Laser-Printable Polymeric Composition With Low Carbon Black
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymeric compositions for wire and cable jacketing require high carbon black concentrations for UV stability, which compromises laser printability and mechanical properties, and existing UV light stabilizers fail to achieve both low carbon black levels and sufficient contrast for laser printing.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric composition using a polymeric UV light stabilizer with a hindered amine moiety and a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol, combined with low carbon black concentrations (0.05 wt% to 0.25 wt%), maintains laser printability and retains 50% elongation after 2000 hours of UV exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high carbon black concentration (2-3 wt%) is used to ensure UV resistance, then UV durability is improved, but laser printability deteriorates (contrast ≤25%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the hindered amine light stabilizer from conventional oligomeric (low molecular weight) to polymeric (high molecular weight, 5,000-20,000 g/mol). This parameter change allows the stabilizer to remain effective at lower concentrations, enabling reduced carbon black content (0.05-0.25 wt%) while maintaining both UV durability and laser printability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymeric composition combining ethylene polymer with polymeric hindered amine light stabilizer. This composite material achieves synergistic effects where the polymeric stabilizer provides UV protection while allowing low carbon black content, simultaneously satisfying both UV durability and laser printability requirements
2Ease of manufacture
If low carbon black concentration (0.05-0.25 wt%) is used to achieve laser printability, then laser printability is improved, but UV resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the light stabilizer to polymeric range (5,000-20,000 g/mol), which enhances the stabilizer's effectiveness and durability. This allows the system to achieve adequate UV resistance at lower carbon black concentrations (0.05-0.25 wt%), thereby enabling laser printability while maintaining UV protection
3Ease of manufacture
If oligomeric UV light stabilizers are used to reduce carbon black concentration, then laser printability is improved, but elongation retention under UV exposure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter from oligomeric to polymeric (5,000-20,000 g/mol). The polymeric structure provides better thermal stability and resistance to degradation during processing and UV exposure, maintaining mechanical properties like elongation retention while enabling low carbon black content for laser printability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the short-lived oligomeric stabilizers with more durable polymeric stabilizers that maintain their effectiveness throughout the product's service life under UV exposure, ensuring long-term mechanical property retention
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 achieves grey contrast greater than 25% and retains 50% elongation at break after 2000 hours of UV exposure, enabling effective laser printing while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a polymeric ultraviolet light stabilizer comprising a hindered amine moiety
Implementation Method 2
Laser beam printing is a method used in the marking of polymeric compositions
Implementation Method 3
carbon black in concentrations from about 2 weight percent to 3 weight percent
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric composition includes an ethylene polymer, 0.05 wt % to 0.25 wt % carbon black based on a total weight of the polymeric composition and a polymeric ultraviolet light stabilizer including a hindered amine moiety and having a weight average molecular weight from 5,000 g/mol to 20,000 g/mol as measured according to Gel Permeation Chromatography.