Use of modified geopolymer for decreasing the thermal conductivity of vinyl aromatic polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vinyl aromatic polymer compositions face challenges in achieving low thermal conductivity without adversely affecting mechanical and self-extinguishing properties, particularly when using carbon-based athermanous additives.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a modified geopolymer, preferably with athermanous additives, prepared through a sol-gel process involving aluminate and silicate mixing, followed by curing, milling, and filtration, to form a geopolymer composite that encapsulates additives and reduces thermal conductivity while maintaining mechanical and self-extinguishing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If carbon-based athermanous additives are used to decrease thermal conductivity, then thermal insulation performance is improved, but mechanical properties and self-extinguishing properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A modified geopolymer acts as an intermediary substance that encapsulates carbon-based athermanous additives. This geopolymer shell isolates the additives from direct contact with the polymer matrix and flame, preventing detrimental interactions while allowing the additives to maintain their thermal insulation function. The geopolymer modifies the interface between additives and polymer, resolving the contradiction between thermal performance and material reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where carbon-based additives are embedded within a geopolymer matrix, forming a hierarchical composite material. This composite approach allows combining the thermal insulation benefits of carbon additives with the mechanical strength and fire resistance of geopolymer, achieving both improved thermal conductivity and maintained reliability simultaneously.
2Temperature
If geopolymer is added to encapsulate athermanous additives, then thermal conductivity decreases and self-extinguishing properties are maintained, but the complexity of material composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modified geopolymer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an encapsulation matrix for additives, provides structural support to maintain mechanical properties, contributes to self-extinguishing behavior through its own fire resistance, and reduces thermal conductivity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing composition complexity while achieving multiple performance goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The geopolymer undergoes modification through sol-gel processing and controlled dehydration to optimize its properties. By adjusting parameters such as water content, particle size distribution, and chemical composition during processing, the geopolymer is tailored to provide optimal encapsulation and performance characteristics, balancing functionality with compositional simplicity.
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 geopolymer composite significantly decreases thermal conductivity while preserving the mechanical and self-extinguishing properties of vinyl aromatic polymer foams, allowing for the use of additives that were previously unsuitable.
Implementation Method 1
The presence of modified geopolymer decreases thermal conductivity, because of its own heat radiation scattering effect
Implementation Method 2
The structure may be created in a sol-gel method by metal alkali activation of alumina silicate precursors
Implementation Method 3
During the dissolution of alumina silicate precursor and gel formation
Implementation Method 4
the geopolymer itself gives fire resistance, and further encapsulates the particles of athermanous additive
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a modified geopolymer and a modified geopolymer composite comprising additive. The additive is preferably an athermanous additive. The modification is with one or more water-soluble compounds, the water-soluble compound is preferably selected from phosphorus compounds, nitrogen compounds, copper compounds, silver compounds, zinc compounds, tin compounds and magnesium compounds. Also, it relates to compositions which contain the modified geopolymer or modified geopolymer composite. The compositions preferably comprise vinyl aromatic polymer and are in the form of a foam.