HFO-1234ze Copolymers for Thermal Stability and Fast Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluoropolymer technologies lack efficient copolymerization capabilities and thermal stability, particularly when using HFO-1234ze, which has been overlooked in previous applications, and HFO-1234yf is the only hydrofluoroolefin used in vinylidene fluoride copolymers, limiting their performance.
Innovation Solution
HFO-1234ze is copolymerized with other fluorinated monomers such as vinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) to form fluoroplastics or fluoroelastomers, enhancing thermal stability and copolymerization rates, and serving as a cure site in fluoroelastomers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HFO-1234yf is used in vinylidene fluoride copolymers, then copolymerization capability is achieved, but thermal stability is insufficient and copolymerization rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the hydrofluoroolefin monomer from HFO-1234yf to HFO-1234ze, which has different molecular structure characteristics. This parameter change results in both improved thermal stability and enhanced copolymerization rate, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If hexafluoropropylene is used in fluoropolymers, then copolymerization capability is provided, but thermal stability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes HFO-1234ze for hexafluoropropylene as the comonomer. This parameter change maintains copolymerization capability while significantly improving thermal stability, as HFO-1234ze contains a triple bond that enhances thermal resistance compared to the double bond in hexafluoropropylene.
3Productivity
If conventional fluorinated monomers are used, then polymer formation is achieved, but copolymerization rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the monomer parameter from conventional fluorinated olefins to HFO-1234ze, which possesses higher reactivity due to its unique molecular structure. This results in faster copolymerization rate and improved polymer yield, simultaneously addressing both productivity and quantity concerns.
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 resulting HFO-1234ze copolymers exhibit improved thermal stability and faster copolymerization rates compared to hexafluoropropylene-based polymers, offering enhanced performance in various applications including coatings and insulation.
Implementation Method 1
HFO-1234ze is copolymerized with other fluorinated monomers such as vinyl fluoride, vinylidene fluoride, tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) to form fluoroplastics or fluoroelastomers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) copolymers comprising 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and one or more comonomers selected from the group consisting of vinyl fluoride (VF), vinylidene fluoride (VF2), tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), hexafluoropropylene (HFP), and perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) (PAVE), wherein said alkyl contains 1 to 5 carbon atoms, the copolymers being a fluoroplastic or a fluoroelastomer, depending upon monomer content.