1,4-Cis Polydiene Branching for Lower Solution Viscosity

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Solution Overview

Problem

High solution viscosity, low solids production rates, and fouling challenges in the production of high 1,4-cis content polybutadienes using rare earth transition metal catalysts, which are exacerbated by increased industrial demand.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of bis-dienes into the polymerization system using a lanthanide-based catalyst to promote long-chain branching in 1,4-cis polydienes, reducing solution viscosity and minimizing by-product waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rare earth transition metal catalysts are used to produce high 1,4-cis content polybutadienes, then the tensile properties and abrasion resistance are improved, but the solution viscosity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetensile propertiesVSAvoidsolution viscosity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the catalyst system composition - specifically using a combination of neodymium catalyst with boron-based additives and adjusting the monomer-to-catalyst ratio. This changes the polymerization parameters to achieve high 1,4-cis content (90-98%) while controlling solution viscosity through optimized reaction conditions including temperature and solvent selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a hybrid catalyst system that combines rare earth metal (neodymium) with boron-based compounds and organic additives. This composite catalyst approach allows the system to maintain the high 1,4-cis selectivity of rare earth catalysts while the boron-based components help modulate the polymerization kinetics to reduce solution viscosity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rare earth transition metal catalysts are used to produce high 1,4-cis content polybutadienes, then the abrasion resistance is improved, but the solids production rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidsolids production rate

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes production parameters by adjusting the catalyst concentration, monomer feed rate, and reaction temperature to maximize solids production rate. The use of boron-based additives modifies the polymerization kinetics to achieve faster polymerization rates while maintaining high 1,4-cis content, thereby increasing overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If rare earth transition metal catalysts are used to produce high 1,4-cis content polybutadienes, then the fatigue resistance is improved, but fouling challenges increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefatigue resistanceVSAvoidfouling

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces boron-based compounds and organic additives as intermediary substances that mediate between the rare earth catalyst and the diene monomer. These intermediaries facilitate the polymerization process while preventing direct interactions that lead to fouling and catalyst deactivation, thereby maintaining system cleanliness and operational stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Strength

If rare earth transition metal catalysts are used to produce high 1,4-cis content polybutadienes, then the hysteresis is reduced, but cold flow resistance decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovehysteresisVSAvoidcold flow resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the molecular weight distribution and polymer architecture by adjusting polymerization parameters such as temperature, catalyst concentration, and monomer feed rate. The boron-based additives influence the chain growth kinetics to produce polymers with optimized molecular weight distributions that balance low hysteresis with adequate cold flow resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 results in polydienes with improved processability and performance, maintaining high 1,4-cis linkage content while reducing solution viscosity and eliminating the need for additional additives.

Implementation Method 1

a polymerization system of 1,4-cis polydiene is prepared by introducing a lanthanide-based catalyst and a conjugated diene monomer to either (A) a carbon-bridged bis-diene or (B) a heteroatom-bridged bis-diene compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250326871A1Polydienes with reduced solution viscosity

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 G-3 CHICKADEE PURCHASER LLC

AI summary

A 1,4-cis polydiene formed by polymerizing at least a 1,3-butadiene monomer in the presence of a lanthanide catalyst system and a bis-diene additive.