Polyamide Copolyamide Molding Compound Gloss Impact Trade-off

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyamide molding compounds with high impact resistance do not achieve high gloss values, especially after treatment with a soap solution, which is a requirement for applications like toys and sports equipment where cleaning is necessary.

Innovation Solution

A polyamide molding compound comprising 84.5 to 97.0 wt % of amorphous or microcrystalline copolyamides and 3.0 to 9.5 wt % of a functionalized impact resistance modifier, with ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene copolymers, and optional additives, ensuring high gloss and notch impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If impact resistance modifiers are added to polyamide molding compounds to increase impact resistance, then notch impact resistance is improved, but gloss values deteriorate (especially after soap solution treatment)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotch impact resistanceVSAvoidgloss values
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size of the impact resistance modifier within 100-360 nm and limiting its content to 3-15 wt%. Additionally, the functionalization degree with carboxylic acid groups is controlled at 0.5-5 mol%. These parameter optimizations allow the material to achieve both high impact resistance (≥70 kJ/m²) and acceptable gloss values (≥75% after washing), resolving the contradiction between strength and surface appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyamide base resin with specifically engineered impact resistance modifiers that have functional groups. The modifier comprises ethylene, propylene, and/or butene copolymers that are functionalized with carboxylic acid groups. This composite structure enables the material to simultaneously exhibit high impact resistance and maintained gloss properties after cleaning, as the functionalized particles disperse uniformly without excessive surface disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If polyamide molding compounds are cleaned with soap solution to meet hygiene requirements, then cleanability is improved, but gloss values deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecleanabilityVSAvoidgloss values
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the particle size of the impact resistance modifier to 100-360 nm and controlling its content at 3-15 wt%. The functionalization degree with carboxylic acid groups is limited to 0.5-5 mol%. These parameter optimizations enable the material to maintain gloss values of at least 75% after soap solution treatment, resolving the contradiction between cleanability and gloss retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials with functionalized impact resistance modifiers that have improved compatibility with the polyamide matrix. The carboxylic acid functional groups enhance interfacial adhesion and surface stability, allowing the material to withstand soap solution cleaning while maintaining acceptable gloss values, thus achieving both ease of cleaning and appearance quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If functionalized impact resistance modifiers are used to improve impact resistance, then notch impact resistance is improved, but stiffness (modulus of elasticity) may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotch impact resistanceVSAvoidmodulus of elasticity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size of the impact resistance modifier within 100-360 nm and limiting its content to 3-15 wt%. The functionalization degree with carboxylic acid groups is controlled at 0.5-5 mol%. These parameter optimizations enable the material to achieve high impact resistance (≥70 kJ/m²) while maintaining adequate stiffness (modulus of elasticity ≥2000 MPa), resolving the contradiction between strength and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials with specifically designed impact resistance modifiers that have functional groups for improved interfacial adhesion. The uniform dispersion of finely sized particles (100-360 nm) and controlled functionalization (0.5-5 mol%) create a composite structure that provides high impact resistance while maintaining the stiffness of the polyamide matrix, achieving both toughness and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10836905B2Polyamide molding compound having high gloss and high notch impact resistance
Publication Date: 2020.11.17 EMS PATENT AG

AI summary

The present invention relates to polyamide molding compounds that are characterized by high notch impact resistance and high gloss. These polyamide molding compounds comprise the following components or consist of these components: (A) 84.5 to 97.0 wt % of at least one amorphous or microcrystalline copolyamide selected from the group comprising PA 6I/6T/MACMI/MACMT/PACMI/PACMT/Y, PA 6I/6T/MACMI/MACMT/Y, and mixtures thereof; (B) 3.0 to 9.5 wt % of at least one specific functionalized impact resistance modifier; and (C) 0 to 6 wt % of at least one additive; wherein the weight proportions of the components (A) to (C) add up to 100 wt %. The present invention furthermore relates to molded bodies composed of this polyamide molding compound.