Polyurethane Foam VOC Reduction via Adjustable Aldehyde Scavenger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) in polyurethane foams, such as using hydrazine compounds, are limited in their ability to adjust the reduction amount and achieve efficient VOC reduction, as the reduction amount is fixed regardless of the hydrazine compound's usage and cannot be arbitrarily adjusted.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a compound represented by a specific formula into the polyurethane foam production process, which allows for the adjustment of VOC reduction levels by varying the amount of the compound added, ensuring efficient VOC reduction and producing a polyurethane foam with reduced VOC content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If hydrazine compound is added to reduce VOC, then VOC reduction is achieved, but the reduction amount is fixed and cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC reductionVSAvoidadjustability of reduction amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the aldehyde scavenger from traditional hydrazine compounds to compounds with specific structural features (formula 1 or 2 with defined R groups and molecular weight ranges). This structural parameter change enables the reduction amount to be adjusted by varying the addition amount, resolving the contradiction between achieving VOC reduction and maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If hydrazine compound is used as aldehyde scavenger, then VOC reduction is achieved, but there is a limit to the reduction amount

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC reduction efficiencyVSAvoidmaximum reduction amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular weight parameter and structural parameters of the aldehyde scavenger compound. By specifying compounds with molecular weights in particular ranges and specific structural formulas, the patent achieves more efficient VOC reduction without the limitations of traditional hydrazine compounds, allowing greater flexibility in the quantity of VOC that can be reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional aldehyde scavenger is used, then VOC reduction is achieved, but the degree of reduction cannot be adjusted according to different requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVOC reductionVSAvoidcustomizability of reduction degree
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces compounds with adjustable structural parameters (R groups, molecular weight) that allow the degree of VOC reduction to be customized according to different application requirements. By changing the addition amount and selecting compounds within specific molecular weight ranges, users can achieve different levels of VOC reduction to meet various standards and requirements.

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 method enables arbitrary adjustment of VOC reduction in polyurethane foams, achieving efficient VOC reduction and producing foams with customizable VOC levels, overcoming the limitations of fixed reduction amounts in previous technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a compound represented by the following formula (1)... wherein the volatile organic compound (VOC) can be efficiently reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3495401B1Method for reducing volatile organic compound, method for producing polyurethane foam and resin premix
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 MITSUI CHEM & SKC POLYURETHANES INC
  • EP3495401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3495401B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3495401B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for reducing a volatile organic compound, a polyurethane foam contains a compound represented by the following formula (1). (wherein, -N=R represents the following partial structural formula (A) or the following partial structural formula (B), and X- represents an anion.) (wherein, R1 is preferably a methyl group.) (wherein, R2 is preferably a methyl group and "n" preferably represents 1.)