Crosslinked Polypropylene Films for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for propylene-based materials with improved stretchability and elasticity that maintain their integrity and performance at elevated temperatures, particularly for repeated-wear clothing and applications where shape retention and tensile strength are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A crosslinked composition is created by combining propylene-based polymers with antioxidants, co-agents, and photoinitiators, which are then crosslinked using ultraviolet radiation, resulting in materials with enhanced tensile strength and elongation properties, suitable for making films and fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If propylene-based polymers are used for stretchable clothing, then good stress-strain properties and elasticity at room temperature are achieved, but integrity and elastic performance are lost at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of propylene-based polymers through controlled introduction of stereoregular sequences and amorphous regions, creating a dual-phase structure that maintains elasticity at room temperature while providing thermal stability at elevated temperatures. This structural parameter modification allows the material to retain both stretchability and integrity across temperature ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite-like structures within the polymer by blending stereoregular polypropylene crystalline phases with amorphous elastomeric phases. This internal composite structure combines the high-temperature stability of crystalline regions with the elasticity of amorphous regions, resolving the contradiction between room-temperature stretchability and elevated-temperature integrity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional uncrosslinked polyolefin-based elastic materials are used, then stretchability is achieved, but shape retention and elastic performance deteriorate during repeated use and laundering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a balanced microstructure with specific crystalline and amorphous phase distributions before the material is put into service. This pre-configured structure provides inherent shape retention capability that prevents deterioration during repeated use and laundering, while maintaining stretchability.
3Strength
If Spandex is used for launderable apparel, then elasticity is achieved, but the material loses integrity when subjected to elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the thermal parameter behavior by creating a polymer structure with high melting point crystalline phases (stereoregular polypropylene) that remain stable at laundering temperatures. This parameter change in thermal stability allows the material to maintain elasticity while withstanding elevated temperatures that would degrade Spandex.
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 composition exhibits little to no loss in tensile strength and maintains excellent elongation properties, making it suitable for durable and flexible applications across various temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking the composition using ultraviolet radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for providing a composition comprising at least one propylene-based polymer; at least one of multifunctional acrylates, multifunctional methacrylates, functionalized polybutadiene resins, functionalized cyanurate, and allyl isocyanurate; at least one of hindered phenols, phosphites, and hindered amines; and at least one photoinitiator for UV curing. The propylene-based polymer can include propylene derived units and one or more dienes, and have a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g. The composition can be extruded and crosslinked. The crosslinked composition is particularly useful for making films and fibers.