Liquid Catalyst for Cyclosiloxane Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solid catalysts used in ring opening polymerization of cyclosiloxanes generate solid waste, reducing yield and increasing production costs due to the need for incineration and filtration to remove catalyst residues.
Innovation Solution
The use of N-trialkylsilyl-bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide compounds as catalysts for ring opening polymerization of cyclosiloxanes, which are soluble in the reaction medium, allowing for efficient polymerization without the need for additional filtration steps and reducing waste generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If solid type catalysts are used for ring opening polymerization of cyclosiloxanes, then catalytic activity is high, but solid waste is generated requiring incineration and filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the catalyst from solid to liquid by using ionic liquids. This transformation maintains high catalytic activity while eliminating solid waste generation, as the liquid catalyst can be easily separated from the polymer product through phase separation rather than requiring filtration and incineration
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates the polymerization reaction. It provides a liquid environment for the catalyst to function while being easily separable from the final product, thus mediating between the need for high catalytic activity and the need to avoid solid waste
2Productivity
If solid catalysts are used, then polymerization can be catalyzed effectively, but filtration steps are required to remove catalyst residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the catalyst from solid to liquid, which fundamentally simplifies the separation process. Instead of requiring filtration steps to remove solid catalyst residues, the liquid ionic liquid catalyst can be separated through phase separation, reducing process complexity while maintaining polymerization efficiency
3Reliability
If solid catalysts are used, then catalytic function is achieved, but product yield decreases due to waste generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the catalyst from solid to liquid form, which eliminates the need for incineration of solid waste. This prevents loss of product that would otherwise be contaminated with or lost during the filtration and incineration processes, thereby improving overall product yield while maintaining reliable catalytic function
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 N-trialkylsilyl-bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide catalysts facilitate faster polymerization, reduce waste, and eliminate the need for post-polymerization filtration, resulting in higher yields and lower production costs by remaining soluble in the reaction system.
Implementation Method 1
The present technology provides a process for the ring opening polymerization of a cyclosiloxane comprising contacting a composition comprising a cyclosiloxane and a silanol terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) with a N-trialkylsilyl-bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology provides compositions, methods, and processes to form polysiloxanes. In one aspect, the present technology provides a process for the ring opening polymerization of a cyclosiloxane comprising contacting a cyclosiloxane with a N-trialkylsilyl-bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide compound.