Fluoropolymer-Polyolefin Adhesion via Grafted Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polyolefins used for storing and transporting liquid hydrocarbons lack sufficient chemical resistance and impermeability, and fluoropolymers, which are chemically resistant and impermeable, do not adhere well to polyolefins, posing challenges for multilayer structures.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric composition comprising a fluoropolymer grafted with functional groups and a polyolefin grafted with acid or anhydride groups, along with an olefinic copolymer containing functional monomers, to enhance adhesion between fluoropolymers and polyolefins, utilizing specific monomers and grafting methods to achieve improved adhesion properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoropolymers are used to provide chemical resistance and impermeability, then chemical resistance and impermeability are improved, but adhesion to polyolefins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer comprising polyolefin grafted with acid or anhydride groups that acts as a mediator between the fluoropolymer layer and the base polyolefin substrate. This intermediary layer provides both adhesion to the polyolefin through its grafted functional groups and compatibility with the fluoropolymer, thereby resolving the adhesion problem while maintaining chemical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite multilayer structure combining polyolefin, fluoropolymer, and polyolefin grafted with acid or anhydride groups. This composite approach allows each layer to contribute its specific properties: the base polyolefin provides structural integrity, the fluoropolymer provides chemical resistance and impermeability, and the grafted polyolefin layer provides adhesion between them.
2Strength
If polymers are grafted with functional groups to improve adhesion, then adhesion properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of polyolefin by grafting acid or anhydride groups onto it, transforming it from a non-polar, low-surface-energy material into one with enhanced polar interactions and adhesion properties. This parameter change allows the polyolefin to serve as an effective intermediary layer without requiring entirely new materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyolefin is pre-grafted with acid or anhydride groups before being used in the multilayer structure assembly. This preliminary modification ensures that the adhesion-promoting functional groups are already in place, simplifying the subsequent lamination process and avoiding the need for complex in-situ grafting operations during manufacturing.
3Reliability
If multilayer structures are created to overcome polymer limitations, then performance is improved, but delamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grafted polyolefin layer serves as a mediator that chemically and physically bonds the fluoropolymer layer to the base polyolefin substrate. The acid or anhydride groups on the grafted polyolefin form strong interfacial bonds with both the fluoropolymer and the base polyolefin, preventing delamination and ensuring long-term stability of the multilayer structure.
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 composition effectively enhances the adhesion between fluoropolymers and polyolefins, preventing delamination and improving the chemical resistance and impermeability of multilayer structures for hydrocarbon storage and transport applications.
Implementation Method 1
The fluoropolymer is grafted with a compound containing at least one functional group capable of conferring adhesion properties on said polymer
Implementation Method 2
an olefinic copolymer of which at least 5% by weight of the recurring units are derived from at least one functional monomer capable of reacting with the functional group contained in the compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to polymer compositions having adhesive properties and comprising: (1) at least one fluoropolymer (A) grafted with at least one compound (a) containing at least one functional group (f1) capable of conferring adhesion properties on the polymer; (2) at least one polyolefin (B) grafted with at most 4 wt.-%, in relation to the polyolefin (B) weight, of at least one compound (b) containing at least one functional group (f2) selected from acid and anhydride groups which are optionally partially or completely neutralised by at least one neutralising agent; and (3) at least one olefinic copolymer (C) of which at least 5 wt.-% of the repeating units is derived from at least one functional monomer (f3) capable of reacting with the functional group (f1) contained in the above-mentioned compound (a).