Fluorinated Crosslinking Agent for Fluoroelastomer Heat Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crosslinked fluoroelastomers used in high-temperature applications, such as power plants, exhibit poor heat and vapor resistance, necessitating the development of a novel crosslinking agent to enhance these properties.

Innovation Solution

A crosslinking agent represented by specific fluorine-containing aromatic compounds is used to improve the heat resistance of crosslinked fluoroelastomers, comprising structures with fluorine atoms and alkyl or aryl groups, which are incorporated into the fluoroelastomer composition along with a crosslinking initiator to form a seal material with enhanced thermal stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crosslinking agents (TAIC, divinylbenzene, divinylbiphenyl) are used to produce crosslinked fluoroelastomer, then the fluoroelastomer achieves crosslinked structure and basic sealing function, but the heat resistance and vapor resistance are insufficient for high-temperature water vapor applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistance and vapor resistanceVSAvoidcrosslinking agent availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of crosslinking agents by introducing fluorine atoms and aromatic rings into the molecular structure. This structural parameter change enhances the crosslinking agent's ability to resist heat and water vapor, directly resolving the reliability issue while maintaining manufacturability through established polymerization processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite crosslinking system combining fluorinated aromatic compounds with fluoroelastomer matrices. This composite approach integrates the thermal stability of aromatic structures with the elasticity of fluoroelastomers, achieving both high heat resistance and vapor resistance without compromising the sealing function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If the temperature of water vapor is increased to improve power generation efficiency, then energy production improves, but the requirement for heat resistance of seal materials becomes more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidwater vapor temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary thermal stabilization by incorporating heat-resistant fluorinated aromatic crosslinking agents into the fluoroelastomer before the material is exposed to high-temperature water vapor in power generation applications. This pre-prepared thermal resistance allows the seal material to withstand elevated temperatures without degradation, enabling higher power generation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If existing crosslinked fluoroelastomer formulations are used, then basic sealing performance is achieved, but vapor resistance deteriorates under saturated water vapor exposure at high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor resistanceVSAvoidwater vapor penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances local quality at the molecular level by introducing fluorinated aromatic crosslinking structures that create dense, thermally stable crosslink points within the fluoroelastomer matrix. These localized fluorinated aromatic regions act as barriers to water vapor penetration, significantly improving vapor resistance while maintaining the overall elastomeric properties needed for sealing applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 crosslinked fluoroelastomer exhibits a weight reduction ratio of 7% or less at 330°C and a weight swelling change ratio of 70% or less when exposed to saturated water vapor at 300°C, demonstrating improved heat and vapor resistance.

Implementation Method 1

A crosslinking agent including a compound represented by a formula (1)... a crosslinked fluoroelastomer obtained by crosslinking the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The crosslinked fluoroelastomer exhibits a weight reduction ratio of 7% or less at 330°C and a weight swelling change ratio of 70% or less when exposed to saturated water vapor at 300°C, demonstrating improved heat and vapor resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentUS11767389B2Crosslinking agent and fluorine-containing aromatic compound
Publication Date: 2023.09.26 NICHIAS CORP
  • US11767389B2 patent drawing
  • US11767389B2 patent drawing
  • US11767389B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A crosslinking agent includes a compound represented by a formula (1),wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, an alkyl group, a fluoroalkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a plurality of R1 are identical to or different from each other, a plurality of R2 are identical to or different from each other, and a plurality of R3 are identical to or different from each other, provided that at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a hydrogen atom, and at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a fluorine atom or a fluorine atom-containing group; m is an integer from 2 to 6; l is an integer from 0 to 2; and each hydrogen on the benzene ring(s) may be substituted.