Liquid Rubber Composite Toughness via Phase Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic materials face challenges in achieving improved impact strength while maintaining flowability and heat resistance, with existing modifiers not adequately enhancing toughness.
Innovation Solution
A composite material comprising a thermoplastic material combined with a liquid rubber having a glass transition temperature of less than 25°C, a weight average molecular weight of ≥1,069 g/mol, and polymer chains with non-functional aromatic terminal end-groups, which is miscible in the liquid state and immiscible in the solid state, enhancing toughness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a block copolymer modifier is used to improve impact strength, then impact strength is improved, but flowability and heat resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular weight parameter of the rubber component to a specific range (1,069-20,000 g/mol) and controls the glass transition temperature below 25°C. These parameter changes enable the rubber to remain liquid during processing (maintaining flowability) while still providing impact strength improvement when solidified in the final product.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the liquid rubber component - liquid state during processing for good flowability, then solid state in the final product for impact strength. The glass transition temperature control ensures this phase behavior occurs at appropriate temperatures during manufacturing and use.
2Strength
If a block copolymer modifier is used to improve impact strength, then impact strength is improved, but heat resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully selects the molecular weight range (1,069-20,000 g/mol) and glass transition temperature (<25°C) parameters of the liquid rubber to achieve the desired balance between impact strength improvement and heat resistance maintenance. This precise parameter control allows the rubber to provide toughness without compromising thermal performance.
3Strength
If existing modifiers are used to enhance toughness, then some toughness improvement is achieved, but adequate toughness enhancement is not reached
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite material system combining thermoplastic polymer with specifically designed liquid rubber containing aromatic end groups. This composite approach provides superior toughness enhancement compared to conventional modifiers by leveraging the unique properties of the liquid rubber component that is miscible in liquid state but immiscible in solid state.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid rubber acts as an intermediary phase between the thermoplastic matrix and impact sites. Its specific molecular weight and glass transition temperature allow it to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively, providing adequate toughness enhancement that existing modifiers cannot achieve.
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 combination significantly improves the toughness of thermoplastic materials, offering greater resistance and performance in applications such as packaging, auto parts, and electronic equipment housings.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid rubber is miscible with the thermoplastic material in a liquid state and immiscible with the thermoplastic material in a solid state
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material containing a thermoplastic material and a non-functional aromatic end group-containing polymer is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making and use the composite materials.