Hyperbranched Polymer Solubilization via Polyether Linker Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hyperbranched polymers are inadequate for solubilizing sparingly soluble active ingredients, particularly in aqueous media, as they do not maximize solubilization capacity, stability, and are not readily preparable on an industrial scale.
Innovation Solution
A hyperbranched polymer comprising a hyperbranched polycondensate with hydroxyl and/or amino end groups connected to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers and poly(C2-C3)alkylene glycol mono-(C8-C22)-alkyl ethers, with a weight ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, enhancing solubility and stability while being water-soluble or water-dispersible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional hyperbranched polymers are used for solubilizing active ingredients, then some solubilization is achieved, but the solubilization capacity is not maximized and stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hyperbranched polymer structure combining polycondensate core with polyether side chains. This composite architecture provides both high solubilization capacity through the hydrophobic core and excellent stability through the hydrophilic shell, resolving the contradiction between quantity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer structure exhibits local quality differentiation: the core region provides hydrophobic interactions for active ingredient binding, while the peripheral polyether chains provide hydrophilic stability and water solubility. This spatial separation of functions simultaneously achieves high solubilization capacity and stability.
2Reliability
If hyperbranched polymers with complex structures are synthesized, then solubilization performance improves, but industrial-scale preparation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is segmented into modular components: a hyperbranched polycondensate core and separate polyether side chains. This segmentation allows independent optimization and simplifies the synthesis process, making it suitable for industrial-scale production while maintaining high solubilization performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes parameters such as the weight ratio of core to shell components and the degree of branching to achieve the desired balance between performance and manufacturability. These parameter adjustments enable industrial scalability while maintaining solubilization effectiveness.
3Quantity of substance
If anionic groups are present in the polymer, then solubilization occurs, but interactions with formulation components cause instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of anionic group interactions into a benefit by using neutral polyether side chains that provide solubilization through hydrophilic interactions rather than ionic interactions. This eliminates unwanted formulation interactions while maintaining solubilization capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyether side chains act as intermediary structures that mediate between the hydrophobic core and the aqueous environment, providing solubilization without direct ionic interactions with formulation components. This intermediary layer prevents instability while maintaining solubilization function.
4Ease of manufacture
If the polymer structure is simplified for easier manufacture, then industrial preparation becomes feasible, but polarity adjustment precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer structure incorporates dynamic adjustability through variable parameters such as the weight ratio of core to shell components and the molecular weight distribution of polyether chains. These dynamic parameters allow precise polarity adjustment while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard polymerization techniques.
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 polymer achieves high active ingredient solubilization concentrations, simple industrial-scale preparation, and excellent storage stability without anionic groups, allowing for precise polarity adjustment and avoiding interactions with other formulation components.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer achieves high active ingredient solubilization concentrations
Implementation Method 2
hyperbranched polymer comprising a hyperbranched polycondensate with hydroxyl and/or amino end groups connected to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers
Implementation Method 3
polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers and poly(C2-C3)alkylene glycol mono-(C8-C22)-alkyl ethers, with a weight ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, enhancing solubility and stability while being water-soluble or water-dispersible
Implementation Method 4
hyperbranched polymer comprising a hyperbranched polycondensate with hydroxyl and/or amino end groups connected to polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers and poly(C2-C3)alkylene glycol mono-(C8-C22)-alkyl ethers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hyperbranched polymer comprising:a) a hyperbranched polycondensate with hydroxyl end groups, amino end groups, or a combination thereof condensed tob) one or more linking groups connected toc1) one or more polyethylene glycol monomethyl ethers andc2) one or more poly(C2-C3)alkylene glycol mono-(C8-C22)-alkyl ethers, wherein the weight ratio of components c1):c2) is from 9:1 to 1:9. It further relates to a process for producing the polymer, to a composition comprising the polymer and an active ingredient, and to a method for controlling phytopathogenic fungi or undesired vegetation or insect or acarid infestations or for regulating the growth of plants.