Photosensitive Polymeric Microparticles Self-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current products incorporating core/shell microparticles with photosensitive properties lack control over the properties of the photosensitive materials, limiting their performance and applications.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous composition comprising a photosensitive material and a polymerizable component with hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, which self-assemble to form crosslinked photosensitive polymeric microparticles, allowing for controlled properties and enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If core/shell microparticles with photosensitive properties are used, then photosensitive functionality is achieved, but control over the properties of the photosensitive materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains within the microparticle structure. The hydrophilic monomers form water-soluble regions while hydrophobic monomers form separate regions, allowing the photosensitive material to be selectively positioned and controlled within specific domains of the microparticle, thereby achieving property control without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrophilic monomers, hydrophobic monomers, and photosensitive materials into a single microparticle system. This composite approach allows different functional components to work together, providing both the structural integrity needed and the controlled photosensitive properties through the synergistic interaction of the composite components
2Manufacturing precision
If hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers are combined to form microparticles, then controlled properties are achieved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and combining specific hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers with defined properties before the microparticle formation process. This preliminary characterization and selection of monomer components allows for predictable self-assembly behavior and controlled microparticle properties, reducing the need for complex real-time manufacturing adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes self-service through the self-assembly mechanism where hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers automatically organize into microparticles with controlled structures based on their inherent amphiphilic properties. This self-organizing behavior eliminates the need for complex external control mechanisms during manufacturing, achieving precision without proportional increases in process complexity
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 solution enables controlled properties of photosensitive materials, improving their performance and versatility in applications such as optical elements and display devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one polymerizable component comprising at least one substantially hydrophilic monomer and at least one substantially hydrophobic monomer, the hydrophilic monomer and the hydrophobic monomer being adapted to combine and at least partially form microparticles
Implementation Method 2
This response can be a type of luminescence in which visible radiation is emitted by a photosensitive material after exposure, e.g., fluorescent and phosphorescent materials
Implementation Method 3
This response can be a type of luminescence in which visible radiation is emitted by a photosensitive material after exposure, e.g., fluorescent and phosphorescent materials
Implementation Method 4
in which there is a reversible change in color, e.g., photochromic materials
Implementation Method 5
at least one polymerizable component comprising at least one substantially hydrophilic monomer and at least one substantially hydrophobic monomer, the hydrophilic monomer and the hydrophobic monomer being adapted to combine and at least partially form microparticles
Data Source
AI summary
Described are aqueous compositions of an effective amount of at least one photosensitive material and at least one polymerizable component that are adapted to at least partially form photosensitive microparticles or at least partially crosslinked photosensitive polymeric microparticles. The photosensitive polymeric microparticles are made of integral surface and interior domains wherein at least one of the surface and/or interior domains is photosensitive. Also described are aqueous dispersions of such microparticles, ways of producing such microparticles and photosensitive articles such as optical elements that incorporate the photosensitive polymeric microparticles.