Polymer Composition With Decarboxylated Rosin for Low-VOC Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent-based compositions for bonding polymer articles face challenges due to material incompatibility, low solubility, and the use of volatile organic compounds, which are undesirable for health, safety, and environmental reasons.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising a base polymer fully dissolved in a solvent system containing decarboxylated rosin (DCR) and a co-solvent, with a specific ratio and solubility parameters, ensuring compatibility and low VOCs, allowing for effective solubilization and bonding at room temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If temperature is increased to speed up polymer dissolution, then dissolution rate is improved, but health and safety risks worsen due to handling solvents at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by incorporating decarboxylated rosin and specific co-solvents with controlled Hildebrand solubility parameters. This allows the system to achieve effective polymer dissolution at room temperature or mild heating conditions, eliminating the need for high-temperature processing while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces decarboxylated rosin as an intermediary substance that mediates between the polymer and the co-solvent system. The DCR acts as a compatibility enhancer that facilitates polymer dissolution through its specific molecular structure and solubility characteristics, enabling effective bonding without requiring extreme temperatures.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional solvents are used to dissolve polymers, then solubility is achieved, but volatile organic compounds increase causing environmental and health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the solvent system composition by using decarboxylated rosin combined with specific co-solvents that have lower volatility and reduced VOC content. The Hildebrand solubility parameter matching ensures that these alternative solvents achieve the required polymer solubility while presenting fewer environmental and health hazards compared to conventional solvents.
3Strength
If polymer and solvent are used for bonding, then bonding capability is achieved, but material incompatibility occurs due to low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent system's Hildebrand solubility parameters to match those of the polymer materials being bonded. By carefully selecting co-solvents and adjusting the DCR-to-co-solvent ratio, the system achieves both high polymer solubility and effective bonding strength, eliminating the material incompatibility issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining decarboxylated rosin with multiple co-solvents having different chemical characteristics. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high polymer compatibility, adequate solubility, and strong bonding capability by leveraging the complementary properties of each component.
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 composition achieves high solubility and compatibility between polymers, reducing VOC emissions and enhancing safety and environmental performance, while maintaining effective bonding properties.
Implementation Method 1
a base polymer fully dissolved in a solvent system containing a mixture of a decarboxylated rosin (DCR) as a first solvent and a co-solvent
Implementation Method 2
Solvent-based compositions are used to adhere one polymer article to another polymer article, or to bond polymer articles to other substrates
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a solvent-based polymer composition comprising, consisting essentially of, or consisting of: (i) a base polymer selected from the group consisting of: polyurethane (TPU), acrylic polymers, epoxy resins, polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene, polypropylene, rubbery polymer, polyisobutylene, poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixtures thereof, (ii) a decarboxylated rosin as a solvent in a solvent system containing a hydrocarbon-based solvent selected from any of: aromatic / aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ketones, and mixtures thereof, (iv) a tackifier, and (v) at least an additive. The composition can be used in applications including adhesive, sprayable adhesive, sealant, and coating.