Fluoropolyether Elastomers Low Glass Transition Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluoroelastomers used in various industries face challenges in maintaining elastomeric properties at very low temperatures, particularly below −40° C or −100° C, and are cumbersome to process due to their solid form.
Innovation Solution
A curable precursor composition comprising functionalized fluoropolyethers and coagents with specific functional groups, such as alkyne and azide units, that react to form a fluoropolyether-based fluoroelastomer with low glass transition temperatures, allowing for flexible and resistant materials to be created through a curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluoroelastomers are used to maintain elastomeric properties at low temperatures, then resistance to heat and chemicals is improved, but the glass transition temperature remains too high for use below −40° C or −100° C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating fluoropolyether segments with specific repeating units (—C4F8O—, —C3F6O—, —C2F4O—, or —CF2O—) into the elastomer backbone. This compositional parameter change directly lowers the glass transition temperature while maintaining the fluorinated structure that provides heat and chemical resistance, thus resolving the contradiction between low-temperature flexibility and chemical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fluoropolyether-based elastomer that combines the beneficial properties of fluorinated polymers (chemical resistance) with polyether segments (low glass transition temperature). The resulting material integrates both functionalities: the fluorinated backbone provides resistance to heat and chemicals, while the polyether character enables elastomeric properties at very low temperatures down to −100° C or lower.
2Temperature
If curable fluoropolyether compositions are used to achieve low glass transition temperature, then flexibility at low temperatures is improved, but the material requires complex curing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates reactive functional groups (alkyne or nitrile groups) into the fluoropolyether structure during polymer synthesis, rather than adding them separately during processing. This preliminary incorporation of curing agents into the polymer backbone simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating separate functionalization steps and enabling direct curing of the elastomer to achieve the desired crosslinked network structure.
3Reliability
If fluorinated olefin polymers are used to provide chemical resistance, then resistance to fuels and chemicals is improved, but the materials are solids that are cumbersome to process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter by introducing polyether segments into the fluorinated polymer structure. This compositional modification transforms the material from a solid fluorinated olefin polymer into a processable curable composition that can be molded and shaped before curing, while the fluorinated backbone structure is preserved to maintain resistance to fuels and chemicals.
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 resulting fluoroelastomers exhibit low glass transition temperatures, maintaining flexibility and mechanical strength at low temperatures, with good resistance to hydrocarbons, solvents, and humidity, enabling their use in applications requiring exposure to extreme temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second functional groups are capable of reacting with each other in a curing reaction to form a fluoroelastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A curable precursor composition for a fluoroelastomers, methods of making fluoroelastomers, shaped articles and methods of making shaped articles.