Polyetherimide Fiber Carbon Black Dispersion Fire Retardancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyetherimide-based fibers with carbon black do not effectively consider the addition amount and particle size of carbon black, which affects their fire retardancy and light-blocking properties, particularly under high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A polyetherimide-based fiber with carbon black dispersed in the resin, where the carbon black content is 0.03 wt% or greater and has a primary particle size of 30 nm to 500 nm, is developed, with a weight reduction rate of less than 0.5% around the glass transition point, and a D/A ratio of 100 to 2000, to achieve both fire retardancy and light-blocking effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If carbon black is added to polyetherimide-based fibers to achieve light-blocking effect, then light-blocking performance is improved, but gas generation under high temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight-blocking effectVSAvoidgas generation under high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of carbon black from conventional large sizes to specifically 30 nm to 500 nm range, and controls the addition amount to 0.03 wt% or more. This parameter optimization allows the carbon black to provide sufficient light-blocking effect while minimizing gas generation under high temperature, resolving the contradiction between light-blocking performance and thermal stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system by dispersing carbon black particles within the polyetherimide resin matrix. This composite structure allows the carbon black to provide light-blocking functionality while the polyetherimide matrix constrains gas generation, achieving both light-blocking effect and fire retardancy simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If carbon black addition amount is increased to improve light-blocking effect, then light-blocking performance is improved, but fire retardancy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight-blocking effectVSAvoidfire retardancy
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and controls the critical parameter of carbon black addition amount, setting it at 0.03 wt% or more. This optimized concentration provides sufficient light-blocking effect through the small particle size (30-500 nm) while maintaining the fire retardancy characteristics of the polyetherimide base resin, thus resolving the contradiction between light-blocking performance and fire safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional carbon black is used in polyetherimide fibers, then fire retardancy is maintained, but light-blocking effect is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire retardancyVSAvoidlight-blocking effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of carbon black to 30 nm to 500 nm, which are significantly smaller than conventional carbon black particles. These fine particles provide much better light-blocking effect due to their high surface area and scattering capability, while the controlled addition amount (0.03 wt% or more) ensures fire retardancy is maintained through the polyetherimide matrix

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fiber structure exhibits excellent fire retardancy and prevents gas generation under high temperatures while providing a certain light-blocking effect, enhancing safety in closed spaces.

Implementation Method 1

carbon black dispersed in a polyetherimide resin... capable of imparting a certain light-blocking effect to a fiber structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

carbon black dispersed in a polyetherimide resin... capable of imparting a certain light-blocking effect to a fiber structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

prevent gas generation from the fiber under high temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3202962B1Polyetherimide-based fiber, method for manufacturing same, and fiber structure containing same, use
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 KURARAY CO LTD
  • EP3202962B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3202962B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3202962B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is a polyetherimide-based fiber containing a polyetherimide resin and carbon black dispersed in the resin, wherein the content of the carbon black is 0.03 wt% or greater; the carbon black has a primary particle number-mean particle size of from 30 nm to 500 nm; and the fiber has a weight reduction rate of less than 0.5% around the glass transition point (Tg) of the polyetherimide resin, where the weight reduction rate is defined by a following formula (1). Weight reduction rate%=fiber weight at temperature T1−fiber weight at temperature T2/fiber weight at temperature T1×100 Where T1 denotes a temperature (Tg - 15°C) that is 15°C lower than the glass transition point (glass transition temperature) of the polyetherimide resin, and T2 denotes a temperature (Tg + 25°C) that is 25°C higher than the glass transition point.