Polyether Polymer Carbon Nanotube Conductivity Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nano-carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes, have poor affinity with polymers, making it difficult to achieve even dispersion and thus fail to demonstrate their excellent electric conductivity when mixed with polymer materials, often resulting in properties similar to those achieved with carbon black.
Innovation Solution
A composition is developed by mixing carbon nanotubes with a polyether-based polymer containing oxirane monomer units having a cationic group, which are well dispersed due to the solvent-based mixing and subsequent drying process, enhancing electric conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nano-carbon material is mixed with polymer material, then electric conductivity is improved, but dispersion uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the nano-carbon material and polymer matrix. The coupling agent modifies the surface of carbon nanotubes with organofunctional groups that are compatible with the polymer, acting as a bridge that improves interfacial adhesion and dispersion uniformity while maintaining electrical conductivity pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface chemistry parameters of the nano-carbon material by treating it with silane coupling agents. This modification alters the surface energy and chemical composition of the carbon nanotubes, enabling better compatibility with the polymer matrix and achieving uniform dispersion without sacrificing conductive properties
2Reliability
If nano-carbon material is mixed with polymer material, then electric conductivity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as a mediator that transfers and distributes mechanical stresses between the polymer matrix and carbon nanotube filler. The organofunctional groups on the coupling agent create strong interfacial bonds, preventing stress concentration at the filler-matrix interface and avoiding mechanical strength degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-component composite system consisting of polymer matrix, nano-carbon material, and silane coupling agent. This composite structure combines the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotubes with the mechanical properties of the polymer, while the coupling agent ensures synergistic interaction between components rather than detrimental effects
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 composition exhibits extremely excellent electric conductivity, effectively utilizing the carbon nanotubes' properties while maintaining mechanical strength and formability.
Implementation Method 1
a polyether-based polymer containing oxirane monomer units at least part of which are oxirane monomer units each having a cationic group
Implementation Method 2
mixing, in a solvent, the carbon nanotube with the polyether-based polymer
Implementation Method 3
removing the solvent by drying a mixture thus obtained
Data Source
AI summary
A composition in accordance with the present invention contains a nano-carbon material, such as a carbon nanotube, and a polyether-based polymer containing oxirane monomer units at least part of which are oxirane monomer units each having a cationic group.