(Co)polyamides with Ether Linkages for Moisture-Induced Swelling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyamides with high melting temperatures lack water absorption behavior, which is necessary for applications requiring swelling or deformation in high humidity environments, such as oil and gas extraction and 3D printing.
Innovation Solution
Development of (co)polyamides comprising at least 60 mol% of recurring units obtained from the condensation of a diamine of formula H2N—CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—NH2 with 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, exhibiting high melting temperatures above 260°C and solubility in water, enabling both thermal stability and moisture-induced swelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If polyamides with high melting temperature are used, then thermal stability is improved, but water absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite diamine structure combining ether linkages (H2N—CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—NH2) with aliphatic chains, creating a polyamide that integrates both high-temperature stability from the rigid cyclohexane rings and water absorption from the flexible ether-containing chains. This molecular-level composite structure resolves the contradiction between thermal stability and water absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the diamine component by incorporating specific ether linkages and carbon chain lengths (2-6 carbons), which changes the physical properties of the resulting polyamide to simultaneously achieve high melting point (>260°C) and adequate water absorption (>2wt%).
2Temperature
If polyamides with high melting temperature are used, then thermal stability is improved, but swelling behavior in moisture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ether-containing diamine structure creates a polyamide with composite characteristics: the rigid 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid units provide thermal stability while the flexible ether linkages enable chain mobility and water interaction, allowing the material to swell and deform in high humidity environments despite its high melting point.
3Temperature
If polyamides with high melting temperature are used, then thermal stability is improved, but solubility in water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By carefully selecting the diamine structure with ether linkages and specific carbon chain lengths, the patent adjusts the hydrophilicity parameter of the polyamide to achieve water solubility while maintaining high melting temperature, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
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 (co)polyamides demonstrate high melting points and water absorption, making them suitable for high-temperature applications and processes requiring deformation upon moisture exposure, like oil and gas extraction and 3D printing, while maintaining solubility in water.
Implementation Method 1
the condensation of a diamine of formula H2N—CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—O—CH2CH2—NH2 with a 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid (1,4-CHDA)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to (co)polyamides comprising at least 60 mol. % of recurring units of formula (I): (I). The present invention also relates to polymer compositions comprising such (co)polyamides, as well as articles comprising the same and methods of using said articles in high temperature applications requiring sufficient swelling or deformation upon exposure to moisture, such as for example oil and gas extraction processes (e.g. fracturing balls), or as support materials used to print three-dimensional (3D) parts.