Flame-Retarding Poly(alkylene Carbonate) via Phosphorous Chain Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing poly(alkylene carbonate) lack the ability to precisely control molecular weight and chain shape, and do not incorporate phosphate or phosphonate groups in the polymer chain, which limits its mechanical strength and flame-retarding properties.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of a phosphorous chain transfer agent in the alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxide, catalyzed by a complex of Chemical Formula 1, to introduce phosphate or phosphonate groups into the polymer chain, thereby controlling molecular weight and imparting flame-retarding properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional catalysts are used for copolymerization, then polymerization activity is low, but if highly active catalysts are used, then molecular weight control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymerization activityVSAvoidmolecular weight control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phosphorous chain transfer agent to change the chemical parameters of the polymerization system. This agent regulates the molecular weight by controlling chain termination and transfer reactions, enabling precise molecular weight control even when using highly active catalysts that would otherwise produce uncontrollably high molecular weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The phosphorous chain transfer agent acts as an intermediary substance between the highly active catalyst and the polymer chains. It mediates the chain growth process by providing controlled chain transfer reactions, allowing the highly active catalyst to maintain its activity while the chain transfer agent regulates the final molecular weight to desired levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If poly(alkylene carbonate) is prepared without phosphate groups, then the polymerization process is simple, but flame-retarding property is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidflame-retarding property

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite polymer structure by incorporating phosphate or phosphonate groups into the poly(alkylene carbonate) chain. This results in a composite material that combines the base polymer matrix with flame-retardant phosphate moieties, achieving both structural integrity and fire resistance in a single integrated material system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the polymerization process with flame-retardant functionality by using a phosphorous chain transfer agent that becomes incorporated into the polymer chain. This combines the roles of chain transfer agent and flame retardant into a single substance, eliminating the need for separate flame-retardant additives and simplifying the overall formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If molecular weight is not precisely controlled, then polymerization is faster, but mechanical strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymerization speedVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical control methods (such as physical mixing or post-processing) with a chemical mechanism for molecular weight control. The phosphorous chain transfer agent provides a chemical pathway for regulated chain termination and transfer, enabling precise molecular weight control that directly influences mechanical strength while maintaining high polymerization speed through the highly active catalyst.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 poly(alkylene carbonate) exhibits precise molecular weight control, narrow molecular weight distribution, and enhanced flame-retarding properties, making it suitable as a flame-retarding adhesive or coating agent, and can be used to impart flame retardancy to other polymers or polyurethanes.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChain transfer reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

catalyzed by a complex of Chemical Formula 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

alternating copolymerizing carbon dioxide and at least one epoxide compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCopolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2673312B1Flame-retarding carbon dioxide/epoxide copolymer and method for preparing the same

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 SK INNOVATION CO LTD

Figure 1

AI summary

There is provided a method for preparing a low-molecular weight poly(alkylene carbonate) of which the molecular weight and chain shape are precisely controlled, by introducing a phosphorous compound having a hydroxyl group as a chain transfer agent in order to regulate the molecular weight, in alternating copolymerizing an epoxide compound and carbon dioxide by using trivalent metal complex prepared from a Salen type ligand containing a quaternary ammonium salt, and a polymer prepared by the method. Since poly(alkylene carbonate) prepared according to the present invention includes a phosphate or phosphonate group in the polymer chain, it has flame-retarding property.