Nanocomposite Random Copolymer Compatibilizer Dispersion

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nanocomposite preparation methods using block copolymers are complex and costly, making them difficult to commercialize due to the challenging process of achieving uniform dispersion of layered silicates in polymer resins.

Innovation Solution

A nanocomposite comprising a layered inorganic material and a random copolymer with a hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomer, which can be prepared at a low cost using a simple method, allowing for excellent mechanical and thermal characteristics, high liquid and gas permeability, and low flammability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a block copolymer is used as an exfoliating compatibilizer to achieve uniform dispersion of layered silicate, then the dispersion uniformity is improved, but the preparation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion uniformityVSAvoidpreparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the copolymer architecture from block structure to random structure. This parameter change simplifies the preparation process while maintaining effective dispersion of layered silicate through the random distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers along the polymer chain, which facilitates intercalation and exfoliation without requiring complex multi-step synthesis procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a random copolymer that can be prepared by simple, cost-effective polymerization methods rather than using expensive block copolymers requiring sophisticated synthesis techniques. The random copolymer achieves the necessary functional effect through its inherent structural characteristics, eliminating the need for complex and costly preparation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If a block copolymer is used as an exfoliating compatibilizer to achieve uniform dispersion of layered silicate, then the dispersion uniformity is improved, but the preparation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion uniformityVSAvoidpreparation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the copolymer architecture from block structure to random structure. This parameter change simplifies the preparation process while maintaining effective dispersion of layered silicate through the random distribution of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers along the polymer chain, which facilitates intercalation and exfoliation without requiring complex multi-step synthesis procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a random copolymer that can be prepared by simple, cost-effective polymerization methods rather than using expensive block copolymers requiring sophisticated synthesis techniques. The random copolymer achieves the necessary functional effect through its inherent structural characteristics, eliminating the need for complex and costly preparation processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 nanocomposite achieves improved mechanical and thermal properties, high permeability, and low flammability even in small amounts, with a high degree of exfoliation and miscibility in polymer resins, enhancing its efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a random copolymer containing a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic-hydrophilic interaction: Amphiphiles

Data Source

PatentUS9303130B2Nanocomposites, polymer compositions comprising the same and preparation methods thereof

Publication Date: 2016.04.05 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

Provided are a nanocomposite including a layered inorganic material and a random copolymer containing a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer, a polymer composition including the nanocomposite, and a method for preparing the polymer composition. The random copolymer can be prepared at a low cost in a simple process and function as a compatibilizer in small amounts to maintain excellent properties of the nanocomposite including excellent mechanical characteristics such as abrasion resistance, hardness, tensile modulus and tear resistance, excellent thermal characteristics, high liquid and gas permeability, and low flammability.