Elastomer Surface Covalent Particle Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modifying the surface of elastomer gloves, such as epoxidation, do not effectively improve lubricity and wet attractability while maintaining the intrinsic properties of the rubber, and may involve the use of actinic radiation or result in tackiness and contamination issues.

Innovation Solution

Covalently bonding particles with functional groups like mercapto, amino, or epoxide groups to the epoxidized elastomer surface, which reduces tackiness and enhances lubricity and wet attractability, and allows for additional functionalities like moisture absorption, using a thermal process without actinic radiation, and enabling 'powder-free' production for clean environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the surface of elastomer gloves is epoxidized to improve lubricity and wet attractability, then the surface properties are improved, but the elastomer becomes tacky and loses resistance to aging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubricity and wet attractabilityVSAvoidresistance to aging and tackiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomer surface is epoxidized in advance before final product completion, creating reactive epoxy groups that can subsequently bond particles. This preliminary functionalization allows the surface to be prepared with improved lubricity while the particle bonding step later restores aging resistance by capping remaining epoxy groups and reducing tackiness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Particles with functional groups (mercapto, amino, or epoxide groups) serve as intermediary elements between the epoxidized elastomer surface and the final product requirements. These particles bond covalently to the epoxy groups, acting as mediators that simultaneously improve surface properties (through the epoxidized layer) and restore bulk properties (by capping reactive epoxy groups and reducing tackiness).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If coatings or roughening is applied to the elastomer surface to improve lubricity, then surface properties are improved, but the intrinsic properties of the rubber such as elasticity and tensile strength are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovelubricityVSAvoidelasticity and tensile strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The epoxidation process modifies only the surface layer of the elastomer (typically the outer 1-10 micrometers), leaving the bulk material properties unchanged. This localized modification allows the surface to gain improved lubricity and wet attractability while the underlying bulk elastomer retains its intrinsic elasticity and tensile strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomer product becomes a composite structure with an epoxidized surface layer containing bonded particles. This composite architecture combines the lubricious surface properties of the epoxidized layer with the mechanical strength of the bulk elastomer, achieving both improved ease of operation and preserved strength properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If actinic radiation is used to prepare the elastomer surface, then surface modification is achieved, but the process complexity and potential contamination increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface modification efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity and contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces actinic radiation (optical/chemical method) with a thermal process using heat and pressure to bond particles to the epoxidized surface. This substitution eliminates the need for complex radiation equipment and reduces contamination risks associated with UV or other actinic radiation systems, while achieving equivalent surface modification results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method improves the lubricity and wet attractability of elastomer products, reduces tackiness, and enhances aging resistance, while allowing for the incorporation of active substances and specific surface structuring, making the elastomer products suitable for medical and clean room applications.

Implementation Method 1

the particles are covalently bonded to the epoxide groups after the epoxidation process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the surface is at least partially epoxidized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEpoxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS9290632B2Elastomer product with covalently bonded particles

Publication Date: 2016.03.22 SEMPERIT OESTERREICHISCH AMERIKANISCHE GUMMIWERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT

AI summary

The invention relates to a method of bonding particles to the surface of an elastomer, in particular a glove, the surface of the elastomer being at least partially epoxidized, and the particles are covalently bonded to the epoxide groups after epoxidation of the elastomer surface.