Olefin-Based Polymer Narrow MWD Hot-Melt Adhesive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing olefin-based polymers fail to simultaneously exhibit superior melt processability and adhesive properties, limiting their application as hot-melt adhesives due to broad molecular weight distribution and inadequate temperature relationships between crystallization and melting points.

Innovation Solution

An olefin-based polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn of 2-3) and specific density (0.85-0.88 g/cm3) is developed, utilizing a transition metal compound and co-catalysts to achieve a low melting point and high crystallization temperature, enabling improved processability and adhesive properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional olefin-based polymers are used, then broad molecular weight distribution is obtained, but melt processability and adhesive properties are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolecular weight distributionVSAvoidmelt processability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling polymerization conditions including catalyst type (metallocene), temperature (60-90°C), pressure (50-150 atm), and monomer composition ratios to achieve a narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI=2-3) while maintaining optimal melt flow index (5-500 g/10min) for hot-melt adhesive application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by controlling the crystallization temperature (Tc) and melting point (Tm) relationship where Tc-Tm>0, creating a specific temperature window that enables rapid crystallization after melting, thus providing both good processability during application and strong adhesive bonding upon cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional olefin-based polymers are used, then production is simplified, but adhesive properties at low temperature are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidadhesive properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material principles by incorporating specific comonomers (alpha-olefins such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene) at controlled ratios (5-50 mol%) into the polyolefin matrix, creating a copolymer structure that enhances adhesive properties and flexibility while maintaining ease of production through established polymerization processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes physical parameters by achieving a density range of 0.85-0.88 g/cm³ and controlling molecular weight (Mw=10,000-100,000) to optimize the balance between processability and adhesive performance, enabling reliable bonding at lower temperatures while keeping production straightforward

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If narrow molecular weight distribution is achieved, then processability improves, but specific temperature relationship (Tc-Tm>0) must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprocessabilityVSAvoidtemperature relationship control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits phase transition characteristics by designing the polymer to have crystallization temperature higher than melting point (Tc-Tm>0), creating a controlled temperature window that enables rapid crystallization during cooling after melt processing, thus simultaneously achieving excellent processability and structural stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains precise control over thermal parameters by adjusting polymerization conditions including catalyst selection, temperature, pressure, and comonomer content to achieve the specific Tc-Tm>0 relationship while maintaining narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI=2-3), optimizing both processability and material performance

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 polymer demonstrates superior processability and adhesive properties, suitable for hot-melt adhesives, with a low melting point and high crystallization temperature, allowing for rapid crystallization and enhanced application in various industries.

Implementation Method 1

polymerizing olefin-based monomers in the presence of a catalyst composition including a transition metal compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

a low melting point and high crystallization temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

high crystallization temperature, allowing for rapid crystallization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS9353295B2Olefin-based polymer and preparation method thereof

Publication Date: 2016.05.31 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an olefin-based polymer which exhibits superior processability and superior adhesive properties and therefore is desirably applicable to a hot-melt adhesive (HMA) or the like, and a preparation method thereof. The olefin-based polymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn, PDI) of 2˜3, and a density of 0.85 to 0.88 g/cm3, and satisfies the relation of Tc−Tm>0, wherein Tc (° C.) is a crystallization temperature and Tm (° C.) is a melting point.