Crosslinked Aromatic Polymer Seals for High-Temperature Extrusion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature polymers used in sealing and wear-resistant components face issues with extrusion and creep, leading to reduced mechanical performance and brittleness, especially when operating above their glass transition temperatures, which limits their effectiveness in harsh environments such as downhole oil exploration.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising an aromatic polymer and a crosslinking compound, specifically 9,9'-(biphenyl-4,4'-diyl)bis(9H-fluoren-9-ol), is used to enhance the extrusion resistance and creep resistance of sealing components, maintaining ductility and mechanical properties at high temperatures without the need for fillers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high-temperature polymers are used above their glass transition temperature, then they provide good processability and flexibility, but they suffer from reduced mechanical properties and increased extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cross-linking to fundamentally change the molecular structure parameter of the polymer, transforming it from a thermoplastic material to a thermosetting material. This parameter change enables the material to maintain dimensional stability and mechanical properties at temperatures above its glass transition temperature, resolving the contradiction between processability and strength retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure through cross-linking, where the polymer chains are interconnected to form a three-dimensional network. This composite-like structure combines the flexibility of the original polymer with the thermal stability and extrusion resistance of the cross-linked network, allowing the material to withstand high temperatures without losing mechanical properties.
2Strength
If fillers are added to improve extrusion resistance, then extrusion and creep resistance are enhanced, but the material becomes more brittle and loses ductility
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding fillers to improve extrusion resistance, the patent changes the fundamental parameter of the polymer by introducing cross-links. This transforms the material from thermoplastic to thermosetting, achieving enhanced extrusion and creep resistance while maintaining ductility and toughness, thus avoiding the brittleness problem associated with filled materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reinforcement approach (adding fillers) with a chemical approach (cross-linking). The cross-linked network provides the necessary structural support and resistance to extrusion and creep without the need for discrete filler particles, thereby maintaining the material's ductility and avoiding brittleness.
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 crosslinked polymer composition demonstrates improved extrusion resistance and creep resistance, maintaining good mechanical properties and ductility at high temperatures, outperforming filled PEEK grades and allowing for use in extreme conditions like downhole environments without becoming brittle.
Implementation Method 1
Cross-linking has been widely recognized as one way to modify high temperature polymeric materials. Several inventions have been aimed at improving the high temperature performance of organic polymers by using cross-linking within the polymers by cross-linking to itself
Implementation Method 2
The crosslinked polymer composition demonstrates improved extrusion resistance and creep resistance, maintaining good mechanical properties and ductility at high temperatures
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and compositions are described which improve extrusion- and creep- resistance of components for use in a high temperature applications including sealing elements and seal connectors among others. The method includes providing a composition having an aromatic polymer and a crosslinking compound, and subjecting the composition to a heat molding process to form the component and crosslink the aromatic polymer.