Functional Cyclic Olefin Polymer Hydrogenation for Mechanical and Barrier Properties
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to develop polymers with improved mechanical and barrier properties through ring-opening metathesis polymerization for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A functional cyclic olefin polymer is obtained by hydrogenating a cyclic olefin polymer, where the cyclic olefin polymer comprises a monomeric unit derived from a monomer with a norbornene ring and a polar functional group, with the monomeric unit present in a specific mole percentage range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ring-opening metathesis polymerization is used to develop new polymer materials, then mechanical properties and barrier properties can be improved, but the complexity of the polymerization process and catalyst requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the polar functional group content (5-50 mol%), norbornene ring structure types, and polymerization conditions to optimize mechanical properties. This allows tailoring of tensile strength, impact resistance, and barrier properties while managing process complexity through controlled parameter adjustment rather than fundamentally changing the polymerization approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite-like polymer structures by incorporating monomers with polar functional groups (such as carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine groups) into the cyclic olefin polymer backbone. This results in polymers that exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and barrier performance comparable to composite materials, achieving the benefits of complexity without requiring multi-component composite systems
2Strength
If polymers with specific monomeric unit compositions are synthesized to improve mechanical properties, then tensile modulus and impact strength increase, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for monomeric unit composition (5-50 mol% polar functional group content) that balance mechanical property enhancement with manufacturing feasibility. By defining these optimal ranges, the patent reduces the precision burden while still achieving improved tensile modulus and impact strength compared to conventional polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs partial action by incorporating polar functional groups at moderate concentrations (5-50 mol%) rather than attempting perfect compositional control at all levels. This partial incorporation is sufficient to achieve the desired mechanical property improvements without requiring extreme manufacturing precision, as the beneficial effects plateau within this range
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cyclic olefin polymers with polar functional groups are produced through ROMP and hydrogenation, then barrier properties against gases and water vapor improve, but the number of process steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polymerization and hydrogenation processes into a sequential two-step workflow that is integrated and optimized together. By combining these steps with carefully selected catalysts and conditions, the patent achieves improved barrier properties against gases and water vapor while minimizing the total number of process steps, avoiding unnecessary intermediate operations
4Adaptability or versatility
If monomers with norbornene rings and polar functional groups are used in ROMP, then the polymer network can be tailored at the monomer level, but the selection and optimization of catalysts becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by systematically evaluating different catalyst types (metal-based, organocatalysts) and their activity parameters with various norbornene monomers containing polar functional groups. This structured approach to parameter optimization enables versatile polymer network design while managing catalyst selection complexity through established structure-activity relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediary catalysts that facilitate the polymerization of norbornene rings with polar functional groups without requiring direct complex interactions between monomer and catalyst. These intermediary catalyst systems mediate the reaction to achieve tailored polymer networks while simplifying the overall catalyst selection process through well-defined catalytic mechanisms
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 functional cyclic olefin polymer exhibits enhanced mechanical properties, such as tensile modulus and impact strength, and improved barrier properties against gases and water vapor.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogenating the cyclic olefin polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a functional cyclic olefin polymer obtained from hydrogenation of a cyclic olefin polymer, wherein the cyclic olefin polymer comprises at least a monomeric unit A′ derived from a monomer A having a norbornene ring and a polar functional group, wherein the amount of the monomeric unit A′ is in the range of from 20% to 100% by mole, 50% to 100% by mole, from 60% to 100% by mole, or from 70% to 100% by mole, based on the total amount of the monomeric units of the cyclic olefin polymer. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the functional cyclic olefin polymer, a composition comprising the functional cyclic olefin polymer, and the use of the functional cyclic olefin polymer. The functional cyclic olefin polymer of the present invention exhibits improved properties, especially in terms of mechanical properties and barrier properties.