Heterobicycle Polyester Adhesive for Biodegradable Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bio-based adhesives face challenges in achieving optimal visco-elastic properties and balancing adhesion and cohesion while maintaining high biodegradability.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-sensitive adhesive is developed by reacting a polycondensate of a heterobicycle with 4 to 8 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 oxygen atoms, substituted with 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups, with a dimer of a fatty acid and a cross-linking agent having at least 2 functional groups, ensuring at least 70% renewable carbon content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bio-based materials prepared by polycondensation of plant-derived dicarboxylic acids and diols are used, then sustainability as a renewable resource is improved, but visco-elastic properties need optimization through cross-linking treatment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidvisco-elastic properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates cross-linking agents during the polycondensation process itself, rather than performing cross-linking as a separate subsequent step. This preliminary action allows the cross-linking to occur concurrently with polymer formation, optimizing visco-elastic properties while maintaining the bio-based sustainability advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite polyester structures by combining plant-derived dicarboxylic acids with diols and incorporating cross-linking agents into the same polymerization system. This results in a composite material that integrates both the sustainability benefits of bio-based materials and the optimized visco-elastic properties provided by cross-linking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If cross-linking treatment is applied to optimize visco-elastic properties, then adhesion and cohesion are improved, but biodegradability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion and cohesionVSAvoidbiodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the parameters of the cross-linking process, including the type of cross-linking agent, reaction conditions, and cross-linking density, to achieve optimal adhesion and cohesion while preserving biodegradability. By adjusting these parameters, the patent creates a balance where cross-linked structures provide strength without creating non-biodegradable networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs biodegradable cross-linking agents and designs the cross-linked structure to be temporary or reversible, allowing the adhesive to maintain its bonding function during use and then decompose naturally afterward. This approach treats the cross-linked structure as a temporary functional element rather than a permanent one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If conventional fossil fuel-based adhesives are used, then adhesion performance is achieved, but environmental concerns and rising oil prices increase costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by replacing fossil fuel-based polymers with bio-based polyester polymers. This parameter change maintains adhesion performance through proper formulation while achieving environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on oil prices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite adhesive system combining bio-based polyester polymers with appropriate cross-linking agents and functional additives to achieve performance parity with conventional fossil fuel-based adhesives while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 adhesive exhibits good adhesion, cohesion, and biodegradability, with adjustable adhesion strength and visco-elastic properties, suitable for various industrial applications, including temporary surface protection and permanent bonding.

Implementation Method 1

a polycondensate of a1) a heterobicycle containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and from 1 to 3 oxygen atoms, wherein the heterobicycle is substituted by 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups, a2) a dimer of a fatty acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolycondensation:

Implementation Method 2

a cross-linking agent having at least 2 functional groups per molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking:

Data Source

PatentEP2439224B1Polyester-based adhesive containing a heterobicycle
Publication Date: 2014.06.25 NITTO JUROUP NV
  • EP2439224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2439224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2439224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a polyester-based composition and adhesive containing a heterobicycle. The composition comprises a) a polycondensate of a1) a heterobicycle containing from 4 to 8 carbon atoms and from 1 to 3 oxygen atoms, wherein the heterobicycle is substituted by 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups, and a2) a dimer of a fatty acid, and b) a cross-linking agent having at least 2 functional groups per molecule; wherein the polycondensate and the cross-linking agent are capable of reacting with each other.