Oligomeric Isosorbide Epoxy Pre-Polymers to Reduce Mutagenicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Epoxy pre-polymers based on isosorbide units exhibit mutagenic properties, and there is a need for a solution that reduces or eliminates this potential while maintaining their industrial applicability.
Innovation Solution
Develop epoxy pre-polymers with a low content of isosorbide diglycidylether (IDGE) and increased molar mass, incorporating isosorbide units with specific molar mass and epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) to minimize mutagenicity, and optionally include curing agents and accelerating agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If epoxy pre-polymers based on isosorbide units are used, then biosourced content is increased, but mutagenic properties appear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the epoxy pre-polymer from low (isosorbide diglycidyl ether with Mn=258 g/mol) to high (Mn≥1000 g/mol). This parameter transformation eliminates the mutagenic properties while preserving the biosourced character, as the higher molecular weight oligomers and polymers do not exhibit mutagenic activity despite containing isosorbide units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates low molecular weight compounds (Mn<1000 g/mol) which are responsible for mutagenic properties. By removing these harmful low molecular weight fractions through controlled polymerization and purification, the beneficial biosourced epoxy pre-polymers are retained while the harmful components are discarded
2Speed
If low molecular weight epoxy pre-polymers are used, then reactivity is improved, but mutagenic potential increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the molecular weight parameter from low (Mn=258 g/mol for IDGE) to high (Mn≥1000 g/mol for oligomers and polymers). This parameter change reduces mutagenic potential while maintaining industrial applicability through controlled polymerization processes that preserve epoxy functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate molecular weight oligomers (1000≤Mn≤10000 g/mol) as mediators between low molecular weight monomers and high molecular weight polymers. These oligomers serve as a transition stage that reduces mutagenic properties while maintaining sufficient reactivity for curing applications
3Object-generated harmful factors
If high molecular weight epoxy pre-polymers are used, then mutagenic potential is reduced, but viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter within a specific range (1000≤Mn≤10000 g/mol) to balance two opposing requirements: high enough to reduce mutagenic potential, but not excessively high to cause unacceptable viscosity increases. This controlled parameter optimization enables both safety and processability
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 proposed epoxy pre-polymers demonstrate reduced mutagenic potential and maintain or enhance mechanical and chemical resistance, suitable for applications in adhesives, coatings, and composite materials.
Implementation Method 1
opening reactions for the epoxide functional groups of the epoxy pre-polymer allow the formation of chemical bonds between compounds comprised in the epoxy pre-polymer (referred to as 'homopolymerization of the epoxy pre-polymer')
Implementation Method 2
the reaction between a compound comprised in the epoxy pre-polymer and a curing agent
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an epoxy pre-polymer comprising isosorbide units, characterized in that it comprises less than 1% by weight of isosorbide diglycidyl ether relative to the total weight of the epoxy pre-polymer. The invention also relates to a method for producing such an epoxy pre-polymer.