Linear Block Copolymer for Thermoset Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

The compatibility between poly(phenylene ether) oligomers and hydrocarbon resins in thermosetting compositions is limited, affecting their adhesion, flame resistance, and heat performance, which are crucial for electronic applications.

Innovation Solution

A linear block copolymer is developed, comprising a phenylene ether oligomer block and a hydrocarbon resin block, formed through oxidative polymerization or covalent coupling, with complementary reactive groups, to enhance compatibility and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If poly(phenylene ether) oligomers are combined with hydrocarbon resins to improve dielectric performance and heat resistance, then flame resistance and heat performance are improved, but compatibility between the materials deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistance and heat performanceVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system by combining poly(phenylene ether) oligomers with hydrocarbon resins through covalent bonding to form block copolymers. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously exhibit the flame resistance and heat performance of poly(phenylene ether) and the compatibility and adhesion of hydrocarbon resins, resolving the incompatibility issue while maintaining improved thermal and flame properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges two previously incompatible materials by forming covalent bonds between poly(phenylene ether) oligomers and hydrocarbon resins through oxidative coupling. This merging creates a unified block copolymer structure where the two material systems are chemically integrated, allowing them to function together as a compatible mixture that exhibits the desirable properties of both components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If poly(phenylene ether) oligomers are used to improve dielectric performance, then dielectric properties are improved, but adhesion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric performanceVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where poly(phenylene ether) blocks provide dielectric performance while hydrocarbon resin blocks provide adhesion. The covalent bonding between blocks creates a unified structure that simultaneously delivers both dielectric properties and adhesion, eliminating the trade-off between these two properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional regions within the block copolymer structure. The poly(phenylene ether) blocks are positioned to provide dielectric performance in specific areas, while hydrocarbon resin blocks are positioned to provide adhesion in other areas. This spatial arrangement of different material properties within a single unified structure allows simultaneous optimization of both dielectric performance and adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 linear block copolymer improves dielectric properties, flame resistance, and heat performance while maintaining compatibility, making it suitable for curable thermosetting compositions and various electronic applications.

Implementation Method 1

oxidatively polymerizing a substituted or unsubstituted monohydric phenol from a phenol-terminated hydrocarbon resin to provide the linear block copolymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidative polymerization: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

covalently coupling a hydrocarbon resin and a phenylene ether oligomer, wherein the hydrocarbon resin and the phenylene ether oligomer comprise complementary reactive groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4169958A1Linear block copolymer and curable thermosetting composition comprising the linear block copolymer
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 SHPP GLOBAL TECH BV
  • EP4169958A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4169958A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4169958A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A linear block copolymer includes at least one block A comprising a phenylene ether oligomer comprising repeating units derived from a substituted or unsubstituted monohydric phenol; and at least one block B comprising a hydrocarbon resin. The linear block copolymer can be particularly useful in curable compositions, thermoset compositions, and articles formed therefrom.