Oligomeric DTHFP Isolation for Butadiene Rubber Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synthetic routes for high-level meso-isomer DTHFP production generate undesirable by-products pFP and pTHFP, which are treated as waste, increasing disposal costs and limiting the commercial attractiveness of these routes.

Innovation Solution

A method for isolating and utilizing oligomeric pFP and pTHFP through a simple and energy-efficient process, allowing their use in butadiene rubber synthesis and processing, involving selective removal and separation techniques such as temperature gradients and surface precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If synthetic routes are used to produce high-level meso-isomer DTHFP, then the vinyl content of polymerised 1,3-butadiene is improved, but undesirable by-products pFP and pTHFP are generated, increasing disposal costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevinyl content of polymerised 1,3-butadieneVSAvoiddisposal costs of by-products

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful by-products pFP and pTHFP into valuable resources by establishing new uses for them in butadiene rubber synthesis and processing. The by-products are isolated and utilized as functional additives that improve rubber properties, transforming them from waste products into beneficial chemicals that offset disposal costs and enhance commercial viability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a recovery process that captures and reuses the by-products pFP and pTHFP instead of discarding them. Through isolation techniques and subsequent application in rubber synthesis and processing, the by-products are recovered and integrated into the production process, eliminating the need for disposal and reducing associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Loss of substance

If by-products pFP and pTHFP are treated as waste, then disposal costs are incurred, but the commercial attractiveness of the synthesis routes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal costsVSAvoidcommercial attractiveness of synthesis routes

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the economic burden of disposal costs into a commercial opportunity by finding useful applications for the by-products. The isolation and utilization of pFP and pTHFP in butadiene rubber synthesis and processing creates additional revenue streams and enhances the commercial attractiveness of the synthesis routes, turning a financial liability into an asset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent demonstrates the multi-functionality of the by-products by applying them to multiple purposes: as components in butadiene rubber synthesis, as processing aids, and as functional additives that improve rubber properties. This versatility increases the commercial attractiveness of the synthesis routes by creating multiple value-added applications from a single by-product stream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If isolation process for oligomeric pFP and pTHFP is implemented, then by-products are converted into valuable chemicals, but additional processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion of by-products into valuable chemicalsVSAvoidprocessing steps for isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes in the isolation process, utilizing differences in physical properties such as temperature, pressure, and solubility to separate and isolate the oligomeric by-products from the reaction mixture. By adjusting these parameters, the process achieves effective isolation without requiring overly complex equipment or multiple sophisticated processing steps.

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

Converts previously undesirable by-products into valuable chemicals with potential commercial uses, enhancing the commercial viability of high-yield meso-DTHFP production and providing improved properties in butadiene rubber, such as reduced wear and corrosion resistance in manufacturing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

separation of the oligomeric pFP and/or pTHFP from the reaction mixture by providing a temperature gradient in the reaction mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature gradient: Temperature Gradient

Implementation Method 2

isolation of the oligomeric pFP and/or pTHFP by precipitation on cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Data Source

PatentUS10358430B2Oligomeric (TH)FP, production and uses therefor

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 THOMAS SWAN & CO LTD

AI summary

A method for the isolation of oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) suitable for use on an industrial scale. A method can include using oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane, in particular, its use can be as a polar modifier for butadiene and styrene butadiene polymerization so is to produce rubber. Utilizing the material as an alternative to DTHFP in rubber production avoids subsequent leaching of the DTHFP into the environment as the oligomeric 2, 2-difurylpropane (DTHFP) gives rise to much lower levels of leaching.