Ring-Opening Polymerization in Compressive Fluid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for ring-opening polymerization using a metal catalyst in a compressive fluid are time-consuming and result in low production yields due to the need for high temperatures and the presence of residual monomers which can impair the thermal resistance of the polymer product.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a compressive fluid and raw materials with a ring-opening polymerizable monomer and an initiator, where the mixing ratio of the raw materials to the compressive fluid is greater than or equal to 0.5, allowing for efficient ring-opening polymerization at lower temperatures and higher yields by controlling the polymerization conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If ring-opening polymerization is performed at high temperature to increase reaction rate, then polymerization speed is improved, but residual monomer increases and thermal resistance of polymer product deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymerization reaction rateVSAvoidthermal resistance of polymer product
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the mixing ratio of raw materials to compressive fluid (≥0.5) and controlling polymerization temperature (80-120°C) to achieve both high reaction rate and high polymer quality without residual monomer harmful effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an initiator as an intermediary substance to catalyze the ring-opening polymerization reaction, enabling the reaction to proceed at lower temperatures (80-120°C) while maintaining high reaction rates, thus avoiding the need for high temperature polymerization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional polymerization methods are used in compressive fluid, then polymerization can be performed, but time required for polymerization is excessive and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymerization completenessVSAvoidproduction yield per unit time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes multiple parameters including mixing ratio (≥0.5), temperature (80-120°C), and uses specific initiators to achieve complete polymerization within 2-24 hours, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by monitoring polymerization progress and adjusting conditions to ensure complete reaction, achieving both high completeness and short reaction time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If polymerization is performed with low mixing ratio of raw materials to compressive fluid, then monomer solubility is improved, but polymerization efficiency decreases and time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonomer solubility in compressive fluidVSAvoidpolymerization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies the optimal mixing ratio threshold (≥0.5) that balances monomer solubility and polymerization efficiency, enabling complete polymerization within 2-24 hours while maintaining good monomer dissolution

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

This method significantly reduces the time required for polymerization and minimizes residual monomers, resulting in polymers with improved thermal stability and higher production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

allowing the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a metal catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRing-opening polymerization:

Implementation Method 2

ring-opening polymerization of a ring-opening polymerizable monomer using a metal catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP2814865B1Method for producing polymer and polymer product
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP2814865B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2814865B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2814865B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6A

AI summary

A method for producing a polymer, including: (i) bringing a compressive fluid and raw materials containing a ring-opening polymerizable monomer into contact with each other at a mixing ratio represented by the following formula, to thereby allow the ring-opening polymerizable monomer to carry out ring-opening polymerization in the presence of a metal catalyst: 1 {Mass of the raw materials / (Mass of the raw materials + Mass of the compressive fluid)} 0.5.