Polyolefin Pipe Composition for Chlorinated Water Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pipes made from polyolefin materials, such as bimodal polyethylene, have a shortened lifetime when exposed to chlorinated disinfectants like chlorine dioxide, chloramine, and chlorine, which are commonly used in water treatment, leading to material degradation.

Innovation Solution

A pipe composition incorporating a polyolefin, specifically bimodal polyethylene, with a non-hydrogenated styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer and additives like polyphenolic compounds and organic phosphites, where the styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer content is less than 2.0 wt%, providing enhanced resistance to chlorinated disinfectants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyolefin pipes are used for water transport, then they have very good resistance to water, but their lifetime is shortened when exposed to chlorinated disinfectants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to waterVSAvoidservice lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyolefin with styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer to create a new material composition that maintains the water resistance of polyolefin while adding resistance to chlorinated disinfectants. The blockcopolymer acts as a protective component within the composite structure, preventing degradation from chlorine dioxide and other chlorinated agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer serves as an intermediary substance between the polyolefin matrix and the chlorinated disinfectants. It absorbs or reacts with the harmful chlorinated agents, protecting the underlying polyolefin structure from degradation while allowing the pipe to maintain its water transport function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If additives like antioxidants and stabilizers are applied to prevent degradation, then protection against chlorinated disinfectants is improved, but the complexity of composition selection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against degradationVSAvoidcomplexity of additive combination
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple protective functions into a single component - the styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer. This one substance provides both antioxidant and stabilizer functions, eliminating the need to carefully select and combine multiple different additives. The blockcopolymer's structure inherently provides protection against chlorinated disinfectants while maintaining processability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The styrene-isoprene blockcopolymer exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously providing protection against chlorinated disinfectants, acting as an antioxidant, and maintaining the processability of the pipe material. This universal protective agent eliminates the need for multiple specialized additives and their complex interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10882986B2Pipe produced with a polymer composition comprising a polyolefin
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV

AI summary

The invention relates a pipe for the transport of water with improved resistance to chlorinated disinfectants. The pipe is produced with a polymer composition comprising a polyolefin and styrene isoprene blockcopolymer.