Cyclohexanone Plasticizers for Low-Volatility PVC

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current plasticizers, such as phthalic acid esters, face regulatory pressure due to toxicological concerns, particularly in medical and food sectors, necessitating the development of alternative plasticizers with low volatility and high efficiency for use in polymers like PVC.

Innovation Solution

Compounds of the general formula (I), specifically designed as plasticizers, are introduced, which include C8 to C10 alkyl groups and have low Shore A hardness, low gelation temperature, and low viscosity in non-gelled states, suitable for use in PVC and other thermoplastic polymers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If phthalic acid esters are used as plasticizers, then good plasticizing efficiency is achieved, but toxicological safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasticizing efficiencyVSAvoidtoxicological safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the plasticizer by using cyclohexanone derivatives with specific alkyl chain lengths (C8-C10) and ester groups, transforming the molecular parameters to achieve both low volatility and non-toxicity while maintaining plasticizing efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite plasticizer systems by combining cyclohexanone derivatives with specific ester groups, forming a composite molecular structure that integrates the advantages of low volatility (from cyclohexanone) and non-toxicity (from natural ester groups)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If alternative plasticizers are used to improve safety, then toxicological safety improves, but volatility increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoxicological safetyVSAvoidvolatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the volatility parameter by carefully selecting alkyl chain lengths (C8-C10) and ester group types, changing the physical parameters of the plasticizer molecules to achieve low volatility while maintaining non-toxicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality optimization by specifically designing the molecular structure with cyclohexanone core and particular ester groups in specific positions, creating localized structural features that reduce volatility without compromising safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If plasticizers with low Shore A hardness are used, then flexibility improves, but processing temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidprocessing temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the plasticizer by selecting compounds with specific Shore A hardness values and corresponding melting points, optimizing the balance between flexibility and processing temperature through parameter selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3747860B1Novel cyclohexanone based plasticisers
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 BASF SE
  • EP3747860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3747860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3747860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Compound of general formula (I) wherein R1a and R1b are independently C5- to C13-alkyl, R2a and R2b are independently H or CH3, and n = 0, 1, 2 or 7.