Functionalized Polyamide Film Dispersion for High-Temperature Sizing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current film-forming compositions for thermoplastic composites, particularly those based on polyamide resin matrices, face challenges with high temperature resistance, leading to defects and deterioration of mechanical properties due to decomposition of polyurethane film formers at elevated temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A film-forming dispersion comprising a functionalized polyamide, such as carboxylic or sulfonated polyamide, partially reacted with neutralizing agents in the presence of water, which provides improved thermal resistance and stability when used in conjunction with silanes, maintaining compatibility and preventing sedimentation or precipitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If polyurethane film formers are used for fibre sizing, then fibre processing is improved and compatibility with polyamide resin matrix is provided, but high temperature resistance deteriorates leading to decomposition at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefibre processingVSAvoidhigh temperature resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the film-forming dispersion by using carboxylic or sulfonated polyamides with specific functional groups instead of polyurethane. This parameter change enables the film to withstand high temperatures (above 200°C) while maintaining fibre processing capabilities, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and temperature resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite film-forming dispersion system combining functionalized polyamide with neutralizing agents and optional surfactants. This composite approach provides both the processing benefits of film formers and the thermal stability of polyamide-based compositions, simultaneously achieving improved fibre handling and high temperature resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If carboxylic or sulfonated polyamide is functionalized without solvent, then thermal resistance is improved, but water dispersion stability deteriorates due to polymer/water compatibility issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal resistanceVSAvoidwater dispersion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces neutralizing agents as intermediaries that react with the carboxylic or sulfonated polyamide to form water-compatible species. This intermediary step enables the functionalized polyamide to disperse stably in water while maintaining its thermal resistance properties, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and dispersion compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If maleic anhydride is used to functionalize polyamide, then water compatibility is improved, but colour deteriorates becoming dark which is not acceptable for glass fibre applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater compatibilityVSAvoidcolour
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the functionalization approach by using carboxylic or sulfonated groups instead of maleic anhydride modification. This parameter change maintains water compatibility and dispersion stability while preserving the light colour of the polyamide, making it suitable for glass fibre applications where appearance is critical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 functionalized polyamide dispersion exhibits enhanced thermal resistance, with a weight loss of less than 15% at 350°C, compared to commercial polyurethane film formers, and maintains stability with silanes, ensuring improved mechanical properties and processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

wherein said functionalized polyamide is at least partially reacted with one or more neutralizing agents in the presence of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the formed film or sizing needs to be able to sufficiently resist high temperatures. Decomposition of the formed film or sizing at these elevated temperatures may lead to defects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal resistance: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11359053B2Film-forming dispersion and sizing dispersion
Publication Date: 2022.06.14 ACR III

AI summary

The present invention relates to a film-forming dispersion comprising a functionalized polyamide and water.