Polymer Cold Flow Resistance via Alditol Acetal Boric Acid Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Certain polymers, such as linear polydienes, exhibit cold flow at standard conditions, causing transportation and storage challenges, and existing solutions like coupling agents do not effectively provide both desired tire properties and cold flow resistance.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a combination or reaction product of acetals or ketals of alditols with hydrocarbylated boric acid or an organoaluminum compound into the polymer to reduce cold flow, which also maintains effectiveness in the presence of water and various solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coupling agents are used to improve cold flow resistance, then cold flow resistance is improved, but desired tire properties are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (the reaction product of acetals/ketals of alditols with hydrocarbylated boric acid or organoaluminum compound) that mediates between the polymer chains. This intermediary provides cold flow resistance through a different mechanism than coupling agents, allowing it to work without interfering with the functional groups needed for tire properties. The intermediary forms a network structure that prevents cold flow while leaving chain ends available for functionalization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of how cold flow resistance is achieved - shifting from chemical coupling of polymer chains to physical/network structuring via the reaction product. This parameter change allows the system to achieve cold flow resistance through a mechanism that does not consume or interfere with chain end functional groups, thereby maintaining adaptability for tire applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If functionalizing agents are used to improve tire properties, then tire properties are improved, but cold flow resistance is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated system. The reaction product of acetals/ketals of alditols with hydrocarbylated boric acid or organoaluminum compound simultaneously provides both cold flow resistance and allows chain end functionalization for tire properties. This merging eliminates the need to choose between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction product serves multiple functions: it provides cold flow resistance through network structuring while simultaneously being compatible with chain end functionalization for tire applications. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single additive system that accomplishes both goals.
3Reliability
If coupling agents are used to provide cold flow resistance, then cold flow resistance is improved, but the amount of chain end functionalizing agents that may be incorporated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction product acts as an intermediary that provides cold flow resistance through a mechanism that does not compete with chain end functionalizing agents. By forming a separate network structure rather than coupling polymer chains directly, it leaves the chain ends available for functionalization, thus increasing the quantity of functionalizing agents that can be incorporated.
4Ease of operation
If polymers are exposed to high water concentrations, then processing flexibility is improved, but cold flow resistance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water (which typically compromises cold flow resistance) into a beneficial feature. The reaction product of acetals/ketals of alditols with hydrocarbylated boric acid or organoaluminum compound maintains cold flow resistance even in the presence of high water concentrations, allowing processing flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
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
Substantially reduces cold flow in polymers, including those exposed to high water concentrations, and allows for improved tire properties without compromising hysteresis loss or processing difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
introducing a polymer with the combination or reaction product of (i) acetals or ketals of alditols and (ii) (a) hydrocarbylated boric acid, (b) an organoaluminum compound, or (c) both hydrocarbylated boric acid and an organoaluminum compound
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing the cold flow of a polymeric composition of matter by introducing polymer with the combination or reaction product of (i) an acetal or ketal of an alditol and (ii) (a) a hydrocarbylated boric acid, (b) an organoaluminum compound, or (c) both a hydrocarbylated boric acid and an organoaluminum compound.