Functionalized MBS Impact Modifiers for PC/PET Blends

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional core-shell impact modifiers with non-functional shells tend to migrate towards non-functional parts in polymer blends, reducing their effectiveness in modifying impact strength, especially in blends of functional and non-functional resins like polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Innovation Solution

A functionalized methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core/shell polymer impact modifier is developed, where the shell contains functional groups such as hydroxyl, acid, anhydride, or amine units, which associates with the functional polymer in the matrix, preventing migration and ensuring better dispersion and shell coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional core-shell impact modifiers with non-functional shells are used, then they are easy to handle and have good anti-blocking properties, but they migrate towards non-functional parts in polymer blends, reducing their effectiveness in modifying impact strength

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandleabilityVSAvoidimpact modification effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing functional groups specifically into the shell portion of the core-shell impact modifier, while keeping the core elastomeric. This localized functionalization enables the shell to interact selectively with functional polymers in the blend, preventing migration to non-functional areas and ensuring the impact modifier remains positioned where it can effectively improve impact strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional core-shell impact modifiers with non-functional shells are used, then they have good anti-blocking properties, but they form clumps or agglomerates during processing and storage, leading to less than optimal modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-blocking propertiesVSAvoiddispersion quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the shell by incorporating functional groups (such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amine groups) that create specific interactions with functional polymers. This chemical modification alters the interfacial properties, preventing agglomeration during processing and ensuring uniform dispersion throughout the polymer blend, thereby achieving optimal impact modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If functional groups are incorporated into the shell, then the impact modifier associates with functional polymer and prevents migration, but the shell requires sufficient functional monomer content to achieve complete coverage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration resistanceVSAvoidshell polymer amount
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the functional monomer content parameter in the shell to achieve the minimum effective concentration required for complete core coverage and sufficient interaction with functional polymers. By carefully controlling the ratio of functional to non-functional monomers in the shell, the patent ensures adequate migration resistance while minimizing the total shell polymer quantity required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 functionalized MBS impact modifier significantly improves the impact modification properties of PC/PET blends by anchoring the impact modifier in the brittle PET phase, enhancing low-temperature impact strength and reducing shell monomer migration during polymerization.

Implementation Method 1

the shell contains functional groups such as hydroxyl, acid, anhydride, or amine units, which associates with the functional polymer in the matrix, preventing migration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical interaction/association: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2265665B1Functional MBS impact modifiers for use in engineering resins
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 ARKEMA INC

AI summary

The invention relates to a methylmethacrylate-butadiene-styrene (MBS) core/shell polymer impact modifier containing functionalization in the shell. The functionalized MBS is useful as an impact modifier in engineering resins, and especially in blends of engineering resins, particularly where the blend contains both functional and non-functional resins. One specific engineering resin blend having excellent low temperature impact performance is a polycarbonate (PC)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) blend with the functional MBS of the present invention.