Polyimide Adhesion to Glass via Silane Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyimide compositions and coating solutions face challenges in achieving high adhesion to smooth glass surfaces without using adhesives, while also requiring improved optical clarity, impact resistance, and thermal stability.

Innovation Solution

A polymer composition comprising a first polymer derived from a soluble polymer composition with an imide group and a glass transition temperature (Tg) reducing compound having an amine group, which interacts with the glass surface to enhance adhesion and modify the Tg for improved film properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a relatively thick polymer interlayer is used to provide toughness and bondability, then adhesion to glass is improved, but optical clarity and haze are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion to glassVSAvoidoptical clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thickness parameter of the polymer interlayer from conventional thick layers to an ultrathin layer (1-10 micrometers). This parameter change enables the layer to provide sufficient adhesion strength while being thin enough to maintain high optical clarity and low haze, resolving the contradiction between adhesion and optical properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of an ultrathin polymer interlayer combined with silane coupling agents applied to the glass surface. This composite approach enhances adhesion through chemical bonding at the interface while keeping the polymer layer extremely thin to preserve optical clarity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If the polymer interlayer is made thinner to improve optical clarity, then optical clarity is improved, but adhesion strength and impact resistance are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical clarityVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces silane coupling agents as intermediary substances between the glass surface and the ultrathin polymer interlayer. These silanes form chemical bonds with both the glass and the polymer, acting as a mediator that enhances adhesion strength despite the reduced thickness of the polymer layer, thereby maintaining both optical clarity and adhesion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If conventional polymeric interlayers are used, then adhesion is achieved, but long-term thermal stability and weatherability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs silane coupling agents as intermediary layers between the glass and polymer that provide long-term thermal stability and weatherability. The silane layer is highly stable under thermal and environmental conditions, serving as a durable intermediary that maintains adhesion and protects the interface from degradation over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution achieves strong adhesion to glass surfaces, maintains high optical clarity and impact resistance, and provides excellent long-term thermal stability and weatherability.

Implementation Method 1

a Tg reducing compound having an amine moiety that can be an amine or a first masked amine that can be converted to an amine... which interacts with the glass surface to enhance adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12234374B2Polymer compositions and coating solutions
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 DUPONT ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

In a first aspect, a polymer composition includes a first polymer derived from a soluble polymer composition having an imide group and a Tg reducing compound having an amine group. The first polymer has a glass transition temperature that is lower than a second polymer derived from the same soluble polymer composition, but without a Tg reducing compound having an amine group. In a second aspect, a coating solution includes a soluble polymer having an imide group and a Tg reducing compound having an amine moiety that can be an amine or a first masked amine that can be converted to an amine, wherein the first masked amine can be chemically converted, thermally converted, photo-converted or dissociated.