Fluoroalcohol Polyamide Synthesis via Interfacial Polymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interfacial polymerization methods are limited by the requirement that one monomeric reactant be soluble in an aqueous solution, leading to restricted polymer structures and potential side reactions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the reaction of an aqueous chemical mixture with a monomeric polyamine reactant having hexafluoroalcohol groups with an organic chemical mixture containing a monomeric polyfunctional acyl halide reactant, allowing for the production of fluoroalcohol-containing polyamide compounds, which are immiscible, thereby reducing undesirable side reactions and expanding polymer structure possibilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If interfacial polymerization is used to produce polyamides, then energy consumption is reduced and molecular weight is increased, but the polymer structure is limited due to solubility requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpolymer structure variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the aqueous phase by introducing a base catalyst and selecting specific polyamine reactants with controlled solubility characteristics. This allows the reaction to proceed at the interface while accommodating a broader range of polymer structures that would otherwise be insoluble in pure water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary aqueous phase containing base and polyamine that mediates between the organic phase and the desired polymer product. This intermediary system enables structures that cannot directly dissolve in water to be formed through the controlled interfacial reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of substance

If interfacial polymerization is used, then organic solvent usage is reduced, but side reactions occur when monomers are soluble in aqueous solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganic solvent usageVSAvoidreaction purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a controlled chemical environment in the aqueous phase by using a base catalyst that suppresses unwanted side reactions. The basic conditions and controlled solubility create an inert-like environment that prevents degradation reactions while maintaining the benefits of reduced organic solvent use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the pH and chemical composition parameters of the aqueous phase, the patent optimizes the reaction conditions to minimize side reactions. The specific base selection and concentration control the reactivity and stability of the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If interfacial polymerization is used, then product isolation is simplified, but the monomer must be soluble in aqueous solution which limits reactant selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct isolationVSAvoidreactant selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the solubility parameters of the polyamine reactants by selecting specific molecular structures and controlling the aqueous phase composition. This allows reactants with limited aqueous solubility to participate in the interfacial reaction while still enabling straightforward product isolation due to the inherent phase separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables the production of high molecular weight fluoroalcohol-containing polyamide compounds suitable for microelectronics and membrane applications, while minimizing side reactions and expanding the range of obtainable polymer structures.

Implementation Method 1

interfacial polymerization methods in which a basic aqueous chemical mixture including a monomeric polyamine reactant with pendant fluoroalcohol groups is reacted with an organic chemical mixture including a monomeric polyfunctional acyl halide reactant to produce a fluoroalcohol-containing polyamide polymeric product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterfacial polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2398840B1Interfacial polymerization methods for making fluoroalcohol-containing polyamides
Publication Date: 2016.07.13 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • EP2398840B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2398840B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2398840B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method including reacting a chemical mixture (A) and a chemical mixture (B) to form a polymeric compound, wherein where (A) and (B) are immiscible with each other, and wherein: (A) is an aqueous base comprising a monomeric polyamine reactant having one or more hexafluoroalcohol groups represented by Formula 1 : CF 3 HO- -R 0-(-NH2 ) m CF3Z n n Formula 1 wherein R0 represents an organic group selected from the group consisting of aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, heterocyclic groups and combinations thereof, m is an integer of 2 or more, and n is an integer of 1 or more, and (B) is organic and comprises a monomeric polyfunctional acyl halide reactant represented by Formula 2: R1-(-COx) P Formula 2 wherein R1 represents an organic group selected from the group containing aliphatic alicyclic, aromatic, heterocyclic groups and combinations thereof, X is selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, and p represents an integer of 2 or more.