Polyol Esters from Metathesized Fatty Acids for Low VOC Solvents
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for solvent compounds that are renewably sourced, exhibit high solvency, and have a desirable health and safety profile, particularly in terms of low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxicity, to replace traditional solvents that are environmentally harmful and hazardous to health.
Innovation Solution
The development of polyol esters derived from the metathesis of natural oils, which are used in various applications such as cleaning agents, petroleum compositions, and paint or coating compositions, providing low VOC levels and effective solvency while being derived from renewable sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional solvents are used, then high solvency is achieved, but harmful factors to health and environment increase (high VOCs, toxicity)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of solvents by using polyol esters with specific molecular structures (containing hydroxyl groups and ester functionalities) derived from renewable feedstocks. This modifies the solvent properties to achieve low VOC emissions and reduced toxicity while maintaining solvency through the polar nature of the polyol ester molecules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite solvent systems comprising polyol esters combined with other compatible solvents or additives. This composite approach allows optimization of both environmental properties (low VOC, low toxicity) and functional properties (solvency, evaporation rate) by combining materials with complementary characteristics.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If renewable feedstocks are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct stages: feedstock preparation, metathesis reaction, polyol synthesis, and esterification. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and facilitates continuous processing, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the multi-step nature of renewable solvent production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses metathesis catalysts and chemical intermediaries to transform renewable feedstocks into polyol esters. These intermediaries facilitate the conversion process, making it more controllable and scalable, thereby reducing the practical manufacturing complexity of using renewable materials.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If polyol esters are used, then VOC levels are reduced, but solvency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The polyol ester molecules possess local polar regions (hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups) that provide strong solvating capability for polar substances, while the hydrocarbon chains provide compatibility with non-polar materials. This local quality variation within the molecule enables broad solvency without relying on high VOC content.
Solution Approach 2:
Polyol esters serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as solvents, coalescents, and adhesion promoters in coating formulations. This multi-functionality compensates for any reduction in raw solvency by providing additional mechanisms for film formation and substrate interaction, maintaining overall coating performance while reducing VOCs.
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 polyol esters effectively function in solvent-related applications with low VOCs, high solvency, and a favorable health and safety profile, addressing the limitations of traditional solvents and promoting environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
when the natural oils contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, olefin metathesis can provide a useful means of refining a natural oil and making useful chemicals from the compounds in the feedstock. Metathesis is a catalytic reaction that involves the interchange of alkylidene units among compounds containing one or more double bonds (e.g., olefinic compounds) via the cleavage and formation of carbon-carbon double bonds.
Data Source
AI summary
Polyol esters of metathesized fatty acids are generally disclosed herein. Methods of using such compounds, for example, as cleaning agents, solvents, and coalescents for paints and coatings, are also disclosed.