Conjugated Diene Polymer Catalyst System for Cost Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing conjugated diene polymers require aromatic hydrocarbons as solvents, which are expensive and environmentally hazardous, making it challenging to reduce manufacturing costs and environmental impact.

Innovation Solution

A method using a polymerization catalyst composition comprising a rare earth element compound, a compound with a cyclopentadiene skeleton, and an aluminoxane compound, which allows for the production of conjugated diene polymers without the need for aromatic hydrocarbons, thereby reducing costs and environmental burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a metallocene-type cationic complex of a gadolinium compound is used as the main catalyst, then a conjugated diene polymer with high cis-1,4-bond content can be manufactured, but an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent is required which increases manufacturing costs and environmental burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecis-1,4-bond contentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and environmental burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the catalyst system by replacing the metallocene-type cationic complex with a gadolinium compound combined with a cyclopentadiene skeleton compound. This parameter change in catalyst composition enables the polymerization reaction to proceed without requiring aromatic hydrocarbon solvents, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and environmental burden while maintaining high cis-1,4-bond content in the resulting polymer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a catalyst system with a cyclopentadiene skeleton compound that can be used in conventional solvents without requiring expensive aromatic hydrocarbons. This substitution with cheaper, more environmentally friendly solvent options reduces the overall manufacturing cost and environmental impact while achieving the same polymerization objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

This method enables the production of conjugated diene polymers with high cis-1,4-bond content, achieving excellent elasticity and reducing the environmental and economic burdens associated with traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer using a polymerization catalyst composition comprising a rare earth element compound and a compound having at least one cyclopentadiene skeleton

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3184555B1Method for manufacturing conjugated diene polymer, conjugated diene polymer, rubber composition, and tire

Publication Date: 2019.06.05 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A method for manufacturing a conjugated diene polymer that can increase the robustness of a polymerization reaction system is provided. Also, a conjugated diene polymer, with a high cis-1,4-bond content, that is manufactured by this method for manufacturing is provided. A method for manufacturing a conjugated diene polymer includes polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer using a polymerization catalyst composition including a rare earth element compound and a compound having a cyclopentadiene skeleton, and a conjugated diene polymer manufactured with this method for manufacturing has a cis-1,4-bond content of 95% or greater.