Laminate Membrane PTFE Contact Layer Solvent Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laminate membranes with a PTFE contact layer and elastomer body face issues such as loosening and chemical attack when exposed to solvents, particularly in special applications like solvent pumping, leading to reduced useful lifetime.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a permeation barrier layer, preferably made of perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), between the contact layer and the elastomer body, or on the side facing away from the elastomer body, to prevent medium permeation and maintain the integrity of the contact layer, with an optional intermediate PTFE layer for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PTFE contact layer is applied to the elastomer body, then chemical resistance is improved, but the contact layer can loosen from the elastomer body when exposed to solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidcontact layer adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier layer made of perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA) is introduced between the PTFE contact layer and the elastomer body. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the solvent and the elastomer body while maintaining the chemical resistance provided by the PTFE layer, thereby preventing loosening of the contact layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane is constructed as a composite structure with three distinct layers: PTFE contact layer, PFA barrier layer, and elastomer body. Each layer serves a specific function, and their combination provides both chemical resistance and structural stability, preventing the contact layer from loosening while maintaining solvent resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the PTFE contact layer is chemically connected to the elastomer body, then bonding strength is improved, but the elastomer body can still be chemically attacked by solvents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidchemical attack on elastomer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PFA barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that blocks solvent penetration to the elastomer body. This allows the PTFE contact layer to maintain its chemical connection to the elastomer body without the elastomer being exposed to harmful solvent attack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film barrier layer of PFA is applied between the contact layer and elastomer body. This flexible thin film effectively prevents solvent penetration while maintaining the overall flexibility and functionality of the membrane structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a barrier layer is added between the contact layer and elastomer body, then prevention of medium permeation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of medium permeationVSAvoidmembrane structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is constructed as a composite material structure with three layers (PTFE, PFA, and elastomer) that are integrated into a single functional unit. While the structure has multiple layers, they work together as a unified system, providing enhanced reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer is implemented as a thin film that integrates smoothly between the contact layer and elastomer body. This thin film approach adds minimal structural complexity while effectively preventing medium permeation and maintaining membrane flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 permeation barrier layer significantly extends the membrane's useful lifetime by preventing medium penetration and contact layer loosening, ensuring the elastomer body's integrity and maintaining the membrane's structural stability during solvent exposure.

Implementation Method 1

an additional barrier layer configured as a permeation barrier, which is either disposed between the contact layer and the elastomer body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation barrier: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS7905172B2Laminate membrane

Publication Date: 2011.03.15 ULMAN DICHTUNGSTECHN

AI summary

A laminate membrane having an elastomer body and a contact layer applied to the elastomer body. The contact layer is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A barrier layer configured as a permeation barrier is additionally provided, which is disposed between the contact layer and the elastomer body, or applied to the side of the contact layer that faces away from the elastomer body.