Fluorochemical Ester Oligomer Blends for Laundering-Durable Repellency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluorochemical compositions for imparting oil and water repellency to substrates lack ease of use and performance durability, particularly under laundering conditions.

Innovation Solution

Development of fluorochemical ester compositions comprising blends of fluorochemical esters and polydicarbodiimides, which include oligomers with fluorine-containing repeatable units and terminal groups, along with additional materials like fluoroalkyl acrylates and melamines, to enhance dynamic water repellency and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fluorochemical compositions are used to impart oil and water repellency to substrates, then repellency is achieved, but durability under laundering conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability under laundering conditionsVSAvoidperformance durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining fluorochemical ester oligomers with polydicarbodiimide polymers to create a blended composition. This composite approach leverages the low surface energy of fluorochemicals for repellency while the polydicarbodiimide provides durability and crosslinking capability, resolving the contradiction between achieving repellency and maintaining durability under laundering conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters by using oligomers with specific fluorine-containing repeatable units and terminal groups, combined with polydicarbodiimide having specific molecular weight and functionality. This parameter optimization ensures both initial repellency performance and durability through controlled chemical structure and composition ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If fluorochemical compositions are applied to substrates, then oil and water repellency is imparted, but ease of use deteriorates due to application complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepellency performanceVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single blended composition: the fluorochemical ester oligomer provides repellency while the polydicarbodiimide simultaneously provides durability, crosslinking, and potential self-assembly properties. This consolidation improves ease of use by eliminating the need for separate application steps or multiple components while maintaining high repellency performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If fluorochemical compositions are applied as coatings, then repellency is achieved, but substrate appearance is altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepellency characteristicsVSAvoidsubstrate appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the fluorochemical ester oligomer components at the substrate surface where they provide repellency through low surface energy, while the bulk composition maintains compatibility with the substrate. This surface-localized action achieves high repellency characteristics without significantly altering the overall substrate appearance or physical properties.

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 compositions provide superior initial and durable dynamic water repellency, maintaining performance after laundering, and can be applied as coatings without altering the substrate's appearance, offering improved ease of use and enhanced repellency characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

The compositions provide superior initial and durable dynamic water repellency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

impart oil and water repellency to the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOil repellency: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 3

one or more compounds or oligomers having at least one fluorine-containing repeatable unit and at least one fluorine-containing terminal group

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorine-containing group interaction: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 4

blends of (A) one or more compounds or oligomers having at least one fluorine-containing repeatable unit and at least one fluorine-containing terminal group blended with (B) one or more polydicarbodiimide(s)... increased durability to wear and laundering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer crosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8993116B2Blends of fluoroalkyl-containing ester oligomers with polydicarbodiimide(S)

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

For imparting enhanced water-repellency and oil-repellency properties to substrates compositions comprising blends of (A) one or more ester oligomers and (B) one or more polycarbodiimides. Also methods for applying such compositions and articles treated with such compositions.