Polyrotaxane Polymer Photo-Crosslinking Solvent Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crosslinking methods for polyrotaxanes require acidifying, basifying, or heating, making handling difficult and limiting the use of other polymers, and are restricted to solvents where the polyrotaxane is soluble, complicating the crosslinking process.
Innovation Solution
A material comprising a polyrotaxane and a polymer crosslinked through a photo-crosslinking reaction using photo-reactive groups with unsaturated bonds or photosensitive groups, allowing for crosslinking without harsh conditions and expanding solvent selectivity, using initiators like quinones and benzophenones to facilitate the reaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If crosslinking is carried out by addition of a crosslinking agent with acidifying, basifying, or heating treatment, then crosslinking reaction proceeds effectively, but handling becomes difficult and the process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical crosslinking methods (using crosslinking agents with acidifying, basifying, or heating treatments) with a photo-crosslinking method that uses light irradiation. This substitution eliminates the need for harsh chemical treatments and heating, making the process easier to handle while maintaining effective crosslinking. The photo-crosslinking reaction is initiated by irradiating the polyrotaxane solution with light in the presence of a photoinitiator, creating crosslinked structures without the complications of conventional crosslinking methods.
2Reliability
If conventional crosslinking methods are used, then crosslinking can be achieved, but the use of other polymers is limited and solvent selection is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The photo-crosslinking method provides universal applicability across different polymer systems. The photoinitiator system can initiate crosslinking reactions for various polymers including polyrotaxanes and other polymers with photo-reactive groups, regardless of their solubility characteristics. This multi-functional approach allows the same crosslinking mechanism to work with diverse polymer-solvent combinations, expanding versatility beyond the limitations of conventional crosslinking methods.
3Strength
If crosslinking proceeds extensively, then crosslinked structure is formed, but handling of the crosslinked substance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The photo-crosslinking process allows for controlled, periodic action through light irradiation. The crosslinking reaction can be initiated and stopped by controlling the light exposure, enabling the formation of crosslinked structures to the desired extent. This controlled approach prevents excessive crosslinking that would make the material difficult to handle, while still achieving sufficient crosslinking to provide the desired structural strength and properties.
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
Enables easier handling of crosslinked substances and broader solvent compatibility, allowing for crosslinking without adverse effects on the polymer or polyrotaxane, and provides a flexible material with enhanced viscoelastic properties.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the polyrotaxane and the polymer is bound to each other by a photo-crosslinking reaction
Implementation Method 2
the polyrotaxane and the polymer each have a photo-reactive group, and the polyrotaxane and the polymer may be bound to each other by the photo-crosslinking reaction between the photo-reactive groups
Data Source
AI summary
A material which comprises a polyrotaxane and a polymer and is crosslinked by irradiation with light. In the material, which comprises a first polyrotaxane and a polymer, the first polyrotaxane comprises a first cyclic molecules, a first linear molecule with which the first cyclic molecules are clathrated in a splitted state, and first blocking groups disposed respectively at both ends of the first linear molecule so as to prevent the first cyclic molecules from being released from the first linear molecule. The first polyrotaxane combines with at least part of the polymer through the first cyclic molecules by photocrosslinking reaction.