Functionalized Graft Polymers via Aromatic Amine Melt Reaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a convenient method to impart amine, amide, or imide functionality to viscosity modifier polymers without the drawbacks of using a melt process, such as thermal or oxidative degradation of the amine and issues with solvents and surfactants.

Innovation Solution

Reacting a melt of an acylated hydrocarbon polymer with a primary or secondary aromatic amine dissolved in a polar aprotic solvent, which is then mixed with the polymer at elevated temperature and cooled, allowing for efficient incorporation of nitrogen-containing functionality without the need for excessive solvent or surfactant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a melt process is used to react amine with polymer, then reaction efficiency is improved, but thermal degradation of amine occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoidthermal degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the amine from solid to solution form, and adjusts the reaction temperature from high (melt process) to moderate (50-150°C), enabling efficient reaction without thermal degradation of the amine functional groups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium to dissolve the amine and facilitate its reaction with the polymer melt. The solvent acts as a carrier that enables the amine to react efficiently at lower temperatures, avoiding direct thermal exposure that would cause degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If solvent is used to dissolve amine, then ease of handling is improved, but excessive solvent removal is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidsolvent removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects a solvent with a high boiling point (200-400°C) that matches the processing temperature range of the polymer. This parameter selection allows the solvent to remain in the system during extrusion and cooling, eliminating the need for separate solvent removal steps and reducing material loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If surfactant is used to solubilize amine, then solubility is improved, but foaming and purification issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesolubilityVSAvoidfoaming

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex surfactant systems with simple, volatile solvents that can be easily removed or retained based on process needs. The solvent serves its purpose of solubilizing the amine during reaction and can be discarded or kept without causing foaming or purification problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert reaction environment by using chemically stable solvents that do not react with the amine or polymer. This inert medium prevents unwanted side reactions and eliminates foaming issues associated with surfactant-containing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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

This method effectively imparts nitrogen-containing functionality to the polymer, improving its dispersant and viscosity-modifying properties while minimizing thermal degradation and solvent-related issues, resulting in improved lubricant performance.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a melt of an acylated hydrocarbon polymer with a primary or secondary aromatic amine... whereby said aromatic amine reacts with acyl group of said polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation reaction:

Implementation Method 2

supplying a liquid solution of 20 to 60 percent by weight of said aromatic amine in a polar aprotic solvent... mixing the solution of said aromatic amine with the melt of said polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

mixing the solution of said aromatic amine with the melt of said polymer in a mixing device at a temperature of 140°C to 185°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

cooling the resulting amine-reacted polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP3080169B1Method for preparing functionalized graft polymers

Publication Date: 2022.08.17 THE LUBRIZOL CORP

AI summary

An acylated hydrocarbon polymer is aminated by reacting a primary or secondary aromatic amine which is solid at room temperature with an acyl group of the polymer, by: supplying a melt of the acylated polymer; supplying a solution of the aromatic amine in a polar aprotic solvent which has a boiling point of at least about 150 C, a melting point below about 40 C, and a dielectric constant of at least about 5 at 25 C; mixing the solution at 140 C to 185 C; and cooling the resulting amine-reacted polymer with a liquid while retaining the polar aprotic solvent in the polymer.