Phthalonitrile Fluoroelastomer Curing for Heat Aging Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for novel, environmentally friendly curing systems for fluoropolymers that improve heat resistance, tensile strength, and elongation at break, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A curable composition comprising a fluorinated elastomeric gum with a fluoropolymer containing iodine, bromine, or nitrile cure sites, combined with a peroxide curing system and a phthalonitrile-containing compound of specific Formula I, which includes a divalent linking group with an aromatic ring and a carbon-carbon double bond, to facilitate crosslinking and enhance properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional curing systems are used for fluoropolymers, then the curing process is simple, but the heat resistance and tensile strength are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite curing system combining peroxide (DCP), coagent (TAIC), and phthalonitrile-containing compound (APPN) to achieve superior tensile strength and heat resistance in fluoroelastomers, resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the specific parameters of the curing system including peroxide concentration (1-5 parts by weight), coagent ratio (2:1 to 1:2 of TAIC to APPN), and curing temperature (150-200°C) to maximize tensile strength while managing system complexity
2Reliability
If conventional curing systems are used for fluoropolymers, then the curing process is straightforward, but the resistance to heat aging is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a composite curing system with peroxide, coagent, and phthalonitrile-containing compound that creates enhanced crosslinking networks, significantly improving heat aging resistance compared to conventional single-agent curing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The phthalonitrile-containing compound acts as an intermediary that facilitates improved crosslinking between polymer chains, enhancing heat aging resistance while working synergistically with the peroxide and coagent systems
3Strength
If existing curing systems are used, then the process is simple, but the elongation at break is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite curing system that creates optimized crosslinking density and network structure, achieving superior elongation at break properties that cannot be obtained with conventional simple curing systems
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 results in improved thermal aging resistance and retention of tensile and elongation properties after heat aging, making the cured fluoroelastomer suitable for applications in various industries.
Implementation Method 1
a peroxide curing system comprising a peroxide and a coagent
Implementation Method 2
wherein the fluoropolymer comprises at least one of —I, —Br, and —CN cure site
Implementation Method 3
X2 comprises a carbon-carbon double bond
Implementation Method 4
a compound comprising a phthalonitrile group and an olefinic bond
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are fluoropolymer compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I) wherein X1 is selected from O or S; L is a divalent linking group comprising at least one aromatic ring; O and X2 comprises a carbon-carbon double bond. In one embodiment, the phthalonitrile-containing compound is added to a composition comprising (i) a fluorinated elastomeric gum, wherein the fluorinated elastomeric gum comprises a fluoropolymer having a cure-site and (ii) a peroxide curing system.