Biobased Furan Plasticizer for Surface Coverings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing plasticizers, such as phthalates, rely on petroleum-based feedstocks, which are under scrutiny, and there is a need for non-petroleum based alternatives that can be used in surface coverings like floor tiles and other applications without compromising performance.

Innovation Solution

Development of biobased plasticizers formed as ester reaction products from renewable resources, specifically using furan derivatives like furoic acid and furfural, which are derived from plant-based materials, offering improved solvation and reduced migration rates compared to traditional plasticizers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If petroleum-based plasticizers (phthalates) are used, then good plasticizing performance is achieved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplasticizing performanceVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of plasticizers by developing biobased alternatives with different molecular structures (furan derivatives, citrate esters, adipate esters) that maintain plasticizing performance while improving environmental sustainability. This involves modifying the chemical parameters of the plasticizer molecules themselves to achieve both performance and sustainability goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biobased plasticizers are developed, then environmental sustainability is improved, but performance reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidplasticizing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material strategies by creating blends and combinations of different biobased plasticizer types (furan derivatives, citrate esters, adipate esters) to achieve performance levels comparable to conventional plasticizers. The composite approach allows synergistic effects that improve overall plasticizing performance while maintaining the environmental benefits of biobased feedstocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If non-phthalate plasticizers are used, then health safety is improved, but availability and performance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth safetyVSAvoidavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the plasticizer market by developing multiple distinct biobased plasticizer chemistries (furan derivatives, citrate esters, adipate esters) to replace phthalates. This segmentation allows for specialized formulations tailored to different application requirements, improving both health safety and performance availability across diverse uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional plasticizers are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the petroleum-based feedstock system with biobased feedstock systems (renewable resources) in the manufacturing process. This substitution maintains relatively simple manufacturing procedures while dramatically reducing environmental impact, as the core chemistry remains similar but the source materials are replaced with sustainable alternatives.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 biobased plasticizers provide acceptable performance in surface coverings, including improved solvation and reduced migration, while being derived from sustainable sources, offering a viable alternative to petroleum-based plasticizers.

Implementation Method 1

a biobased plasticizer including an ester formed as a reaction product of a biobased aromatic compound and a biobased aliphatic compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEsterification: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2828328B1Biobased plasticizer and surface covering employing same

Publication Date: 2019.10.30 ARMSTRONG WORLD IND INC

AI summary

A biobased plasticizer and a surface covering are disclosed. The biobased plasticizer includes an ester formed as a reaction product of a furan derivative selected from the group consisting of furoic acid, furfural and furfuryl alcohol reacted with a carboxylic acid or an alcohol, or includes an ester formed as a reaction product of a biobased aromatic compound and a biobased aliphatic compound. The surface covering is plasticized with a composition comprising an ester formed as a reaction product of a functionalized aromatic heterocyclic compound reacted with a carboxylic acid or an alcohol.