Polypropylene Surface Modification via Side Chain Crystalline Block Copolymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polypropylene resin molded bodies cannot be effectively modified using side chain crystalline block copolymers, limiting their surface characteristics and applications due to structural differences with polyethylene.

Innovation Solution

A method involving contacting a polypropylene resin molded body with a copolymer solution containing a side chain crystalline block copolymer at temperatures between 40 to 120°C, allowing the copolymer to form a compatibilized site with the polypropylene surface, thereby modifying its surface characteristics and enabling hydrophilicity and adhesiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a side chain crystalline block copolymer is used to modify polyethylene surface, then hydrophilicity and adhesiveness are improved, but the same copolymer cannot effectively modify polypropylene surface due to structural differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface modification capabilityVSAvoidmodification effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specific parameter threshold: the side chain must have 8 or more carbon atoms to achieve crystallinity. This parameter change transforms the copolymer's properties, enabling it to effectively modify polypropylene surfaces by forming a compatibilized site through crystalline side chains, while the main chain provides functional groups for hydrophilicity and adhesiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure on the polypropylene surface by forming a compatibilized site where the side chain crystalline block copolymer integrates with the polypropylene matrix. The copolymer consists of a main chain with functional groups and side chains with 8+ carbon atoms, creating a dual-function composite material that provides both polypropylene compatibility and enhanced surface properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If polypropylene resin molded bodies are used, then industrial utility is maintained, but surface characteristics cannot be modified limiting application range

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidsurface modification ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the modifying agent by specifying side chains with 8 or more carbon atoms, which enables crystallinity. This parameter change allows the copolymer to interact effectively with polypropylene's hydrocarbon structure, making surface modification of industrially useful polypropylene products feasible while expanding their application range to include plating and dyeing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The side chain crystalline block copolymer acts as an intermediary substance between the polypropylene base material and external treatments (plating, dyeing). The crystalline side chains anchor to the polypropylene surface while the main chain with functional groups provides interfaces for subsequent treatments, facilitating the expansion of application range without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 polypropylene resin molded bodies exhibit enhanced surface characteristics such as hydrophilicity and adhesiveness, allowing for plating and dyeing treatments, expanding their application range.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a polypropylene resin molded body with a copolymer solution containing a side chain crystalline block copolymer at temperatures between 40 to 120°C, allowing the copolymer to form a compatibilized site with the polypropylene surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompatibilization: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the copolymer to form a compatibilized site with the polypropylene surface, thereby modifying its surface characteristics and enabling hydrophilicity and adhesiveness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3750949B1Method for modifying polypropylene resin molded body, modified polypropylene resin molded body and method for producing same

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 FUKUOKA UNIV

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AI summary

Provided is a method for modifying a polypropylene resin molded body with a side chain crystalline block copolymer having a long alkane chain in a side chain, having a good interaction force with the polypropylene resin molded body, and having a function capable of modifying surface characteristics. Also provided is a modified polypropylene resin molded body. The method for modifying a polypropylene resin molded body includes a step of contacting a copolymer solution including a side chain crystalline block copolymer with a polypropylene resin molded body at a temperature of the copolymer solution of 40 to 120°C. The modified polypropylene resin molded body includes a base material of the polypropylene resin molded body and a site that includes the side chain crystalline block copolymer in at least part of the base material.