decomposition products. By removing the harmful by-product generation at the source, the degassing process becomes unnecessary, thereby maintaining electrical strength without the penalty of increased production time and energy consumption.
3Reliability
If degassing processes are implemented to remove volatile decomposition products, then voids are reduced and electrical strength is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts or eliminates the source of the problem by using free radical generating compounds that do not produce gaseous decomposition products. By removing the harmful by-product generation at the source, the energy-intensive degassing process becomes unnecessary, thereby maintaining electrical strength without the penalty of increased energy consumption.
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
This approach allows for the production of high-quality cables with improved mechanical properties and reduced volatile content, eliminating the need for extensive degassing processes, resulting in shorter production times and lower energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a free radical generating compound which is a diradical generating compound, more preferably a diradical generating compound which contains sites of C—C unsaturation which cyclizes to form a diradical
Implementation Method 2
The decomposed radicals initiate further radical reactions within a polymer composition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for modifying a polymer composition, to modified polymer compositions, to an article, preferably wire or cable, comprising said modified polymer composition, to a process for preparing an article, preferably a wire or cable, to the use of said modified polymer in one or more layers of a wire or cable, as well as to a compound for use as a radical generating compound for modifying a polymer composition.