Cross-Linking Composition for Controlled Cure During Polymer Molding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cross-linking high glass transition temperature polymers, such as those with aromatic groups, face challenges in controlling the rate and extent of cross-linking, leading to premature curing during molding processes, which impede the use of traditional molding techniques.
Innovation Solution
A cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linking compound and a cross-linking reaction additive, such as an organic acid or acetate compound, is used to control the cross-linking reaction rate. This composition forms a reactive intermediate oligomer that can cross-link organic polymers, allowing for a broader window and better control during heat molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-linking compounds are used to modify high temperature polymers, then high temperature performance and chemical resistance are improved, but the cross-linking reaction rate becomes difficult to control leading to premature curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary action by adding an inhibitor compound before cross-linking occurs. This inhibitor is pre-mixed with the polymer and cross-linking compound, ready to control the reaction rate from the start of heating, preventing premature curing during the molding process while enabling subsequent cross-linking at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The inhibitor compound acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the cross-linking compound and the polymer. It temporarily suppresses the cross-linking reaction at lower temperatures during molding, then allows the reaction to proceed at higher temperatures, thus controlling the timing and rate of cross-linking to resolve the contradiction between maintaining processability and achieving high temperature performance
2Productivity
If cross-linking reaction rate is increased to achieve full cure quickly, then production time is reduced, but traditional molding techniques cannot be used due to premature curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing temperature as a controlling parameter for the cross-linking reaction. The inhibitor suppresses cross-linking at molding temperatures (below the inhibitor's decomposition point), allowing traditional molding techniques to be used. Once molding is complete and temperature rises above the inhibitor decomposition point, the cross-linking reaction accelerates to achieve full cure, thus resolving the contradiction between cycle time and molding technique compatibility
3Strength
If cross-linking is performed at high temperature to achieve complete cure, then mechanical properties are enhanced, but the reaction accelerates too rapidly allowing less than one minute cure time which impedes conventional molding
Solution Approach 1:
The inhibitor compound serves as a temporal mediator that delays the rapid cross-linking reaction until after molding is complete. It maintains the polymer in a processable state during molding, then allows the exothermic cross-linking reaction to proceed rapidly at elevated temperatures to achieve complete cure and enhanced mechanical properties, thus controlling the timing of the strength-enhancing reaction
4Reliability
If cross-linking density is increased to improve chemical resistance, then high temperature performance is enhanced, but the polymer becomes more difficult to process using traditional molding techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The inhibitor compound performs a preliminary action by suppressing cross-linking during the molding process, maintaining the polymer in a soft, processable state that allows complete mold filling and proper part formation. After molding is complete and temperature exceeds the inhibitor decomposition point, cross-linking proceeds to achieve the desired high cross-linking density, chemical resistance, and mechanical properties, thus resolving the contradiction between moldability and chemical resistance
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 controlled cross-linking reaction rate enables the use of traditional molding techniques, ensuring complete mold filling and producing high-quality, uniformly processed parts with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties.
Implementation Method 1
cross-linking compound... capable of cross-linking organic polymers
Implementation Method 2
cross-linking reaction additive... capable of reacting with the cross-linking compound to form a reactive intermediate in the form of an oligomer
Implementation Method 3
heating the cross-linking composition such that oligomerization of the cross-linking compound occurs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The invention includes a cross-linking composition comprising a cross-linking compound and a cross-linking reaction additive selected from an organic acid and/or an acetate compound, wherein the cross-linking compound has the structure according to formula (IV): wherein the cross-linking reaction additive is capable of reacting with the cross-linking compound to form a reactive oligomer intermediate, which is capable of cross-linking an organic polymer. Also included is an organic polymer composition for use in forming a crosslinked organic polymer, comprising a cross-linking compound of Formula (IV), a cross-linking reaction additive and at least one organic polymer. In one embodiment, the at least one organic polymer has at least one halogen-containing reactive group and is dehalogenated by reacting with an alkali metal compound. Methods for making such compositions as well as articles of manufacture formed from such methods and organic polymer compositions, wherein the compositions and methods control the cross-linking reaction rate of a crosslinking compound for use in cross-linking an organic polymer are also included.