Dual Catalyst ROMP Cationic Polymerization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing opto-electronic applications face challenges with materials that are unstable at high temperatures and exhibit low glass transition temperatures and high water absorption, limiting their use in devices like OLEDs, where stable, rapidly polymerizable materials with high optical transparency are needed.
Innovation Solution
A single component composition comprising olefinic monomers with epoxy groups, combined with an organoruthenium compound and a photoacid generator, undergoes ring-open metathesis polymerization and cationic polymerization upon actinic radiation exposure, forming polyethers and achieving high optical transparency and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acrylate based compositions or epoxies are used for light activated polymerization, then high productivity and ease of application are achieved, but glass transition temperatures are low and water absorption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines oxirane substituted polycycloolefin monomers (providing thermal stability and low water absorption) with photoinitiators and catalysts to create a composite polymerizable composition that achieves both high productivity through rapid polymerization and improved compositional stability with Tg > 0°C and low water absorption
2Duration of action of stationary object
If stable single component compositions are used for storage, then shelf life is extended, but rapid mass polymerization upon actinic radiation exposure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The composition is prepared in advance with all necessary components (monomers, photoinitiators, catalysts) pre-mixed and stabilized for long-term storage, then upon actinic radiation exposure the polymerization reaction is immediately activated to proceed rapidly, achieving both extended shelf life and fast curing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of actinic radiation exposure to trigger the transition from stable storage state to rapid polymerization state, where the photoinitiator absorbs light energy and initiates the polymerization reaction of the oxirane substituted polycycloolefin monomers
3Productivity
If materials are used that polymerize rapidly upon actinic radiation exposure, then fabrication efficiency is improved, but stability at ambient temperature during storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces photoinitiators and organoruthenium catalysts as intermediary substances that remain dormant during storage but activate rapidly upon actinic radiation exposure, enabling the oxirane substituted polycycloolefin monomers to polymerize quickly only when needed, thus maintaining both storage stability and fabrication efficiency
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 composition remains stable at ambient conditions for extended periods, rapidly polymerizes upon exposure to actinic radiation, and forms transparent, mechanically robust films with improved solvent resistance and adhesion, suitable for various opto-electronic applications.
Implementation Method 1
undergoes mass ROMP and cationic polymerization only when exposed to suitable actinic radiation in the presence of organoruthenium catalysts
Implementation Method 2
ring opening of the epoxy groups to form polyethers simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention encompass compositions comprising an organoruthenium compound, a photoacid generator, a photosensitizer, one or more epoxy group containing olefinic monomers. The compositions of this invention may additionally contain one or more olefinic monomers. The compositions undergo simultaneous ring open metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and cationic polymerization when exposed to a suitable actinic radiation to form a substantially transparent film. The compositions of this invention are stable at room temperature for several days to several months and undergo mass polymerization only when subjected to suitable actinic radiation. The monomers employed therein have a range of optical and mechanical properties, and thus these compositions can be tailored to form films having various opto-electronic properties. More specifically, the compositions of this invention undergo much faster mass polymerization and exhibit superior thermo-mechanical properties when compared with the compositions containing only the olefinic monomers. Accordingly, compositions of this invention are useful in various applications, including as coatings, encapsulants, fillers, leveling agents, sealants, adhesives, among others.