MXene-Modified Polyester for Fast Crystallization and Heat Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyester materials, particularly poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), suffer from slow crystallization rates, high crystallization temperatures, and poor crystallinity, leading to uneven cooling and mechanical property issues, while conventional catalysts like antimony and germanium pose environmental and economic challenges.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a two-dimensional MXene material, such as Ti-based MXene, as a catalyst and nucleating agent in the polyester synthesis process, enhancing crystallization performance and reducing thermal degradation through high catalytic activity and strong interactions with polar functional groups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional polyesters are used, then basic fabric properties are maintained, but static electricity accumulates and causes discomfort to wearers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure of polyester by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amino groups) on the aromatic rings of the polyester units. This parameter change in molecular structure enables the fabric to conduct electricity and dissipate static charge, while maintaining compatibility with conventional polyester manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polyester structure by combining electrostatic-dissipative functional groups with the polyester backbone. The polyester units contain aromatic rings with attached functional groups that work together to provide both the mechanical properties of polyester and the electrostatic dissipation function, eliminating the need for separate conductive additives

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conductive materials are added to polyester, then electrostatic dissipation is improved, but fabric comfort and breathability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic dissipationVSAvoidfabric comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of polyester by incorporating functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amino groups) directly into the polyester molecular structure. These groups provide electrostatic dissipation with surface energies of 35-70 mN/m, ensuring comfort without requiring conductive fillers that would compromise breathability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies electrostatic dissipation functionality locally at the molecular level through functional groups attached to aromatic rings in the polyester chain. This localized approach provides conductive pathways where needed while maintaining the bulk polyester structure's breathability and comfort properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If polyester is modified with functional groups to improve electrostatic properties, then electrostatic dissipation is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge accumulationVSAvoidfunctional group concentration control
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific parameter ranges for functional group content (0.1-10 mmol/g for carboxyl, 0.1-10 mmol/g for hydroxyl, or 0.1-10 mmol/g for amino groups) that balance electrostatic dissipation performance with manufacturing feasibility. These parameter specifications enable consistent quality control during production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes colorimetric measurement methods (L*a*b* color space with specific ΔE values) to monitor and control the concentration of functional groups during manufacturing. This provides a practical, non-destructive quality control mechanism that maintains manufacturing precision without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color 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 MXene-enhanced polyester exhibits fast crystallization rates, improved mechanical properties, and enhanced thermal stability, allowing applications in engineering plastics, optical films, and food packaging with reduced energy consumption and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

the aromatic rings in the polyester units may function as electron donors or acceptors, thereby facilitating charge transfer and electrostatic dissipation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCharge transfer:

Implementation Method 2

polyester materials that have been modified to be more hygroscopic, thereby improving their electrostatic dissipation properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHygroscopy:

Data Source

PatentEP4349881B1Polyester material and polyester product, and preparation methods therefor and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 NINGBO INST OF MATERIALS TECH & ENG CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • EP4349881B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4349881B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4349881B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application discloses a polyester material, a polyester product as well as a preparation method and use thereof. The preparation method comprises: reacting a dibasic acid and/or a dibasic acid ester compound, diol, a two-dimensional MXene material catalyst, a second catalyst and a stabilizer to prepare the polyester material; or performing melt blending on a polyester, a two-dimensional MXene material and an additive to prepare the polyester material. According to the present application, by adding the two-dimensional MXene material as a catalyst and a nucleating agent in the process of preparing the polyester, the two-dimensional MXene material not only functions as a high-activity catalyst, but also significantly promotes the crystallization rate of the polyester as an efficient nucleating agent; or, the two-dimensional MXene material is blended into the polyester so that the MXene material is better distributed in the polyester while the obtained polyester material has high heat resistance, quick crystallization, and excellent mechanical property and impact resistance, and can be widely applied to the fields such as engineering plastics, optical films, industrial silk and food packaging materials.