Pigmented Polymerizable Compositions for Optical Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polymeric materials used in optical articles often yellow due to degradation from high energy species and ultraviolet radiation, leading to haze and reduced light transmission when inorganic pigments are added to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A polymerizable composition comprising a polymerizable component, such as diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), combined with a pigment component that includes an ionic or amphoteric dispersant material and ultramarine blue pigment nanoparticles of up to 500 nanometers in size, which are uniformly dispersed to maintain optical clarity and color stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic pigments are added to prevent yellowing, then color stability is improved, but haze increases and light transmission decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the particle size parameter of pigments from conventional larger sizes to nanoscale (1-100 nm), which fundamentally alters their interaction with light. This size reduction eliminates light scattering that causes haze while maintaining the pigment's ability to provide color stability and protect against yellowing from UV radiation and radical initiators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining ultramarine blue pigment nanoparticles with specific polymer matrices (polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate), or their blends). This composite approach allows the nanoscale pigments to provide color stability without the adverse optical effects of conventional pigment formulations, achieving both protection and optical clarity.
2Reliability
If conventional pigments are used to provide color, then color intensity is improved, but optical clarity and transparency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing pigment particle size to the nanoscale range (1-100 nm). At this size, pigments no longer scatter visible light significantly, allowing high light transmission (90-95%) while maintaining adequate color stability. The ultramarine blue nanoparticles provide color protection without compromising optical clarity.
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 optical articles with high refractive indices, minimal haze, and increased color stability against ultraviolet radiation, preventing yellowing and maintaining transparency.
Implementation Method 1
a pigment component comprising: (i) an ionic or amphoteric dispersant material; and (ii) pigment nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in the dispersant material
Implementation Method 2
a polymerizable composition comprising: (a) a polymerizable component; and (b) a pigment component
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a polymerizable composition including: (a) a polymerizable component; and (b) a pigment component the pigment component includes: (i) an ionic or amphoteric dispersant material; and (ii) pigment nanoparticles uniformly dispersed in the dispersant material (i). The nanoparticles have a particle size of up to 500 nanometers. Also provided is a polymerizable composition of: (a) a polymerizable component including: (i) diethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate); and (ii) a radical initiator; and (b) a pigment component which includes: (i) an ionic or amphoteric dispersant material derived from polycaprolactone; and (ii) pigment nanoparticles of ultramarine blue having an average particle size of up to 500 nanometers, uniformly dispersed in the dispersant material.