Polycarbonate Siloxane Diol Synthesis for Biomedical Polyurethanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Silicon-based polyurethanes exhibit poor mechanical properties due to premature phase separation and compositional heterogeneity, limiting their suitability for demanding applications like biomedical uses, where stability and compatibility are crucial.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing carbonate siloxane macrodiols by reacting bis(hydroxybutyl) tetramethyldisiloxane with a carbonate source and titanium tetrabutoxide, followed by specific temperature and vacuum conditions, to create a polyurethane composition with improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PDMS-based polyurethanes are synthesized using conventional methods, then stability and biocompatibility are improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to premature phase separation and compositional heterogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling reaction temperature (maintaining 70-90°C throughout), reaction time (4-6 hours), and catalyst concentration (0.1-1 wt% titanium tetrabutoxide) to prevent premature phase separation. These parameter optimizations ensure homogeneous composition while maintaining the inherent stability of PDMS-based materials, thereby improving mechanical properties without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If PDMS-based polyurethanes are synthesized using conventional methods, then stability and biocompatibility are improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to compositional heterogeneity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiocompatibilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes including controlled reaction temperature (70-90°C), extended reaction time (4-6 hours), and optimized catalyst concentration (0.1-1 wt%) to achieve homogeneous polymer composition. This homogeneity ensures consistent biocompatibility while significantly improving mechanical properties by preventing compositional heterogeneity that would otherwise weaken the material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If PDMS-based polyurethanes are synthesized using conventional methods, then stability is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to premature phase separation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing all reactants (PDMS diol, diisocyanate, and catalyst) thoroughly before initiating the reaction, and by maintaining controlled temperature (70-90°C) throughout the 4-6 hour reaction period. This preliminary preparation and continuous control prevent premature phase separation during synthesis, ensuring homogeneous composition that delivers both stability and improved mechanical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If polycarbonate macrodiols are used to improve mechanical properties and hydrolytic stability, then tensile strength is improved, but elastomeric properties deteriorate due to high durometer hardness and low flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidelastomeric properties
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a segmented copolymer structure that combines polycarbonate segments (providing tensile strength and hydrolytic stability) with PDMS segments (providing flexibility and elastomeric properties). This composite structure at the molecular level allows the material to simultaneously achieve high tensile strength and good elastomeric performance, overcoming the hardness and brittleness issues of pure polycarbonate-based materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 polyurethane elastomeric composition demonstrates enhanced mechanical properties, clarity, processability, and degradation resistance, making it suitable for biomedical applications and other demanding uses, with improved compatibility and stability in biological environments.

Implementation Method 1

adding an initiator catalyst which is titanium tetrabutoxide to two equivalents of bis(hydroxybutyl) tetramethyldisiloxane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

heating the mixture to a temperature of 120-140°C... raising the temperature of the heated reaction mixture to 140-175°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

refluxing the heated reaction mixture at 133 Pa (1 Torr) for 0.5 - 2 hours... increasing the vacuum to 133 Pa (1 mm Hg) to remove the water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum distillation: Vacuum Distillation

Implementation Method 4

the catalyst is inactivated in the cooled reaction mixture by adding water to the cooled reaction mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3303447B1Synthesis of polycarbonate siloxane diols
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 RUA LIFE SCI PLC
  • EP3303447B1 patent drawing
  • EP3303447B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides silicon-based polycarbonates, processes for their preparation and their use in the synthesis of copolymers, in particular segmented copolymers such as polyurethanes for biomedical applications.