Heat-Treated Vinylidene Fluoride Polymer Powder Dissolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for producing vinylidene fluoride polymer powders result in low solubility in aprotic polar solvents due to lump formation and high molecular weight requirements, leading to prolonged dissolution times and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
Heat-treating vinylidene fluoride polymer powder at temperatures between 125°C and the crystal melting temperature, with a median particle diameter of 50-230 μm and a weight average molecular weight of at least 200,000, enhances solubility in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, allowing for quicker dissolution and improved dispersibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the molecular weight of vinylidene fluoride polymer powder is increased to improve binding force, then the binding force increases, but the dissolution time in NMP increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution (D10-D90 range of 70-200 μm) and performing heat treatment at specific temperatures (80-150°C for 1-24 hours) to modify the physical structure of the polymer powder. These parameter changes enable high molecular weight polymers to dissolve faster by preventing lump formation and improving solvent penetration, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining high binding force and reducing dissolution time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action through heat treatment of the vinylidene fluoride polymer powder before dissolution. This pre-treatment modifies the crystalline structure and reduces inter-particle adhesion, allowing the polymer to dissolve more rapidly in NMP without requiring molecular weight reduction. The preliminary heat treatment action enables high molecular weight polymers to achieve both high binding force and fast dissolution
2Strength
If conventional vinylidene fluoride polymer powder is used, then the binding force is sufficient, but lumps form in NMP causing very long dissolution times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes critical parameters including particle size distribution (D10-D90 = 70-200 μm) and performs heat treatment (80-150°C for 1-24 hours) to fundamentally alter the physical properties of the polymer powder. These parameter changes eliminate lump formation during dissolution while preserving binding force, thereby dramatically improving dissolution efficiency and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary heat treatment action to the polymer powder before dissolution to prevent lump formation. This pre-treatment modifies the crystalline structure and reduces inter-particle forces, enabling smooth dissolution without lumps. The preliminary action maintains sufficient binding force while eliminating the productivity bottleneck caused by lump formation
3Device complexity
If the dissolution process is simplified by direct mixing, then the process complexity is reduced, but solubility remains poor due to lump formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reliable solubility through parameter changes in the polymer powder itself - specifically controlling particle size distribution (D10-D90 of 70-200 μm) and applying heat treatment (80-150°C for 1-24 hours). These parameter changes enable direct mixing to produce reliable dissolution without lumps, maintaining both process simplicity and solubility reliability simultaneously
4Reliability
If porous vinylidene fluoride polymer powder is used, then solubility in NMP is improved, but lumps still form when dispersed in inappropriate manner causing decreased solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle size distribution parameters (D10-D90 of 70-200 μm) and applies heat treatment (80-150°C for 1-24 hours) to create a balanced structure that provides both good solubility and ease of dispersibility. These parameter changes make the powder resistant to lump formation regardless of dispersion method, simultaneously improving reliability and ease of operation
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 heat-treated vinylidene fluoride polymer powder exhibits higher solubility and easier dispersibility in aprotic polar solvents, significantly reducing dissolution times and improving the efficiency of the production process for power storage device electrode slurries.
Implementation Method 1
heat treating raw VdF polymer powder at a temperature such that the temperature of the polymer powder is not less than 125°C to less than the crystal melting temperature (Tm) of the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a process for producing vinylidene fluoride polymer powder that exhibits excellent solubility with respect to aprotic polar solvents, and a process for producing a vinylidene fluoride polymer solution using vinylidene fluoride polymer powder obtained by the polymer powder production process. The process for producing heat-treated vinylidene fluoride polymer powder according to the invention includes heat treating raw vinylidene fluoride polymer powder at such a temperature that the temperature of the polymer powder is not less than 125°C to less than the crystal melting temperature (Tm) of the polymer.