Inflatable Stopper Latex Composition for Ozone and Static Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Natural rubber latex used in inflatable stoppers is susceptible to ozone degradation, leading to cracking and potential explosion hazards due to electrostatic charging, and existing solutions are not effective for non-crosslinked natural rubber latex compositions.

Innovation Solution

A non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger, along with fiber reinforcement and electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, which provides ozone resistance and anti-static properties, preventing surface resistivity from exceeding 100 GΩ even at high ozone concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then excellent mechanical performance is achieved, but thermal stability and compatibility with petroleum products deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical performanceVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses natural rubber latex as the base material and combines it with carbon black filler and protective agents to create a composite material system. This composite structure allows the natural rubber to maintain its excellent mechanical properties while the added components provide enhanced thermal stability and ozone resistance, resolving the contradiction between mechanical performance and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then excellent mechanical performance is achieved, but resistance to ozone attack deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical performanceVSAvoidozone resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces protective agents (antiozonants) as intermediary substances that act between the ozone environment and the natural rubber latex. These agents migrate to the rubber surface and form a protective film that intercepts ozone molecules, preventing them from attacking the rubber double bonds. This intermediary layer allows the natural rubber to maintain its mechanical performance while gaining ozone resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the vulnerable double bond structure from the natural rubber latex by adding protective agents that specifically target and neutralize ozone molecules before they can react with the rubber. The protective agents are selectively introduced to address the ozone vulnerability without altering the fundamental mechanical properties of the natural rubber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If natural rubber latex is used for inflatable stoppers, then mechanical performance is improved, but electrostatic charge sensitivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical performanceVSAvoidelectrostatic charge
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the natural rubber latex by incorporating conductive fillers such as carbon black. This modification alters the electrical conductivity of the material, allowing it to dissipate electrostatic charges rather than accumulate them. The natural rubber maintains its mechanical performance while the electrical properties are modified to prevent spark generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-affected harmful factors

If protective surface substances are introduced into rubber, then ozone resistance is improved, but effectiveness during dynamic deformation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveozone resistanceVSAvoideffectiveness under deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs protective agents that have the ability to self-replenish and migrate to the rubber surface during dynamic deformation. These agents are incorporated into the rubber matrix and automatically move to areas of high stress or surface exposure, maintaining the protective film even during flexing and deformation. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous ozone protection without compromising the rubber's dynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 composition effectively protects natural rubber latex from ozone attack and electrostatic charging, maintaining integrity and safety standards as per ISO 1431/1 and DIN EN 60079-32-2, ensuring the inflatable stoppers remain functional for extended periods without cracking or sparking.

Implementation Method 1

A non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOzone scavenging: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, which provides ozone resistance and anti-static properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

A non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition incorporating a surfactant, ammonia, and an amine-based ozone scavenger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP3315549B1Inflatable stopper
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 J VAN BEUGEN BEHEER BV
  • EP3315549B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a non-crosslinked natural rubber latex composition for an inflatable stopper comprising a homogeneous mixture of: a) natural rubber latex; b) a surfactant; c) an amine based chemical antiozonant; d) possibly ammonia and preferably e) single or double wall electrically conductive nanotubes. The invention furthermore relates to an ozone resistant inflatable stopper comprising non-crosslinked natural rubber latex and fiber reinforcement, the rubber having an ozone resistance according to ISO 1431/1 at 50 pphm concentration ozone at 23±2°C, for the time frame of 48 hours, atmospheric humidity of 55% and strain static exposure of 20% and preferably a surface resistivity lower than 100 GΩ according to DIN EN 60079-32-2 and DVGW G 5621-3 (VP) measured at 1000 V and a maximum relative humidity of 30%.