Fabric to POE Adhesion via Functionalized Chlorinated Olefin Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adhesive solutions for bonding polyolefin elastomer (POE) sheets to fabric substrates face challenges such as the use of toxic solvents, expensive isocyanate crosslinkers, and insufficient bonding strength, while also being costly and lacking environmental friendliness.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising anhydride and/or carboxylic acid functionalized, chlorinated olefin-based polymers, styrene-based polymers, amide wax slurries, and organic solvents, along with a tackifier, which forms a robust adhesive layer that enhances bonding strength and environmental sustainability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If isocyanate crosslinkers are used to improve bonding strength, then adhesive strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates isocyanate crosslinkers from the adhesive formulation, replacing them with alternative polymers (polyester, polyamide, or acrylic) that provide bonding strength through different mechanisms. This removal simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining adequate adhesive performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses cost-effective polymer alternatives instead of expensive isocyanate crosslinkers. These alternative polymers achieve the desired bonding strength through their inherent adhesive properties rather than requiring complex crosslinking chemistry, thereby reducing both material cost and process complexity.
2Strength
If conventional adhesive formulations are used to achieve bonding strength, then adhesive performance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to toxic solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces toxic solvent-based formulations with water-based adhesive formulations. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of organic solvents while maintaining adhesive performance through optimized polymer chemistry and formulation, thereby converting an environmentally harmful system into a benign one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the adhesive medium from organic solvents to water as the dispersing phase. This parameter change fundamentally alters the environmental profile of the adhesive while preserving its bonding functionality through careful selection of water-compatible polymers and additives.
3Reliability
If polyolefin elastomer sheets are used to improve environmental friendliness and weatherability, then material sustainability is improved, but adhesion to fabric substrates deteriorates due to less polar nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specially formulated adhesive layer as an intermediary between the polyolefin elastomer sheet and the fabric substrate. This adhesive layer contains polymers with balanced polarity characteristics that can simultaneously interact with both the non-polar polyolefin surface and the typically more polar fabric substrate, thereby mediating the adhesion interface and achieving strong bonding without compromising the weatherability of the polyolefin.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly adhesive with high bonding strength and stability, suitable for various applications, including coated substrates and articles like synthetic leather and tents, without the need for toxic solvents or expensive crosslinkers.
Implementation Method 1
adhesive formulations for fabric/POE adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this invention relate to a composition comprising of (A) an anhydride and/or carboxylic acid functionalized, chlorinated olefin-based polymer and/or (b) a styrene-based polymer and/or a functionalized styrene-based polymer, (B) a polyamide wax slurry, and (C) organic solvent, and which composition can be used as an adhesive to bond a fabric to a polyolefin elastomer (POE) thermoplastic sheet, articles made from the composition, and methods of producing the composition and articles.