Elastic Embossing Lacquer for High Optical Dispersion and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative articles with microstructure layers composed of crosslinked polymers exhibit low elasticity, limiting their use in applications requiring high elasticity such as textiles.
Innovation Solution
An embossing lacquer with a high aromatic content and containing polymerizable compounds capable of forming a polymer main chain and long flexible aliphatic or polyether moieties for crosslinking, resulting in an elastic polymer network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If crosslinked polymers with high aromatic content are used to achieve high optical dispersion, then optical properties are improved, but elasticity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite polymer system combining aromatic compounds (for optical dispersion) with aliphatic/polyether crosslinking agents (for elasticity). This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of high optical dispersion through aromatic content and high elasticity through flexible aliphatic crosslinks, resolving the contradiction between optical properties and mechanical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional roles of different molecular components: aromatic moieties are concentrated in specific compounds (A) and (C) to provide optical dispersion, while aliphatic/polyether chains are concentrated in compound (B) to provide elasticity. This spatial and functional separation within the polymer network allows each property to be optimized independently.
2Illumination intensity
If rigid crosslinked polymer structures are used to achieve high optical dispersion, then optical properties are improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular parameters of the crosslinking agent by selecting compounds with long aliphatic chains (molecular weight 120-2000 g/mol) and polyether moieties. These parameter changes in the crosslinking structure provide flexibility while maintaining crosslinking functionality, thereby achieving both high optical dispersion and high flexibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates flexible aliphatic chains and polyether moieties that act as flexible segments within the polymer network. These flexible chains create a more compliant polymer structure that can deform and recover, providing the flexibility needed for textile applications while maintaining the optical properties from aromatic content.
3Illumination intensity
If high aromatic content compounds are used to achieve high optical dispersion, then optical properties are improved, but elasticity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a composite polymer system where aromatic compounds (providing optical dispersion) are combined with aliphatic/polyether crosslinking agents (providing elasticity). This composite material approach allows the final polymer to exhibit both high optical dispersion from the aromatic content and high elasticity from the flexible aliphatic crosslinks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different chemical components: aromatic compounds are used specifically for optical dispersion, while aliphatic/polyether compounds are used specifically for elasticity. This functional differentiation allows each component to excel at its designated property without compromising the other.
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 embossing lacquer achieves a balance of high optical dispersion and high elasticity, enabling applications in nanoimprint lithography and roll-to-roll processes for decorative articles.
Implementation Method 1
20 to 80 parts by weight of compound (A), which is a non-crosslinking compound in a radical polymerization reaction
Data Source
AI summary
An embossing lacquer containing radical polymerizable compounds (A) to (D) that have an overall aromatic content of at least 20 wt %: compound (A), which is a non-crosslinking compound and has an aromatic content of at least 40 wt %; compound (B), which is a crosslinking compound forming crosslinks via one or more aliphatic chain(s) each having a molecular weight of 200 to 2000 g/mol, wherein the content of the aliphatic chain(s) in compound (B) is at least 40 wt %; optionally compound (C), which is a crosslinking compound and has an aromatic content of at least 30 wt %; and optionally compound (D), which has a urethane group. A decorative article containing the cured embossing lacquer and a method of preparing the decorative article.