Polyolefin Dispersants with Tertiary Amines for Fluoroelastomer Seal Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor oil dispersants often damage fluoroelastomeric automotive seals due to the presence of primary and secondary amines, leading to equipment failure and reduced lubricant performance.

Innovation Solution

Development of polyolefin dispersants that include one or more tertiary amines but lack primary and secondary amines, which are synthesized through post-polymerization modification of polyolefins, enhancing compatibility with fluoroelastomeric seals by preventing crosslinking reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing dispersants containing primary and secondary amines are used, then dispersant performance is achieved, but compatibility with fluoroelastomeric seals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersant performanceVSAvoidseal compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the amine group from primary or secondary to tertiary amine. This parameter change eliminates the harmful crosslinking reaction with fluoroelastomeric seals while preserving the dispersant's ability to regulate viscosity increases and prevent deposit formation. The tertiary amine structure specifically prevents the harmful interaction without sacrificing dispersant functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If polyolefin dispersants with tertiary amines are used, then seal compatibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal compatibilityVSAvoidsynthesis process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates the tertiary amine functionality directly into the polyolefin dispersant structure during the polymerization process or through pre-designed molecular architecture. This preliminary incorporation eliminates the need for separate post-synthesis modification steps to introduce the tertiary amine, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving the desired seal compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 polyolefin dispersants exhibit increased compatibility with fluoroelastomeric seals, reducing the risk of seal degradation and improving the performance and longevity of lubricating motor oils.

Implementation Method 1

Because the polyolefin dispersants include one or more tertiary amines and no primary amines or secondary amines, the dispersants can exhibit increased compatibility towards fluoroelastomeric automotive seals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11795247B2Polyolefin dispersants and methods of making and using thereof

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

AI summary

Provided herein are polyolefin dispersants, as well as methods for producing polyolefin dispersants. The polyolefin dispersants can be defined by the formula belowwhere Rx is cationic initiator residue; Ra is a polyolefin group; R1 and R2 are each, independently in each —(CR1R2) unit, H, alkyl, alkoxy, or alkylaryl; R3 and R4 are each, independently, H, alkyl, or alkoxy; m is an integer from 1 to 20; n is an integer from 1 to 6; r is an integer from 1 to 4; Y is a polyvalent amine linker comprising one or more tertiary amines, wherein the polyvalent amine linker does not include a primary amine or a secondary amine; and A is absent, or comprises a dispersive moiety.