Crosslinked Organic Porous Particles for Security Tagging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing porous polymeric particles lack control over both particle size and pore size distribution, and are not adequately resistant to organic solvents, high temperatures, and pressures, limiting their applications in security tagging and authentication.

Innovation Solution

Development of crosslinked organic porous particles with discrete pores and controlled size distribution, incorporating marker materials within the pores rather than on the surface, and using multiple water-in-oil emulsions with specific porogen agents and crosslinking compounds to enhance stability and detectability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional porous polymeric particles are manufactured, then particle production is achieved, but control over particle size and pore size distribution is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size controlVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the particle formation process into distinct stages: first forming porous particles with controlled pore structure, then separately controlling particle size through emulsion polymerization parameters. This segmentation allows independent optimization of pore size distribution and particle size, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention systematically varies key parameters including monomer composition, initiator concentration, emulsion stabilizer type and amount, and reaction temperature to achieve precise control over both particle size and pore size distribution. By changing these parameters, the invention decouples the manufacturing process, allowing independent control of each dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If porous particles are used for security tagging, then detectability is improved, but resistance to organic solvents and high temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to organic solvents and high temperaturesVSAvoidapplication range in security systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates composite porous particles incorporating crosslinked polymer matrices (such as polyacrylonitrile, polyvinylidene fluoride, or polysulfone) combined with controlled porosity and embedded marker materials. This composite structure provides both thermal and chemical stability while maintaining detectability for security applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different properties to different parts of the particle: the crosslinked polymer matrix provides resistance to organic solvents and high temperatures, while the embedded marker materials (such as fluorescent dyes, quantum dots, or magnetic particles) provide detectability. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If marker materials are placed on particle surface, then detectability is simplified, but particle stability and resistance to solvent deterioration worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle stabilityVSAvoiddetectability of marker materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention embeds marker materials within the porous structure of the particles, nesting them inside the crosslinked polymer matrix rather than placing them on the surface. The marker materials are positioned within the pores or as embedded inclusions, protecting them from solvent exposure while maintaining their detectable properties. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction between particle stability and detectability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 particles provide improved resistance to organic solvents and high temperatures, allowing for unique marker signatures and enhanced detection capabilities, expanding their use in security systems, authentication, and various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

crosslinked organic porous particles having at least two discrete pores within a solid crosslinked organic polymer phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

discrete pores that are isolated from each other and dispersed within the crosslinked organic solid phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS9050778B2Article and system with crosslinked organic porous particles
Publication Date: 2015.06.09 EASTMAN KODAK CO

AI summary

Crosslinked polymeric organic porous particles have a crosslinked organic solid phase and discrete pores dispersed within the crosslinked organic solid phase, which discrete pores are isolated from each other. The crosslinked organic porous particles are prepared using one or more water-in-oil emulsions containing a polyfunctional reactive compound and a reagent that causes crosslinking, and can be incorporated into or applied to various articles for many purposes. If marker materials are incorporated into the crosslinked organic porous particles, these marker materials can be detected using appropriate instruments.