Lignin Derivative Polymer Composition for Tunable Mechanical Properties
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current compositions comprising polymers with reactive silyl groups and lignin derivatives, while offering good adhesion and stability, lack the ability to tailor mechanical properties and thermal stability effectively for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A composition combining polymers with reactive silyl groups, such as polyethers, (meth)acrylate-based polymers, polyisobutylenes, or silicones, with a lignin derivative having reactive functional groups, allowing for adjustable mechanical properties and enhanced thermal stability through cross-linking and biobased content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a silyl terminated polyether is blended with a stabilizer comprising lignin and/or lignin derivative, then stability is improved, but the ability to tailor mechanical properties is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the molecular weight of the lignin derivative (specifically using low molecular weight lignin with Mn of 1000-3000) and adjusting the ratio of lignin derivative to polyether (1-25 wt%). This enables tuning of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness while maintaining stability improvements from the lignin additive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by combining silyl terminated polyether with reactive lignin derivative that has been modified to contain silyl groups. This composite approach allows the lignin derivative to participate in crosslinking reactions, thereby tailoring the mechanical properties of the cured product while maintaining the stability benefits of lignin incorporation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lignin derivative is added to increase renewable content, then adhesion property is improved, but thermal stability needs enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses thermal stability by controlling the molecular weight parameter of the lignin derivative (low molecular weight range of Mn 1000-3000) and optimizing the curing process parameters. The low molecular weight lignin derivative with reactive silyl groups participates in crosslinking, forming a thermally stable network that enhances the thermal properties of the cured adhesive while maintaining good adhesion characteristics.
3Strength
If crosslinking is performed by hydrolysis of silyl ethers, then mechanical properties are improved, but the composition lacks thermal stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where low molecular weight lignin derivative acts as both a crosslinking agent and a thermal stabilizer. The lignin derivative contains reactive silyl groups that participate in crosslinking reactions to improve mechanical properties, while the aromatic structure and low molecular weight characteristics of lignin contribute to enhanced thermal stability of the cured product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the lignin derivative to a low range (Mn 1000-3000), which enables effective crosslinking participation while simultaneously providing thermal stability. This parameter optimization allows the lignin derivative to function dually as both a mechanical property enhancer through crosslinking and a thermal stabilizer.
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 improved adhesion, mechanical flexibility, and thermal stability, enabling a wide range of applications with customizable properties and increased renewable content.
Implementation Method 1
The reactive silyl group is crosslinked by the formation of a siloxane bond, which is accompanied by hydrolysis due to moisture even at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
On application the products cure from a liquid or gel state to a solid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition comprising (A) a polymer having at least one reactive silyl group selected from the group consisting of a polyether having at least one reactive silyl group, a (meth)acrylate-based polymer having at least one reactive silyl group, a polyisobutylene having at least one reactive silyl group and a silicone having at least one reactive silyl group and combinations thereof and (B) a lignin derivative having at least one functional group which is reactive with component (A).