Branched Polyetheramine Polyols for Pigment Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pigment dispersions face challenges such as unsatisfactory color, shortcoming in applicability, and high requirements for starting materials, which affect their performance in lacquers, printing pastes, and other applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of branched polyetheramine polyols with specific properties, such as a Hazen color number range of 100 to 600 APHA, polydispersity of 1.1 to 1.8, and a glass transition temperature less than 50°C, obtained through polycondensation of trialkanolamines using H3PO3 or hypophosphoric acid as catalysts in an inert gas atmosphere, to create improved pigment dispersions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If highly branched polyetheramine polyols are used as adhesion promoters, then adhesion and flow properties are improved, but color quality and applicability in pigment dispersions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter (Mw between 1000-5000 g/mol) and structural parameters (OH number 150-400 mg KOH/g, amine number 150-400 mg KOH/g) of polyetheramine polyols to optimize both adhesion promotion and color quality. This parameter optimization allows the polyol to function effectively as both adhesion promoter and pigment dispersion medium without the drawbacks of conventional highly branched polyetheramines.
2Stability of the object's composition
If pigment dispersions use conventional dispersants, then dispersion stability is improved, but the number of starting materials and synthesis complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polyetheramine polyol serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as adhesion promoter, flow improver, and pigment dispersion medium. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dispersant components and simplifies the overall formulation, reducing synthesis complexity while maintaining dispersion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing specific parameters (Mw, OH number, amine number, glass transition temperature) of the polyetheramine polyol, the patent achieves effective pigment dispersion without requiring complex multi-component dispersant systems. The controlled molecular weight and functional group concentrations provide sufficient steric and electrostatic stabilization.
3Productivity
If polycondensation temperature is increased to improve reaction rate, then productivity is improved, but color quality and polyol stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies and controls critical parameters including temperature (150-215°C), catalyst type (phosphoric acid or hypophosphorous acid), and atmosphere (inert gas) to achieve optimal reaction rate while preventing excessive coloration. This parameter control allows sufficient conversion without exceeding the color number threshold of 600 APHA.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an inert gas atmosphere (nitrogen or argon) during polycondensation to prevent oxidation and minimize color formation. This inert environment protects the polyol from degradation and color contamination while maintaining reaction productivity, achieving a balance between reaction rate and color quality.
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 branched polyetheramine polyols enhance pigment dispersion properties, including color reproduction, gloss, and applicability, while being stable and versatile for various applications without the need for additional purification.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting at least one trialkanolamine to polycondensation under catalysis of at least one catalyst selected from H3PO3 and hypophosphoric acid (H3PO2)
Data Source
AI summary
Branched polyetheramine polyols with a Hazen colour number (determined according to DIN ISO 6271) in the range of from100 to 600 (APHA), based on a polycondensation product of at least one trialkanolamine.