Elastomer Seal Composition for Compression Fracture Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elastomer seal materials are prone to compression fracture due to increased compressibility at high temperatures, and existing methods to enhance resistance, such as reducing crosslink density or controlling molecular weight, lack versatility and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

An elastomer composition incorporating phenol resin and silica in powder form, crosslinked and molded to create a seal material with improved resistance to compression fracture and compression set, suitable for semiconductor manufacturing devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the crosslink density of rubber is reduced to enhance resistance to compression fracture, then the resistance to compression fracture is improved, but the compression set deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to compression fractureVSAvoidcompression set
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of rubber, phenol resin powder, and silica powder. The phenol resin and silica form a reinforcing network within the rubber matrix, creating a composite structure that simultaneously improves compression fracture resistance and maintains compression set properties without requiring crosslink density reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the phenol resin and silica from granular to powder form, and controls their particle size distribution. This parameter change allows for better dispersion and interaction with the rubber matrix, enabling improved mechanical properties while maintaining optimal crosslink density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the molecular weight of rubber is controlled to enhance resistance to compression fracture, then the resistance to compression fracture is improved, but the versatility of polymerization conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to compression fractureVSAvoidversatility of polymerization conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces phenol resin powder and silica powder as intermediary substances that mediate the mechanical properties of the rubber. These additives provide the necessary reinforcement for compression fracture resistance independently of the rubber's molecular weight, allowing standard polymerization conditions to be maintained across different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If compressibility is increased to accommodate design matters, tolerance, and expansion during heating, then the adaptability is improved, but the resistance to compression fracture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompressibilityVSAvoidresistance to compression fracture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates phenol resin powder and silica powder as a pre-established reinforcing network that cushions against compression fracture. This reinforcing structure is built into the material before use, allowing the seal to accommodate higher compressibility for design tolerance and thermal expansion while maintaining resistance to compression fracture through the distributed particle reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 elastomer composition effectively prevents compression fracture and maintains excellent compression set properties, ensuring airtightness in mechanical devices, particularly under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the seal material of the present disclosure is obtained by crosslinking and molding the elastomer composition of the present disclosure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20230174763A1Elastomer composition and sealing material comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.06.08 MITSUBISHI CABLE INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

To achieve properties such as a desirable compression fracture property, desirable compression set, and the like in the elastomer composition and the seal material using same. The elastomer composition of the present disclosure therefore includes an elastomer, phenol resin in powder form, and silica in powder form. The seal material of the present disclosure is obtained by crosslinking and molding the elastomer composition of the present disclosure. The seal material may be used in a semiconductor manufacturing device.