MXD Polyamide Composites with Bio-reinforcements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermoplastic matrix materials based on polyamides do not have a transformation temperature range compatible with thermosensitive natural reinforcements, leading to degradation and insufficient mechanical properties in applications requiring rigidity, thermomechanical strength, and resistance to aging, especially when combined with biobased or natural fibers.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining polyamides with meta-xylylenediamine (MXD) or a mixture of MXD and para-xylylenediamine (PXD) with biobased reinforcements, where the polyamide's transformation temperature range is adjusted to accommodate thermosensitive natural fibers without degrading them, and additional additives like stearic acid or lithium salts are used to enhance compatibility and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional polyamide matrices are used with natural reinforcements, then the transformation temperature is sufficient for processing, but the natural reinforcements degrade due to excessive temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformation temperatureVSAvoidfiber degradation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polyamide matrix composition by incorporating specific additives (stearic acid, lithium salts) that alter the transformation temperature parameters to fall within the 180-220°C range, thereby resolving the contradiction between sufficient processing temperature and preventing natural fiber degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces coupling agents and surface treatments as intermediary substances between the polyamide matrix and natural reinforcements, improving interfacial adhesion and protecting the natural fibers from thermal degradation during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Weight of stationary object

If natural reinforcements are used to reduce density and cost, then the mechanical properties and adhesion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedensityVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs coupling agents and surface treatments as intermediary substances between the polyamide matrix and natural reinforcements, improving interfacial adhesion and protecting the natural fibers from thermal degradation during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining polyamide matrix with natural reinforcements, where the matrix provides structural integrity and the natural fibers provide reinforcement, achieving optimal balance between density reduction and mechanical strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If surface treatments are applied to improve adhesion, then the mechanical properties improve, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs coupling agents and surface treatments as intermediary substances between the polyamide matrix and natural reinforcements, improving interfacial adhesion and protecting the natural fibers from thermal degradation during processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides composite materials with improved mechanical properties, such as a tensile modulus greater than 3500 MPa in the conditioned state, suitable for various technical applications, while maintaining biobased composition advantages and reducing the risk of natural fiber degradation.

Implementation Method 1

converting these compositions at temperatures, measured in said compositions in the molten state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

by the addition of a compound such as stearic acid or lithium salts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature reduction through additive interaction:

Data Source

PatentUS10358527B2Polyamide and bioresourced reinforcement compositions having improved mechanical properties
Publication Date: 2019.07.23 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

AI summary

One subject of the present invention is a composition that combines at least one polyamide having at least one MXD entity, MXD denoting meta-xylylenediamine or a mixture of meta-xylylenediamine and of para-xylylenediamine, with a bioresourced reinforcement. The invention also relates to the conversion of these compositions, by injection molding or extrusion, into objects that have good mechanical properties, said objects corresponding to technical application specifications such as may be found, for example, in the automotive industry, construction, sport and in electrical or electronic fields.