Fluorine Copolymer Paper Coating for Oil Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water and oil resistant agents for paper, particularly those using fluorine-containing copolymers with short chain polyfluoroalkyl groups, fail to provide satisfactory water and oil resistance, as they compromise on performance compared to their long chain counterparts, and there is a need for a solution that addresses environmental concerns associated with long chain Rf groups.
Innovation Solution
A water and oil resistant agent for paper comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer with specific polymer units, including a fluorine-containing monomer, a hydrophilic monomer, and an anion-donating monomer, with a weight average molecular weight of 100,000 or more, which enhances both water and oil resistance while being environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluorine-containing copolymer with a long chain Rf group is used, then water and oil resistance is improved, but environmental harm increases due to PFOA production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the fluorine-containing copolymer from conventional low molecular weight to high molecular weight (100,000 or more), while using short chain Rf groups (C1-C6). This parameter change allows achieving both adequate water and oil resistance and environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between performance and environmental harm.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a fluorine-containing copolymer with a short chain Rf group is used, then environmental harm is reduced, but water and oil resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the molecular weight parameter to 100,000 or more while maintaining short chain Rf groups (C1-C6). This parameter adjustment compensates for the reduced hydrophobicity from short Rf chains, restoring adequate water and oil resistance while preserving environmental compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite copolymer structure combining fluorine-containing monomers with specific functional groups (carboxyl, sulfonic acid, phosphonic acid) and hydrophilic monomers. This composite approach balances the hydrophobic effect from fluorine groups with hydrophilic contributions from functional groups, achieving optimal performance with short Rf chains.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the carbon number of the Rf group is decreased, then environmental compatibility is improved, but water and oil resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains Rf group carbon number between 1-6 (short chain) while compensating through increased molecular weight (100,000 or more) and specific copolymer composition. This parameter strategy preserves environmental compatibility while achieving satisfactory water and oil resistance through the combined effect of high molecular weight and functional group interactions.
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 described agent provides superior water and oil resistance to paper, maintaining performance comparable to long chain Rf group-based agents while being environmentally safer, as evidenced by improved resistance test results and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorine-containing copolymer having a short chain Rf, specified polymer units and a high molecular weight can exhibit a superior water and oil resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a water and oil resistant agent comprising a fluorine-containing copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a (meth)acrylate monomer having a polyfluoroalkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, hydrophilic monomer, and monomer having an anion-donating group, which agent affords a superior water and oil resistance to a paper. The invention also discloses a process for treating a paper by the water and oil resistant agent and a treated paper thereby.