Hydroxyl-Containing Thiol-Alkene Ethers for Low-Odor Resins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monomers are difficult to process due to their lack of miscibility and stability, leading to issues such as objectionable odors and dimensional changes during processing, particularly in applications like 3D printing and casting.
Innovation Solution
Hydroxyl-containing thiol-alkene ethers are developed, which are highly miscible, stable, and can be rapidly converted to polymeric materials using radical initiators or UV light, eliminating the need for diluents and minimizing odor and structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current monomers are used, then they can be processed, but they are difficult to process due to lack of miscibility and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the monomer by introducing a hydroxyl group at the terminal position of the thiol-alkene ether structure. This parameter change simultaneously improves miscibility (ease of operation) and provides stabilization through hydrogen bonding capabilities, resolving the contradiction between processability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining thiol-alkene ether backbone with terminal hydroxyl group. This composite structure integrates the reactivity of thiol-alkene with the stability and miscibility enhancement provided by the hydroxyl group, achieving both ease of operation and stability
2Productivity
If thiol containing resin materials are used, then they can form polymers, but they have negative reactivity and objectionable odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the hydroxyl group specifically at the terminal position of the molecule rather than throughout the structure. This localized modification allows the bulk thiol-alkene structure to maintain high polymerization reactivity while the terminal hydroxyl group provides odor reduction through hydrogen bonding that reduces volatile thiol exposure
3Ease of operation
If diluents are used with resin materials, then viscosity is reduced, but articles undergo dimensional and structural changes during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for external diluents by incorporating the viscosity-reducing functionality into the monomer structure itself. The terminal hydroxyl group enables hydrogen bonding that lowers viscosity while the entire molecular structure remains part of the final polymer network, eliminating dimensional changes associated with diluent removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the monomer and diluent into a single molecular entity. The thiol-alkene ether provides polymerization capability while the terminal hydroxyl group provides viscosity reduction, combining what were previously separate components into one integrated molecule that eliminates the need for separate diluents
4Stability of the object's composition
If monomers are made stable, then they are easier to handle, but their reactivity with alkenes is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the hydroxyl group into the monomer structure before polymerization. This pre-installed functional group provides stabilization through hydrogen bonding while maintaining alkene accessibility, allowing the monomer to be stable during handling yet reactive during polymerization when initiated by appropriate catalysts or conditions
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 new monomers enable the production of polymers for elastomers, adhesives, and resins with improved thermomechanical properties, suitable for 3D printing and casting without dimensional or structural changes, and without the need for diluents.
Implementation Method 1
can be converted within seconds to polymeric materials by the addition of a radical initiator, heating and/or exposure to UV light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to hydroxyl-containing thiol-alkene ethers and process of making and using same. Such monomers minimize the drawbacks of current monomers as they are highly miscible, stable and yet can be converted within seconds to polymeric materials by the addition of a radical initiator, heating and/or exposure to UV light. Polymers that are made from the disclosed monomers may be used to produce elastomers, adhesives and as resins for processes such as casting and 3D printing that are used to make articles. Furthermore, such monomers do not exhibit the objectionable odor that is normally associated with thiol containing resin materials and such monomers have a low viscosity so a diluent is not when required when a resin containing the disclosed monomers is used as resin for casting and 3D printing. As a result, articles that are made from such resins do not undergo dimensional and/or structural changes that occur when diluents are removed during final processing.