Host-Guest Complex Flame Retardant for Polymer Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flame retardant compounds face challenges in achieving uniform distribution and reactivity within thermoplastic resins, leading to reduced flame retardant performance due to aggregation of components, which can be exacerbated by high shear mixing that degrades the polymer base resin.
Innovation Solution
A host-guest complex is formed between a carbonific host molecule, such as cyclodextrin, and a transition metal-containing guest molecule, like molybdenum, which ensures molecular-level interaction and uniform distribution within the polymer base resin, preventing aggregation and enhancing flame retardant performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If flame retardant components are mixed using high shear mixing, then distribution within the polymer base resin is improved, but the polymer base resin is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carbonific host compound and transition metal-containing compound into a single host-guest complex unit. This merging ensures that the flame retardant components remain in close proximity (molecular-level distribution) without requiring aggressive high shear mixing that would degrade the polymer base resin. The complex acts as a unified flame retardant entity that maintains effectiveness while preserving polymer integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The host-guest complex serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the need for uniform distribution and the need to protect the polymer base resin. By pre-organizing the flame retardant components into a stable complex with specific host and guest molecules, the system achieves uniform distribution through gentler mixing processes that do not compromise the polymer matrix.
2Reliability
If flame retardant components are used in higher amounts, then flame retardant performance is improved, but the amount of material and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the organizational parameter of the flame retardant components from dispersed individual molecules to structured host-guest complexes. This parameter change in molecular organization enhances the effectiveness of each unit of flame retardant material, improving flame retardant performance without requiring increased quantities. The close proximity and specific arrangement within the complex optimize the flame retardant mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If flame retardant components are distributed uniformly, then flame retardant performance is enhanced, but aggregation occurs without proper complex formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the guest compound (transition metal-containing) is embedded within the host compound (carbonific) to form a host-guest complex. This nesting prevents the components from aggregating with like molecules while maintaining uniform distribution throughout the polymer base resin. The host molecule acts as a container that stabilizes the guest molecule in isolation, preventing unwanted aggregation.
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 host-guest complex effectively inhibits smoke release and formation by maintaining close proximity of flame retardant components, promoting char formation and foam creation, thereby improving fire-resistant characteristics and reducing the amount of flame retardant material needed for a given performance.
Implementation Method 1
The carbonific host compound and the guest compound form a host-guest complex, and the host-guest complex acts to inhibit at least one of smoke release and smoke formation when exposed to heat
Implementation Method 2
The acid donor reacts with the carbonific host compound to produce a char when exposed to a temperature above 280° C.
Implementation Method 3
The spumific agent decomposes to form a blowing gas when exposed to a temperature above 280° C.
Implementation Method 4
the blowing gas and the char form a foam
Data Source
AI summary
A flame retardant compound is provided. The flame retardant compound includes a polymer base resin, a carbonific host compound, and a guest compound including at least one atom of a transition metal. The carbonific host compound and the guest compound form a host-guest complex, and the host-guest complex acts to inhibit at least one of smoke release and smoke formation when exposed to heat. The host-guest complex is distributed within the polymer base resin. An intumescent flame retardant compound is also provided. The intumescent flame retardant compound includes a base resin, an acid donor, a spumific agent, a cyclodextrin host compound, and a guest compound including at least one atom of molybdenum. The cyclodextrin host compound and the guest compound form a host-guest complex. The acid donor, carbonific host compound, and spumific agent react when exposed to a temperature above 280° C. to form a foam.