Light transparent fluoropolymer composition and article

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extrusion processing of fluoropolymers leads to degradation by-products like hydrofluoric acid, causing corrosion in equipment and an undesirable environment for workers, and existing solutions such as high nickel content stainless steels are expensive and prone to wear.

Innovation Solution

A light transparent fluoropolymer composition containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal ionic species, with specific additives like potassium carbonate, is developed to address corrosion and environmental issues, offering improved durability and worker safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If common extrusion processing equipment is used for fluoropolymers, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but equipment corrosion occurs due to hydrofluoric acid degradation by-products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidequipment corrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (fluoropolymer composition with specific additives) that mediates between the fluoropolymer and the extrusion equipment, preventing direct corrosive interaction while allowing the process to proceed on standard equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful degradation by-products into beneficial effects by using fluoropolymer composition modifications that suppress corrosive HF formation while maintaining or improving processing characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If high nickel content stainless steels are used for extrusion equipment, then equipment corrosion resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and equipment wear increases due to softer material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment corrosion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the use of less durable, cheaper materials by introducing a protective fluoropolymer composition that acts as a sacrificial or protective layer, allowing standard equipment to function effectively without requiring expensive high-nickel alloys

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluoropolymer composition serves as an intermediary between the molten fluoropolymer and the equipment surface, preventing direct contact and corrosion, thereby allowing the use of less corrosion-resistant but cheaper materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If high nickel content stainless steels are used for extrusion equipment, then equipment corrosion resistance is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to undesirable processing environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment corrosion resistanceVSAvoidworker safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of degradation by-products into a beneficial outcome by modifying the fluoropolymer composition to suppress HF formation, thereby improving worker safety while maintaining equipment performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If fluoropolymer composition is modified to reduce corrosion, then equipment durability is improved, but light transmission properties may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment durabilityVSAvoidvisible light transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies specific parameters of the fluoropolymer composition (additive types and concentrations) to achieve the desired balance between durability and optical properties, demonstrating that parameter optimization can resolve apparent contradictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3157988B1Light transparent fluoropolymer composition and article

Publication Date: 2021.12.01 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

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AI summary

Light transparent fluoropolymer composition having less than 2 percent haze, comprising at least one of alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, and potassium) cation, alkali metal (e.g., lithium, sodium, and potassium) and a corresponding anion (e.g., CO3,OH, OOCCH3), alkaline earth metal cation (e.g., calcium, magnesium, strontium, and barium), or alkaline earth metal cation (e.g., calcium, magnesium, strontium, and barium) and a corresponding anion (e.g., CO3,OH, OOCCH3), wherein the light transparent fluoropolymer has at least 90 % visible light transmission. Exemplary uses of light transparent fluoropolymer compositions described herein include as films (e.g., solar reflective films, solar transparent frontside photovoltaic films, commercial graphic overlay film, commercial graphic film, and tubing (e.g., transparent tubing for medical)).