Keto-Ester Solvent Composition for Polymer Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions for removing polymeric materials containing heteroatoms, such as coatings, adhesives, or inks, are hazardous, require extensive personal protective equipment, and have long wait times, posing risks to users and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a keto-carboxylic acid ester, like butyl levulinate, combined with low molecular weight oxygenated solvents and optional additives, provides a safe, non-flammable, and fast-acting solution for removing polymeric materials without the need for protective equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional compositions (mineral spirits, dichloromethane, d-limonene, N-methylpyrollidone, methanol) are used to remove polymeric materials, then removal effectiveness is achieved, but toxicity, flammability, and environmental harm increase requiring extensive personal protective equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the composition by using keto-ester compounds (specifically gamma-keto esters like butyl levulinate) instead of conventional solvents. This parameter change maintains the ability to dissolve polymeric materials while fundamentally altering the safety profile - the keto-ester composition is non-flammable and has significantly reduced toxicity, eliminating the need for extensive personal protective equipment while maintaining removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful characteristics of solvent-based compositions into benefits. By using keto-ester compounds that are inherently non-flammable and low-toxicity, the composition transforms from a hazardous substance requiring protective equipment into a safe cleaner that can be used without extensive personal protective equipment, while still maintaining effective polymeric material removal
2Productivity
If conventional compositions are used to remove polymeric materials, then removal capability is achieved, but wait time before removal is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical reactivity parameters by using keto-ester compounds that rapidly break down polymeric material bonds. The gamma-keto ester structure provides enhanced solvation and dissolution kinetics compared to conventional solvents, reducing the wait time from minutes to seconds while maintaining complete removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The composition is formulated to act immediately upon contact with the polymeric material, performing the dissolution action preliminarily and rapidly. The keto-ester compounds are pre-configured to quickly penetrate and break down polymer chains, eliminating the need for extended waiting periods required by conventional compositions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional compositions are used to remove polymeric materials, then effective removal is achieved, but environmental harm and user safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the safety parameters by using keto-ester compounds that are non-flammable and have low toxicity. This parameter change makes the composition reliable for use in both industrial and home environments without requiring extensive personal protective equipment, while still achieving effective polymeric material removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful flammability and toxicity characteristics into safety benefits. The keto-ester composition is inherently non-flammable and low-toxicity, transforming from a hazardous substance into a safe cleaner that can be reliably used in diverse environments including homes and industrial settings without extensive protective measures
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 removes polymeric materials quickly and safely, reducing the need for protective gear and minimizing environmental impact while maintaining efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a composition comprising a keto-carboxylic acid ester that is safe and has low toxicity... effectively in removing polymers containing heteroatoms
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~6C
AI summary
Compositions that include at least one low molecular weight oxygen containing solvent and one or more compounds of formula (I) wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl; X is a C1-C10 alkyl and n is an integer from 0 to 5. Methods of removing polymeric material containing heteroatoms from a surface by contacting the surface with such compositions and wiping the composition at least some portion of the polymeric material from the surface.