Fiber-sizing agent, inorganic reinforcement material, resin composition, and molded article

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermoplastic and thermosetting resin compositions with inorganic reinforcing materials face challenges in maintaining high impact resistance and surface gloss properties, with existing solutions often compromising on one or both aspects.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-sizing agent comprising a modified olefin wax, a polyolefin resin, and a silane coupling agent, with specific molecular weight and softening point ranges, is applied to inorganic reinforcing materials to enhance their dispersibility and sliding properties, thereby improving the impact resistance and surface gloss of molded articles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional fiber-sizing agents with small amounts of wax are used, then lubricity is provided, but impact resistance and surface gloss properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelubricityVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition parameters of the fiber-sizing agent by incorporating carboxyl groups and carboxyl derivative groups in specific concentrations (0.1-10 mass% and 0.1-10 mass% respectively). This parameter modification transforms the sizing agent from a simple lubricant into a multifunctional interfacial modifier that simultaneously provides lubricity, enhances impact resistance, and improves surface gloss properties through chemical bonding mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fiber-sizing agents are used, then dispersibility is provided, but surface gloss properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedispersibilityVSAvoidsurface gloss properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber-sizing agent acts as an intermediary that improves dispersibility through chemical bonding while maintaining surface gloss. The carboxyl groups and carboxyl derivative groups form strong chemical bonds with the inorganic reinforcing material surface, preventing aggregation and ensuring uniform distribution. Simultaneously, the sizing agent layer on the fiber surface provides a smooth interface that reflects light uniformly, maintaining high surface gloss properties despite the presence of reinforcing materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively enhances the impact resistance and surface gloss of molded articles by improving the dispersibility and sliding properties of inorganic reinforcing materials within the resin composition, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

A fiber-sizing agent comprising a modified olefin wax (A), a polyolefin resin (B) and a silane coupling agent (C)... to enhance their dispersibility and sliding properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11577995B2Fiber-sizing agent, inorganic reinforcement material, resin composition, and molded article
Publication Date: 2023.02.14 MITSUI CHEMICALS INC

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a fiber-sizing agent which when applied to an inorganic reinforcement material contained in a resin composition, can provide a molded article having excellent impact resistance and high surface gloss properties. The fiber-sizing agent according to the present invention contains a modified olefin wax (A), a polyolefin resin (B), and a silane-coupling agent (C), wherein the mass ratio (A)/(B) of the modified olefin wax (A) to the polyolefin resin (B) is in the range of 0.2-10.