Side-Chain Functionalized PAES Copolymers for Membrane Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing PAES polymers, while offering high performance, often require property tuning for specific applications such as membrane filtration, where increased hydrophilicity is desired to enhance flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A side-chain functionalized poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) copolymer (P1) is developed, featuring recurring units with pendant thio-ether functional groups. This copolymer is synthesized through a process involving allyl/vinylene-functionalized copolymers and a compound with a thiol group, allowing for adjustable functionality and improved properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If PAES polymers are used for membrane filtration, then mechanical strength and thermal stability are improved, but hydrophilicity is insufficient leading to reduced flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing thio-ether functional groups at specific side-chain positions of the PAES polymer structure. This functionalization modifies only specific regions of the polymer to enhance hydrophilicity while preserving the bulk mechanical strength and thermal stability of the PAES backbone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer structure by combining PAES recurring units with thio-ether functionalized recurring units in a copolymer architecture. This composite approach integrates the mechanical advantages of PAES with the hydrophilic properties of thio-ether groups, achieving both strength and improved flow characteristics.
2Productivity
If block copolymers are synthesized to improve hydrophilicity, then flow rate is enhanced, but structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the polymer by introducing thio-ether functional groups with adjustable side-chain lengths and compositions. This allows tuning of hydrophilicity to optimize flow rate while maintaining a relatively simple copolymer structure that is more manageable than complex block copolymer architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the polymer structure into distinct recurring units (PAES and thio-ether functionalized units) with defined molar ratios. This segmentation provides controlled hydrophilicity enhancement through the functionalized units while keeping the overall copolymer structure simpler and more manufacturable than random block copolymers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functional groups are added to PAES to tune properties, then application-specific performance is improved, but thermal stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses stable thio-ether side-chain groups that provide temporary functional enhancement for specific applications without compromising the long-term thermal stability of the PAES backbone. The side chains can be optimized for application-specific performance while the robust PAES structure maintains thermal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates thermally stable thio-ether functional groups during the initial polymer synthesis to pre-establish property tuning capabilities. This preliminary functionalization ensures that the desired properties are built-in from the start, and the thermal stability is preserved through careful selection of thermally robust functional groups that do not degrade at operating temperatures.
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 copolymer (P1) exhibits a glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than its homopolymer counterpart, indicating enhanced thermal stability and mechanical robustness. The thio-ether functional groups provide stability and versatility, making the copolymer suitable for applications in membranes, composite materials, and coatings.
Implementation Method 1
PAES are made by polycondensation reactions typically using a dihalodiphenyl sulfone (the sulfone monomer) along with at least one aromatic diol monomer
Implementation Method 2
The copolymer (P1) exhibits a glass transition temperature (Tg) higher than its homopolymer counterpart, indicating enhanced thermal stability and mechanical robustness
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a side-chain functionalized poly(aryl ether sulfone) (PAES) copolymer (P1), to the process for preparing the copolymer (P1), and to its use in the preparation of a membrane, a composite material or a coating. The copolymer (P1) comprises PAES recurring units (RP1) and PAES side-chain functionalized recurring units (R*P1).