Epoxy-Polythiourethane Matrix for Nanocrystal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanocrystal composites used in light down-conversion applications suffer from degradation due to exposure to temperature and photons, requiring additional protection against oxygen and moisture, which increases manufacturing costs and product thickness.
Innovation Solution
A nanocrystal composite is developed using an epoxy-polythiourethane matrix, which provides improved thermal and photothermal stability, allowing for the use of thinner barrier films and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining protection against oxidation and degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional polymeric matrices (meth)acrylates, allyl or epoxy resins are used for NC composites, then large scale film manufacturing is enabled, but the NCs degrade under operating conditions (photon flux, high temperature, ambient atmosphere) requiring additional barrier films
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymeric matrix combining (meth)acrylate polymerizable formulation with silane-modified components. The silane-modified (meth)acrylate monomers create a crosslinked network structure that provides enhanced thermal and photothermal stability while maintaining UV-curable processing capabilities for large scale manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of conventional (meth)acrylate resins by incorporating silane-functionalized monomers and oligomers. This changes the crosslinking density and network structure of the polymer matrix, improving its resistance to thermal degradation and photon-induced degradation without sacrificing processability
2Reliability
If additional high performance barrier films are added to protect NCs from oxygen and moisture permeation, then NC stability is improved, but the cost and thickness of the NC composite product increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the barrier function from separate external barrier films and integrates it directly into the polymeric matrix through silane modification. The silane-crosslinked network provides inherent resistance to oxygen and moisture permeation, eliminating the need for additional barrier layers while maintaining protection functionality
3Reliability
If barrier layers are added to protect NC composite edges from oxygen and moisture penetration, then degradation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to sophisticated organic-inorganic multilayers
Solution Approach 1:
The silane-modified polymeric matrix performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables UV-curable processing, offers thermal stability, and delivers barrier protection against oxygen and moisture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized barrier layers at edges and surfaces
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 epoxy-polythiourethane matrix enhances the stability of nanocrystals, enabling a barrier-free configuration that maintains optical properties and reduces material and space requirements in light down-conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric matrix provides improved thermal and photothermal stability to the NCs and it can be prepared in air
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nanocrystal composite comprising nanocrystals embedded in a polymeric matrix formed by polymerisation of at least one epoxy compound having a functionality from 2 to 4 and a polythiol compound having a functionality from 2 to 10 and a polyisocyanate compound having a functionality from 2 to 4. Composites according to the present invention provide improved thermal and photo thermal stability to the nanocrystals.