Modified Comb Copolymers for Dual-Phase Solubility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing comb copolymers struggle to provide excellent stabilization and solubility in both aqueous and organic media, leading to long processing times and instability of pigment dispersions, particularly in color filter production processes.

Innovation Solution

Development of modified comb copolymers based on styrene/maleic anhydride units with specific structural units, including polyalkylene oxide monoamines and N,N-disubstituted diamines, which are converted to phosphoric acid ester groups or quaternary ammonium salts, allowing for improved solubility and stability in both aqueous and organic solvents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If comb copolymers are designed for solubility in aqueous systems or organic solvent systems, then solubility in one system is improved, but solubility in both systems cannot be adequately adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolubility in both aqueous and organic mediaVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating comb copolymers with side chains containing both hydrophilic groups (for aqueous solubility) and hydrophobic groups (for organic solvent solubility) in specific proportions. This local differentiation of chemical properties within the polymer structure enables the material to dissolve in both aqueous and organic media simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If comb copolymers based on SMA resins with polyether side chains are used, then dispersion stability is improved, but they cannot adequately stabilise organic pigments in formulations containing solvent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepigment dispersion stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with organic solvents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining SMA resin backbone with polyether side chains that are further modified with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. This composite structure integrates the dispersion stability of polyether with the solvent compatibility of hydrophobic groups, enabling effective stabilization of organic pigments in solvent-containing formulations while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If adhesion groups are added to comb copolymers for universal application, then adhesion performance is improved, but polymerisation during storage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion capabilityVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the proportion and type of adhesion groups in the comb copolymer structure. By optimizing the concentration and chemical nature of these groups, the patent achieves sufficient adhesion performance while minimizing the risk of polymerisation during storage, thus balancing versatility with compositional stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 modified comb copolymers achieve high solubility and stability in both media, reducing viscosity and ensuring stable pigment dispersions, thus addressing the limitations of previous technologies in color filter production and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

converted to phosphoric acid ester groups

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical conversion to phosphoric acid ester groups: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

N,N-disubstituted amino-terminated side chains are converted to quaternary ammonium salts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical conversion to quaternary ammonium salts: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS8129476B2Modified comb copolymers

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 BYK CHEMIE GMBH

AI summary

The present invention relates to modified comb copolymers comprising special structural units, which are produced by converting SMA resins and optionally special copolymers with an AB block copolymer structure with a mixture of at least one polyalkylene oxide monoamine and at least one amino alcohol, with a mixture of at least one polyalkylene oxide monoamine and at least one N,N-disubstituted diamine or a mixture of at least one polyalkylene oxide monoamine, at least one N,N-disubstituted diamine and at least one polymer selected from the group comprising monohydroxy-terminated polyalkylene oxides, monohydroxy-terminated polyesters and monohydroxy-terminated block copolymers comprising polyalkylene oxide and polyester blocks, and their monohydroxy-terminated side chains are converted to phosphoric acid ester groups or their N,N-disubstituted amino-terminated side chains are converted to quaternary ammonium salts, and their use as wetting and dispersing agents.