Polyurethane Film Softness Strength Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyurethane films used for gloves and similar applications often lack the balance of softness and strength, leading to tears when rubbed against other materials or skin.

Innovation Solution

A polyurethane film is developed by combining a polyurethane with an aromatic structure and an aliphatic polyester polyol having an anionic group, which provides both excellent softness and high strength when used in specific proportions and processing methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a polyurethane film is made softer to improve texture, then softness is improved, but strength deteriorates causing tears when rubbed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesoftnessVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the aromatic structure content within 500-2000 mmol/kg and using specific polyol combinations (aliphatic polyester polyol with anionic group mixed with other polyester polyols in specific ratios). This optimization of compositional parameters enables the polyurethane film to achieve both softness (300% modulus ≤20 MPa) and high strength (tear resistance ≥20 mN, abrasion resistance ≥3000 cycles), resolving the contradiction between softness and strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple polyol types (aliphatic polyester polyol with anionic group, other polyester polyols) and controlling the molecular structure to include specific aromatic content. This composite approach creates a polyurethane system where different components contribute differently: the anionic polyol provides softness while the aromatic structures provide strength, achieving both soft texture and high strength simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional aqueous polyurethane emulsion is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the film has hard texture unsuitable for gloves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidsoftness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the compositional parameters of conventional aqueous polyurethane emulsions by introducing specific polyol combinations (aliphatic polyester polyol with anionic group) and controlling aromatic structure content (500-2000 mmol/kg). These parameter changes transform the hard texture of conventional films into a soft texture (300% modulus ≤20 MPa) while maintaining the aqueous emulsion formulation and manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups (anionic groups from polyester polyols) and aromatic structures at controlled levels within the polyurethane molecular structure. This localized modification of molecular characteristics changes the overall film properties from hard to soft while maintaining processability and manufacturing simplicity of conventional emulsion systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 resulting polyurethane film offers superior softness and strength, making it suitable for applications like medical gloves and tubes, while maintaining durability and resistance to abrasion.

Implementation Method 1

reacting a polyol (a1) including an aliphatic polyester polyol having an anionic group (a1-1), and a polyester polyol (a1-2) other than the aliphatic polyester polyol (a1-1) with a polyisocyanate (a2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

using a metal salt, in which the polyurethane (A) has an aromatic structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS8889787B2Polyurethane film and processed film produced using same
Publication Date: 2014.11.18 DIC CORP
  • US8889787B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a polyurethane film that offers both soft texture and high strength. The present invention relates to a polyurethane film obtained by solidifying a polyurethane (A) obtained by reacting a polyol (a1) including an aliphatic polyester polyol having an anionic group (a1-1), and a polyester polyol (a1-2) other than the aliphatic polyester polyol (a1-1) with a polyisocyanate (a2), using a metal salt, in which the polyurethane (A) has an aromatic structure in the range of 500 mmol/kg to 2,000 mmol/kg with respect to the entire polyurethane (A).