Polyurethane Shells with CO2 Polyols for Reduced Water Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polyurethane coatings tend to absorb water and swell, which is a significant disadvantage in various applications, necessitating the development of systems with reduced water absorption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating alkylene oxide-CO2 polyether carbonate polyols as a reactive component in polyurethane systems, which reduces water absorption and makes the systems more resource-efficient by utilizing carbon dioxide as a building block, replacing fossil-based materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional polyurethane systems based on ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide polyether polyols, polyester polyols, or polycarbonate polyols are used, then good coating performance is achieved, but water absorption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyol component by incorporating polyether carbonate polyols with specific CO2 content (10-30 wt%) and specific molecular weight ranges (600-6000 Da). This parameter change in the polyol structure directly reduces water absorption while maintaining coating performance and hydrolytic stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polyol systems combining polyether carbonate polyols with other polyols (polyester polyols, polycarbonate polyols, or additional polyether polyols) in specific ratios. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect that reduces water absorption while preserving the hydrolytic stability and performance characteristics of conventional systems.
2Loss of substance
If polyether carbonate polyols with high CO2 content are used, then water absorption is reduced and resource efficiency is improved, but molecular weight control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies precise parameter ranges for polyether carbonate polyols including CO2 content (10-30 wt%), molecular weight (600-6000 Da), and hydroxyl number (20-100 mg KOH/g). These controlled parameters ensure that the substitution of fossil-based materials with CO2-derived materials does not compromise the precision required for manufacturing reliable polyurethane coatings.
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 use of alkylene oxide-CO2 polyether carbonate polyols significantly reduces water absorption in polyurethane systems compared to conventional systems, making them more sustainable and suitable for applications in construction and the automotive industry.
Implementation Method 1
part of the polymer chains do not consist of fossil raw materials, but of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide incorporated into the polymer chains
Implementation Method 2
alkylene oxide-CO2 polyether carbonate polyols (PEC) as a reactive component in the polyurethane system
Implementation Method 3
Polyurethanes generally tend to absorb water and may swell
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to coverings made of polyurethane having reduced water absorption and the use thereof.