MXD10 Polyamide Composition for Lower Mold Temperature Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyamides like PPA and MXD·6 have high conversion and glass transition temperatures, limiting the introduction of reinforcements and additives, requiring high mold temperatures for shaping, and are energy-intensive, making them restrictive and less widespread in use.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising at least one first polyamide conforming to the formula MXD·10 or MXD·10/Z, combined with a second polyamide having a melting temperature within 40°C below to 20°C above that of the first polyamide, allowing for lower conversion and mold temperatures, enabling the use of water-based molds and improved crystallization control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If PPA or MXD·6 polyamides are used to achieve high mechanical properties and high modulus, then the mechanical strength and modulus are improved, but the conversion temperature becomes too high (>280°C) which limits the introduction of reinforcements and additives

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength and modulusVSAvoidconversion temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by introducing MXD·10 polyamide with a lower melting point (193°C) and specific repeat units (MXD and sebacic acid) to reduce the overall conversion temperature of the composition from >280°C to a more manageable range, while preserving the high mechanical properties through controlled blending ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polyamide system by combining multiple polyamide components (PPA, MXD·6, and MXD·10) in specific proportions, where each component contributes different properties: PPA and MXD·6 provide high modulus and strength, while MXD·10 lowers the conversion temperature and improves processability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If PPA or MXD·6 polyamides are used to achieve high mechanical properties, then the modulus is improved, but the glass transition temperature becomes high and crystallization kinetics are slow, requiring high mold temperatures (120-130°C) for shaping

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodulusVSAvoidmold temperature requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the thermal parameters of the polyamide composition by incorporating MXD·10 with its lower Tg and faster crystallization kinetics, which allows the composite material to achieve optimal crystallization at lower mold temperatures (below 120°C) while maintaining the high modulus properties contributed by PPA and MXD·6 components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces nucleating agents into the polyamide composition before shaping to accelerate crystallization kinetics, enabling the material to reach optimal crystallinity at lower mold temperatures and reducing the energy required for the shaping process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If PPA or MXD·6 polyamides are used to achieve high mechanical properties, then the modulus is improved, but high conversion temperatures lead to high energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemodulusVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal processing parameters by using MXD·10 polyamide with a lower melting point (193°C) to reduce the conversion temperature from >280°C to a lower range, directly decreasing the energy input required for processing while maintaining the high modulus through compositional design

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 solution results in a material with excellent mechanical properties, reduced energy consumption, and flexibility in mold temperature selection, allowing for efficient shaping with either water or oil-based molds, while maintaining high tensile modulus and dimensional stability.

Implementation Method 1

The polyamide MXD·10, a product of the condensation of MXD and sebacic acid, also has good mechanical properties... Conversely, as in the case of PPA or MXD·6, a high mold temperature (typically of the order of 120° C.) is necessary in the course of its shaping by injection molding, in order to ensure maximum crystallization of the product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleation: Nucleation

Data Source

PatentUS11760877B2Polyamide-based composition, article obtained therefrom, and uses thereof
Publication Date: 2023.09.19 ARKEMA FRANCE SA

AI summary

The invention relates to a composition comprising at least one first polyamide, conforming to the formula MXD·10 or MXD·10/Z and having a melting temperature Tf1, and at least one second polyamide.Said at least second polyamide has a melting temperature Tf2 such that Tf1−40° C.≤Tf2<Tf1+20° C.The invention likewise relates to an article obtained from such a composition, to a method of shaping such an article, and to the use of such a composition and of such an article.