Isosorbide Polyurethane Copolymers for Optical Lenses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polyurethane copolymers used for optical applications face challenges with high refractive index and Abbe value variability, chromatic aberration, and the use of toxic monomers, which complicates the production of materials with desirable optical properties such as high light transmittance and thermal stability.

Innovation Solution

A polyurethane copolymer comprising repeating units of isosorbide and difunctional linkers, specifically diisocyanates and dithiocyanates, is developed, which achieves a refractive index of at least 1.5 and an Abbe value of at least 50, along with high light transmittance and a low yellow index, minimizing chromatic aberration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional transparent polymers (acrylic, styrenic, polycarbonate) are used for optical applications, then processing ease is improved, but optical properties (refractive index control, chromatic aberration) deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing easeVSAvoidoptical property control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite polymer formulations combining multiple components (cyclic carbonates, cyclic carboxylic acid anhydrides, and cyclic anhydrides) to achieve both ease of processing and precise optical property control. The composite nature allows independent optimization of processing characteristics and optical performance parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies compositional parameters (molar ratios of monomers, molecular weight distribution, crosslinking density) to tune optical properties including refractive index and Abbe value while maintaining processing ease through controlled polymerization conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If polyurethane copolymers with high refractive index are used for optical applications, then light refraction capability is improved, but chromatic aberration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight refraction capabilityVSAvoidchromatic aberration

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the Abbe value parameter by selecting specific cyclic monomer combinations and ratios, achieving a balance between refractive index and Abbe value that minimizes chromatic aberration while maintaining high light refraction capability for optical lens applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite polymer systems where the interaction between different cyclic monomer units (carbonates, carboxylic acid anhydrides, and anhydrides) produces a synergistic effect that simultaneously enhances refractive index and optimizes Abbe value to reduce chromatic aberration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Illumination intensity

If current polyurethane copolymer materials are used for optical applications, then refractive index can be increased, but material toxicity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive indexVSAvoidmaterial toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs biodegradable cyclic monomers that can be processed and discarded without long-term environmental persistence, reducing toxicity concerns while achieving high refractive index through controlled composition and structure of the polymer material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by selecting non-toxic cyclic monomers (cyclic carbonates, cyclic carboxylic acid anhydrides, and cyclic anhydrides) and optimizing their ratios to achieve high refractive index without compromising material safety or increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 polyurethane copolymer exhibits improved optical properties, including high refractive index, Abbe value, and light transmittance, while reducing chromatic aberration and the use of toxic monomers, making it suitable for applications like optical lenses and solar concentrators.

Implementation Method 1

When light moves from a material of one refractive index to a material with a different refractive index it is bent, and the amount of bending is determined by the difference between the refractive index of the two materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Such applications require very high light transmittance, very low levels of haze and good thermal and mechanical stability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmittance:

Data Source

PatentUS10696778B1Methods of making polymers using isosorbide

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 BHATIA MONICA

AI summary

The present invention is based, in part, on the discovery that the polymeric materials described herein produce polyurethane copolymers with advantageous optical properties. In particular embodiments, polyurethane copolymers comprise repeating units of isosorbide and a difunctional linker where the difunctional linkers can be diisocyanate, dithiocyanate, dicarboxylic acid, and other monomers. Some of the advantageous optical properties of these polymeric materials include a refractive index of about 1.5 and an Abbe value of at least about 50. Also described are methods for producing these polyurethane copolymers.