Functional Fluoropolymer Copolymer Composition for Improved Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluoropolymers face challenges in adhesion to substrates due to the lack of functional groups, making them difficult to work with and limiting their applications, while maintaining good mechanical and thermal properties.
Innovation Solution
A fluorinated copolymer is formed by copolymerizing a fluorinated vinylic monomer, such as vinylidene fluoride, with a hydrophilic monomer, such as vinyl alkyl acids, in an aqueous reaction medium, using specific conditions to enhance adhesion and hydrophilicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluoropolymer is used to provide chemical resistance and electrochemical stability, then reliability is improved, but adhesion to substrates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fluorinated vinylic monomer units with hydrophilic comonomer units in a copolymer structure. This creates a composite polymer material that integrates the electrochemical stability of fluoropolymers with the adhesion properties of hydrophilic groups, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adhesion strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by introducing hydrophilic comonomer units at specific locations within the fluoropolymer chain (at most 10.0 weight percent as single monomer units between fluoromonomer units). This localized modification provides adhesion functionality only where needed, while preserving the bulk fluoropolymer's electrochemical stability.
2Ease of operation
If functional groups are added to fluoropolymer to improve adhesion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polymerization of fluorinated vinylic monomer with the incorporation of hydrophilic comonomer in a single copolymerization step. This combines multiple functions (fluoropolymer formation and functional group incorporation) into one process, improving ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of multiple sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the concentration of hydrophilic comonomer (at most 10.0 weight percent) and the polymerization conditions to achieve optimal adhesion performance. This systematic parameter optimization simplifies the manufacturing process while ensuring desired adhesion properties.
3Ease of operation
If hydrophilic comonomer content is increased to improve adhesion, then ease of operation is improved, but mechanical properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the hydrophilic comonomer content within a specific range (at most 10.0 weight percent). This optimized parameter range achieves sufficient adhesion improvement while maintaining the mechanical integrity of the fluoropolymer matrix, resolving the contradiction between adhesion and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by limiting hydrophilic comonomer to specific locations (single monomer units between fluoromonomer units) rather than uniform distribution. This localized approach provides adhesion functionality without excessive comonomer content that would compromise mechanical properties.
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 copolymerization process improves adhesion performance, allowing for reduced binder content in electrodes, increased active material loading, and enhanced battery capacity, while maintaining mechanical and thermal properties.
Implementation Method 1
due to the aggressive nature of the fluorine-containing free radicals. Functionality has been added by several means, such as, by direct copolymerization of a functional monomer with the fluoromonomers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to novel linear, semi-crystalline, functional fluoropolymers that have been obtained by copolymerizing a fluorinated vinylic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer chosen from vinyl alkyl acids, vinyl phosphonates, functional acrylamides, carbonates, vinyl ethers, alkoxy compounds, and double hydrophilic group monomers.