Polyoxyalkyleneamine Modified Sulfonated Block Copolymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sulfonated block copolymers with high styrene content exhibit brittleness and low elongation to break, limiting their practical applications due to their high water sensitivity, as they require water absorption for improved properties, which is not always feasible in conditions where bulk water evaporation occurs.

Innovation Solution

Modification of sulfonated block copolymers with polyoxyalkyleneamines to enhance their water-vapor permeability, elasticity, and adhesiveness, resulting in membranes and films that maintain high water transmission rates without the need for additional oils or resins, while also exhibiting surfactant properties for stable coating dispersions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sulfonated block copolymers with high styrene content are used, then water sensitivity and water absorption properties are improved, but brittleness increases and elongation to break decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater sensitivityVSAvoidelongation to break

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymer structure by changing the chemical composition parameters - incorporating polyoxyalkyleneamine blocks that contain hydroxyl groups capable of hydrogen bonding. This structural parameter change allows the material to achieve both high water sensitivity and improved elongation to break, resolving the contradiction between water sensitivity and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite block copolymer structure combining sulfonated styrene blocks with polyoxyalkyleneamine blocks. This composite structure integrates the water-sensitive properties of sulfonated groups with the flexibility and hydrogen-bonding capabilities of polyoxyalkyleneamine, achieving both high water sensitivity and improved mechanical properties including elongation to break.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If sulfonated block copolymers require water absorption for improved properties, then functional performance is enhanced, but applicability in conditions with bulk water evaporation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidapplicability in water evaporation conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The polyoxyalkyleneamine blocks contain hydroxyl groups that can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, enabling the polymer to interact with and retain water through self-service mechanisms. This allows the material to maintain functional performance in environments where bulk water evaporation occurs, as the polymer itself provides the water-retention capability through its inherent hydrogen-bonding groups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If high styrene content is used to achieve polymer structure, then structural stability is improved, but elasticity and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidelasticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the compositional parameters by introducing polyoxyalkyleneamine blocks with specific hydroxyl group contents. These structural modifications maintain the overall polymer framework stability while introducing flexible segments that enhance elasticity and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and mechanical flexibility.

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

The modified sulfonated block copolymers demonstrate improved elasticity, water-vapor permeability, and adhesiveness, enabling broader application in energy recovery ventilation, filtration, and breathable coatings, while maintaining high water transmission rates and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The modified sulfonated block copolymers exhibit emulsifying properties which render them useful, e.g., as viscosity modifier in the preparation of breathable coatings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 2

The resulting block copolymer was characterized as having the general configuration A-B-(B-A)1-5, wherein each A is a non-elastomeric sulfonated monovinyl arene polymer block and each B is a substantially saturated elastomeric alpha-olefin polymer block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic absorption: Hydrophile

Data Source

PatentUS10208168B2Polyoxyalkyleneamine modified sulfonated block copolymers, their preparation and their use

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 KRATON POLYMERS US LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to polyoxyalkyleneamine (“POA”) modified sulfonated block copolymers, their preparation and their use as emulsifiers as well as materials for flexible and pressure-adhesive membranes, films and coatings.