Multiblock Copolymer Synthesis via Segmented Polymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The synthesis of biobased block copolymers, particularly thermoplastic elastomers, is limited by the need for costly and environmentally unfriendly petroleum-based precursors, and existing methods lack the architectural control and cost-effectiveness required for widespread industrial adoption.

Innovation Solution

A method combining step growth polymerization with chain growth polymerization techniques using telechelic macrochain transfer agents to synthesize multiblock copolymers, allowing for the creation of thermoplastic elastomers with a soft rubber block between symmetric hard blocks, thereby closing the price gap and enhancing biopolymer synthesis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If step growth polymerization is used to synthesize biobased polymers, then cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness are improved, but architectural control of block copolymers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidarchitectural control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the polymerization process into two distinct segments: first, step growth polymerization is used to synthesize the hard blocks (PLLA and PDLA) with precise molecular weight control; second, chain growth polymerization is used to synthesize the soft rubber block (polyisoprene) with controlled architecture. This segmentation allows each polymerization method to be used in its optimal application, resolving the contradiction between cost-effectiveness and architectural control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by first synthesizing the hard blocks (PLLA/PDLA) through step growth polymerization before combining them with the soft rubber block. The hard blocks are prepared in advance with controlled molecular weights and end-group functionalities, which then serve as starting materials for the chain growth polymerization of the rubber block. This preliminary preparation enables precise architectural control while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If chain growth polymerization is used to synthesize block copolymers, then architectural control is improved, but cost and environmental impact worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitectural controlVSAvoidcost-effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different polymerization methods for different parts of the block copolymer: step growth polymerization (more cost-effective) is used for the hard blocks, while chain growth polymerization (providing better architectural control) is used for the soft rubber block. This localized application of methods optimizes both cost and architectural control for each specific block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biobased monomers are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the variety of polymer architectures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental footprintVSAvoidpolymer architecture variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite materials by combining biobased hard blocks (PLLA/PDLA from lactic acid) with a soft rubber block (polyisoprene). This composite approach allows the incorporation of diverse biobased monomers with different properties, enabling the creation of multiblock copolymers with varied architectures and properties while maintaining environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach enables the production of multiblock copolymers with controlled architectures and improved properties, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers, suitable for various applications including adhesives, sealants, and tire components.

Implementation Method 1

A radically polymerizable monomer C is provided. The block copolymer is polymerized with monomer C under conditions effective to achieve a number average degree of polymerization (Nn) for the multiblock copolymer of up to 100,000 without gelation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11685802B2Multiblock copolymer and method of making thereof

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 IOWA STATE UNIV RES FOUND INC

AI summary

The present application relates to a multiblock copolymer comprising at least one PA block, at least one PB block, and at least one PC block. PC block is positioned between PA block and PB block, where PC block is a rubber block, and where PA represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer A, PB represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer B, and PC represents a polymer block comprising one or more units of monomer C, with monomers A and B being the same or different.