Polyarylene Sulfide End-Group Modification for Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyarylene sulfides prepared by the Macallum process face challenges with salt by-product formation and reduced post-processability due to powder form, and those prepared by melt-polymerization have inferior compatibility with other polymer materials and fillers due to their main chain structure.

Innovation Solution

Introducing carboxyl or amine groups at the end of the main chain during the melt-polymerization process of diiodoaromatic compounds and sulfur, allowing for improved compatibility with other polymer materials and fillers by modifying the polymerization reaction conditions based on viscosity ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If polyarylene sulfide is prepared by melt-polymerization, then the post-processability is improved, but the compatibility with other polymer materials and fillers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepost-processabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with other polymer materials and fillers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by introducing functional groups (carboxyl, amine, hydroxyl) specifically at the end groups of the polyarylene sulfide chains rather than throughout the entire polymer structure. This localized modification at the chain ends provides compatibility functionality without altering the main chain structure, thereby maintaining both good processability and enhanced compatibility with other polymers and fillers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polyarylene sulfide by incorporating reactive functional groups into the polymer structure during synthesis. By controlling the type and amount of functional groups (carboxyl, amine, or hydroxyl) introduced at the end groups, the patent optimizes the balance between processability and compatibility, allowing the polymer to interact favorably with other materials while maintaining its inherent processing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If polyarylene sulfide is prepared by Macallum process, then the heat resistance is improved, but the salt by-product formation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidsalt by-product formation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful salt by-product formation mechanism from the traditional Macallum process by using an alternative melt-polymerization approach. The invention replaces the solution polymerization method that generates salt by-products with a melt-based process that achieves the same polymerization without forming harmful salts, thereby removing the harmful factor while preserving heat resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of by-product formation into a benefit by designing a polymerization process that uses the reaction conditions to create desired functional end groups instead of unwanted salt by-products. The functional groups formed at the chain ends become beneficial features that enhance compatibility, transforming what could be harmful by-products into useful functional characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Temperature

If polyarylene sulfide is prepared by Macallum process, then the heat resistance is improved, but the powder form reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoidpost-processability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by conducting the polymerization in the melt phase rather than solution phase, and producing the final polymer in a melt-extruded form rather than precipitated powder. This phase transition approach allows the polymer to be processed directly in its molten state and formed into convenient pellet or granule forms, eliminating the handling difficulties associated with fine powders while maintaining the heat resistance properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 resulting polyarylene sulfides exhibit enhanced compatibility and mechanical properties, enabling optimized properties when compounded with various polymer materials and fillers, and show improved heat resistance and chemical resistance.

Implementation Method 1

polyarylene sulfide is a representative engineering plastic, and the demand for the products being used in a high temperature and corrosive environment or the electronic goods is increasing due to its high heat resistance and chemical resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical resistance:

Implementation Method 2

polyarylene sulfide is a representative engineering plastic, and the demand for the products being used in a high temperature and corrosive environment or the electronic goods is increasing due to its high heat resistance and chemical resistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat resistance:

Implementation Method 3

Polyarylene sulfides prepared by the Macallum process face challenges with salt by-product formation and reduced post-processability due to powder form, and those prepared by melt-polymerization have inferior compatibility with other polymer materials and fillers due to their main chain structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompatibility:

Implementation Method 4

melt-polymerizing a reactant including a diiodoaromatic compound and sulfur element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization:

Data Source

PatentEP2883900B1Polyarylene sulfide resin and method for preparing same
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SK CHEMICALS CO LTD

AI summary

[SUMMARY] The present invention relates to a polyarylene sulfide having more improved miscibility with other polymer materials or fillers, and a method of preparing the same. At least part of end groups of the main chain of the polyarylene sulfide is carboxyl group (-COOH) or amine group (-NH2).