Curable Compositions with Oxirane Domains for High Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reaction-induced phase separation (RIPS) compositions with domains that are susceptible to temperature, leading to diminished toughening contributions at elevated temperatures due to low glass transition and thermal decomposition temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising a continuous matrix forming component with acrylate moieties and a domain forming component with oxirane or oxetane groups, which undergoes reaction-induced phase separation and further cross-linking under different curing conditions to enhance glass transition temperature and thermal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reaction induced phase separation is used to create domains in cured matrix, then toughening of the cured matrix is improved, but the domains become susceptible to temperature and exhibit low glass transition temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the domain forming component by incorporating oxirane or oxetane groups that can undergo secondary curing reactions. This transforms the domains from thermoplastic to thermoset-like behavior, raising the glass transition temperature from typical organic domain levels to above 250°C while maintaining the phase separation structure for toughening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite domain structure where oxirane/oxetane-containing domains are embedded within the cured matrix. The domains contain both acrylate moieties (for initial curing) and oxirane/oxetane groups (for secondary curing), forming a multi-functional composite that combines toughening with high thermal stability
2Strength
If reaction induced phase separation is used to create domains in cured matrix, then elongation at break is improved, but thermal decomposition temperature remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameter by introducing oxirane or oxetane groups into the domain forming component. These groups undergo secondary curing reactions that create highly stable crosslinked networks, raising the thermal decomposition temperature from typical organic domain levels to above 250°C while preserving the domain morphology for elongation enhancement
3Device complexity
If single curing condition is used for both matrix and domains, then curing process is simplified, but domains cannot achieve improved physical properties at elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first curing the acrylate moieties under initial curing conditions to establish the matrix and domain structure, then subsequently curing the oxirane/oxetane groups under different curing conditions. This two-stage approach ensures domains achieve high thermal stability without compromising the initial phase separation and toughening effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the curing process into two distinct stages: first curing the acrylate-containing components to form the basic matrix-domain structure, then separately curing the oxirane/oxetane groups in the domains under different conditions. This segmentation allows optimization of each curing stage for its specific function
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 solution results in improved resistance to softening at elevated temperatures and modified shape memory properties, maintaining thermoset-like behavior up to 250°C, while typical RIPS compositions exhibit thermoplastic behavior.
Implementation Method 1
the curable composition is capable of reaction induced phase separation to produce of domains of a polymer of the domain forming component within a continuous matrix of a polymer of the continuous matrix forming component upon exposure to a first set of curing conditions
Implementation Method 2
the domains undergo a second reaction (e.g., further cross-linking) in response to a second set of curing conditions to improve the physical properties of the domains and the cured composition
Data Source
AI summary
Curable compositions that undergo reaction induced phase separation of domains in cured matrix and provide beneficial physical and chemical properties and methods of use of such compositions. Curable compositions that undergo reaction induced phase separation of domains in cured matrix in response to a first set of curing conditions and the domains undergo a second reaction in response to a second set of curing conditions to improve the physical properties of the domains and the cured composition, such as improvements in glass transition temperature and thermal degradation.