Cyclohexane Dicarboxylate Esters in Peroxide Emulsions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous organic peroxide emulsions used in polymerization processes, such as PVC production, face instability issues due to droplet growth during storage, leading to potential safety hazards and contamination concerns with existing plasticizers no longer allowed in food-contact polymers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters as droplet growth inhibitors in aqueous organic peroxide emulsions, which are food-contact approved and effective in maintaining droplet size stability, thereby enhancing storage stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional plasticizers (adipates and phthlates) are used as droplet growth inhibitors, then emulsion stability is improved, but food safety is compromised due to contamination concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by substituting conventional plasticizers with cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters that have specific molecular structures (cyclic hydrocarbon backbone with ester groups). This parameter change maintains the droplet growth inhibition function while eliminating food safety concerns associated with conventional plasticizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters as temporary, storage-specific additives that perform their function during storage and then disappear or become inert in the final polymer product. These esters are food-contact approved and do not contaminate the final PVC product, unlike conventional plasticizers that remain in the polymer matrix.
2Stability of the object's composition
If emulsion is stored at low temperatures to maintain stability, then droplet growth is inhibited, but manufacturing complexity increases due to temperature control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters into the emulsion formulation before storage. These esters proactively inhibit droplet growth during storage, allowing the emulsion to be stored at higher temperatures without requiring complex temperature control systems. The esters are already in place to prevent the harmful effect before it occurs.
3Device complexity
If droplet growth is allowed to occur during storage, then emulsion simplicity is maintained, but safety hazards increase due to layer separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters as intermediary substances that mediate between the organic peroxide droplets and the water continuous phase. These esters accumulate at the droplet interface and stabilize the emulsion structure, preventing layer separation and maintaining safety without requiring complex formulation adjustments.
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 use of cyclohexane dicarboxylate esters maintains droplet volume distribution below 15 μm for 12 weeks at -20°C, improving storage stability and preventing layer separation, ensuring the emulsion's safety and efficacy in polymerization processes like PVC production.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a cyclohexane dicarboxylate ester as droplet growth inhibitor... maintains droplet volume distribution below 15 μm for 12 weeks at -20°C
Implementation Method 2
the water phase is well-suited for the removal of the heat of decomposition by, for instance, convection and/or evaporation
Implementation Method 3
the water phase is well-suited for the removal of the heat of decomposition by, for instance, convection and/or evaporation
Implementation Method 4
the decomposition of these peroxides is exothermic... When heat accumulates, the decomposition reaction may run out of control
Data Source
AI summary
Aqueous emulsion comprising: —25-70 wt % organic peroxide, based on the weight of the emulsion, —a cyclohexane dicarboxylate ester, and —water. This emulsion is storage stable and can be used for the production of polymers, in particular PVC, that come into contact with food products.