(Per)fluoropolyether Polymer Backbone Control for Lubricant Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synthesizing (per)fluoropolyether polymers result in randomly distributed recurring units in the polymer backbone, leading to increased flexibility but also weak points that are susceptible to metal and Lewis acid attacks, limiting their structural and chemical properties.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the contact of perfluoro compounds with fully or partially hydrogenated compounds to alternately arrange recurring units in the polymer backbone, allowing for the synthesis of polymers with a pre-defined structure, which can be further fluorinated to enhance their properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If photochemical oxidation is used to synthesize Fomblin® polymers, then the polymer backbone flexibility is improved, but the polymer develops weak points that are susceptible to metal and Lewis acid attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform distribution of recurring units in the polymer backbone. Specifically, it prevents the formation of multiple consecutive recurring units of formula —CF2O— (which would create weak points) while allowing single isolated units. This local structural modification eliminates the harmful pattern (consecutive CF2O units) while preserving the overall flexibility provided by CF2O units, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and resistance to attacks.
2Ease of manufacture
If random distribution of recurring units is used in the polymer backbone, then the polymer synthesis is simplified, but the polymer structure becomes less controlled and more susceptible to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter of recurring unit distribution from random to controlled non-random arrangement. By specifically preventing multiple consecutive —CF2O— units while maintaining other CF2O units, the invention achieves precise structural control without completely abandoning the simplicity of photochemical oxidation synthesis. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by introducing just enough structural control to eliminate weak points while preserving the ease of manufacture.
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
This process enables the modulation of the polymer backbone's structure and properties, such as stiffness and mobility, and prevents susceptibility to metal and Lewis acid attacks, making the polymers more suitable for use as lubricants in magnetic recording media.
Implementation Method 1
contacting at least one perfluoro compound (F) comprising at least two unsaturated groups selected from vinyl groups and allyl groups, with at least one fully or partially hydrogenated compound (H) comprising at least two hydroxy groups, to provide a polymer (FH)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a novel process for the synthesis of (per)fluoropolyether polymers, to certain novel (per)fluoropolyether polymers. The present invention also relates to the use of the (per)fluoropolyether polymers thus obtained as intermediate compounds for the manufacture of further polymers suitable for use as lubricants, notably for magnetic recording media (MRM).