Polyacrylate Block Copolymer Nanofibers for Dry Adhesive Durability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dry adhesive articles with layers of polystyrene and polydiene suffer from thermal aging oxidation and ozone attack, leading to a decline in adhesive properties, particularly in porous fiber layers with high surface-to-volume ratios, and existing solutions involve environmentally suboptimal chlorinated solvents.
Innovation Solution
A dry adhesive article featuring a layer of randomly oriented polyacrylate block copolymer nanofibers, formed via electrospinning using solvents without chlorine moieties, which enhances durability and exhibits high shear adhesion with low peel adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a porous layer of polystyrene and polydiene fibers is used in dry adhesive articles, then adhesive properties are provided, but thermal aging oxidation and ozone attack occur leading to decline in adhesive strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the fiber layer by using polyacrylate block copolymer instead of polystyrene and polydiene. This material substitution fundamentally alters the chemical resistance properties, providing immunity to thermal aging oxidation and ozone attack while maintaining adhesive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of polyacrylate block copolymer nanofibers formed through electrospinning. This composite material approach combines the benefits of nanoscale fiber morphology with the superior chemical stability of polyacrylate block copolymer, achieving both adhesive performance and environmental durability.
2Reliability
If chlorinated solvents are used to address aging problems, then adhesive durability is improved, but environmental optimality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent composition parameters by eliminating chlorinated solvents from the formulation. The polyacrylate block copolymer can be processed without requiring chlorinated solvents, thus achieving both adhesive durability and environmental compatibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of requiring chlorinated solvents into a benefit by selecting a polymer system (polyacrylate block copolymer) that achieves the same protective effect against aging without the environmental penalty, effectively eliminating the harmful factor while maintaining the beneficial outcome.
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 polyacrylate block copolymer nanofibers improve the stability and adhesive properties of the dry adhesive article, providing improved resistance to aging and oxidation while avoiding the use of chlorinated solvents, resulting in a durable and reusable adhesive with specific adhesion values.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied to a liquid composition comprising a polyacrylate block copolymer dissolved in one or more solvents to project the liquid composition toward a collector
Implementation Method 2
with at least a portion of the one or more solvents evaporating before reaching the collector
Data Source
AI summary
A dry adhesive article comprising: (i) a substrate comprising a primary surface and (ii) a layer of nanofibers disposed on the primary surface of the substrate in a random orientation, the layer comprising a polyacrylate block copolymer; wherein, the layer of nanofibers exhibit pressure-sensitive adhesion.