Myrcene Block Copolymer Adhesive Formulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The need for styrenic block copolymers with properties similar or superior to styrene-isoprene-styrene or styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers is not met, and there is a reliance on petrochemical-derived monomers, which are unsustainable and subject to shortages, prompting the search for bio-derived alternatives like myrcene.
Innovation Solution
A block copolymer comprising a monoalkenyl arene polymer block and a copolymer block containing myrcene, with a vinyl content of 5 to 80 mol%, where the myrcene content ranges from 25 to 85 mol%, and the molecular weights of the blocks are specifically defined, allowing for various configurations and hydrogenation options to create adhesives and vibration damping materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If petrochemical-derived monomers (isoprene, butadiene) are used in block copolymers, then the materials have well-established properties and processing characteristics, but there are recurrent shortages and lack of sustainability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by incorporating bio-derived myrcene monomer (25-85 mol%) into the copolymer block, replacing petrochemical-derived isoprene or butadiene. This substitution maintains the conjugated diene functionality needed for block copolymer formation while sourcing carbon from renewable biological sources, thus resolving the contradiction between material availability and sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite monomer system combining myrcene with either isoprene or butadiene in the copolymer block. This composite approach allows the bio-derived myrcene to provide sustainability benefits while the petrochemical diene component ensures reliable material availability and established processing characteristics, effectively resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If myrcene is used as a diene in block copolymers, then sustainability is improved, but the cost increases due to myrcene being an expensive diene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the myrcene content parameter within the copolymer block to range from 25 to 85 mol%, allowing flexibility in balancing sustainability benefits against cost considerations. By not requiring 100% myrcene content, the formulation achieves improved sustainability while controlling raw material costs through partial substitution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite diene system combining myrcene with cheaper isoprene or butadiene. This composite material approach allows the expensive bio-derived myrcene to provide sustainability value while the lower-cost petrochemical diene offsets the increased raw material expense, effectively resolving the contradiction between sustainability and manufacturing cost
3Manufacturing precision
If anionic polymerization is used to prepare block copolymers, then the materials can be precisely engineered with controlled block sizes and arrangements, but not all monomeric materials are suitable for such polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polymerization mechanism parameter from anionic to radical polymerization. This fundamental parameter change enables the use of myrcene and other monomers that are not suitable for anionic polymerization, while still achieving controlled block copolymer formation through sequential monomer addition and controlled radical polymerization techniques, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and monomer selection versatility
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 resulting block copolymers exhibit enhanced properties such as higher melt flow rates and dynamic mechanical properties, making them suitable for adhesive formulations and vibration damping applications, while reducing dependence on petrochemical-derived monomers.
Implementation Method 1
block copolymer comprising at least one monoalkenyl arene polymer block (A) and polymer block (B) comprising myrcene
Implementation Method 2
The invention further comprises hydrogenated versions of such block copolymers
Data Source
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AI summary
A block copolymer comprising: at least one monoalkenyl arene monomer polymer block (A) and copolymer block (B) containing myrcene, said copolymer block B also including: a) at least one conjugated diene monomer having a lower molecular weight than myrcene, or b) at least one monoalkenyl arene monomer, or c) a mixture of a) and b). The polymer block A may be a copolymer block. When the polymer block A is a copolymer block, both block A and the copolymer myrcene block copolymer B can have a random, tapered or a controlled distribution configuration of comonomers. The block copolymer can be selectively or exhaustively hydrogenated. The block copolymer may be used in making adhesives and vibration damping compositions.