PLA Stereocomplex Film Solvent Casting Crystallization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polylactic acid stereocomplex films containing homo-PLA crystals interfere with the full utilization of high-melting properties, necessitating a method to manufacture films consisting only of stereocomplex crystals for improved heat resistance.

Innovation Solution

A solvent casting method involving the mixing of poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid in a solvent, followed by controlled evaporation to predict and achieve 100% stereocomplex crystal content, utilizing a specific boiling point and evaporation time to prevent excessive fuel consumption and ensure stable formation of stereocomplex crystals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If stereocomplex crystals are formed by mixing poly-L-lactic acid and poly-D-lactic acid, then heat resistance is improved, but homo-PLA crystals are formed in addition which interferes with full utilization of high-melting properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidpurity of stereocomplex crystals

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solvent evaporation parameters (temperature, time, atmosphere) to control the crystallization process. By evaporating the solvent at controlled conditions, the patent achieves selective formation of stereocomplex crystals while preventing homo-PLA crystal formation, thus resolving the contradiction between heat resistance improvement and crystal purity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition during solvent evaporation to control crystal formation. The controlled evaporation process creates specific physical conditions that favor stereocomplex crystal formation over homo-PLA crystal formation, enabling pure stereocomplex crystals to be obtained while maintaining improved heat resistance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Manufacturing precision

If solvent evaporation is extended to ensure complete stereocomplex crystal formation, then crystal purity increases, but fuel consumption increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereocomplex crystal contentVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the evaporation process and stopping it at the optimal point where 100% stereocomplex crystal formation is achieved. This prevents excessive evaporation time and associated fuel consumption while ensuring complete crystal formation, thus resolving the contradiction between crystal purity and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 method enables the stable and effective production of polylactic acid films with 100% stereocomplex crystals, enhancing heat resistance and allowing for broader applications, including the manufacture of products that can handle hot foods.

Implementation Method 1

evaporating the solvent to cast the resulting poly lactic acid mixture solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9580561B2Manufacturing method of poly lactic acid stereocomplex using solvent casting method

Publication Date: 2017.02.28 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polylactic acid film. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for stably and effectively obtaining optimized stereocomplex crystals through specified boiling point and evaporation time of a solvent allowing the content of stereocomplex crystals to be 100%.