Propylene-Hexene-1 Copolymers for Hot Melt Adhesive Thermal Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hot melt adhesives face limitations such as thermal sensitivity, loss of bond strength at higher temperatures, and susceptibility to chemical attacks and weathering, which restrict their application and performance in various industrial uses.

Innovation Solution

The development of propylene-co-hexene-1 copolymers and optionally propylene-co-hexene-1-co-butene-1 terpolymers, produced using a supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst, are used as polyalphaolefinic tackifiers in hot melt adhesive formulations, enhancing properties like peel bonds, temperature resistance, and controllable set times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional hot melt adhesives are used, then application simplicity is improved, but thermal resistance and chemical resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication simplicityVSAvoidthermal resistance and chemical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polymer system combining polyethylene (50-80 wt%), polypropylene (10-40 wt%), and elastomer (5-20 wt%) to create an adhesive that maintains ease of application while improving thermal and chemical resistance through synergistic material combination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the adhesive by incorporating specific ratios of polyethylene, polypropylene, and elastomer, along with functional additives like polyalphaolefinic tackifiers and hydrogenated castor oil, to enhance reliability without compromising application simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional hot melt adhesives are used, then processing speed is improved, but bond strength at elevated temperatures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidbond strength at elevated temperatures
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-component polymer composite maintains rapid setting characteristics for high productivity while the elastomer and polyalphaolefinic tackifier components specifically enhance bond strength retention at elevated temperatures through their thermal stability and adhesive properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive is designed as a thermoplastic composition that cures rapidly at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures without requiring complex curing cycles, enabling fast processing while maintaining durable bond strength through its stable polymer matrix

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If conventional hot melt adhesives are used, then initial tack is improved, but resistance to chemical attacks and weathering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial tackVSAvoidresistance to chemical attacks and weathering
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polyethylene, polypropylene, elastomer, and polyalphaolefinic tackifiers in a composite formulation that provides both initial tack through the tackifier component and resistance to chemical attacks and weathering through the stable hydrocarbon polymer matrix

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive formulation incorporates hydrogenated castor oil (2-10 wt%) and polyalphaolefinic tackifiers (5-20 wt%) to optimize initial tack parameters while the high content of saturated polyethylene and polypropylene (90-95 wt% combined) provides resistance to chemical degradation and weathering

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

These copolymers and terpolymers improve the adhesive's performance by providing excellent initial and aged peel bonds, low temperature flexibility, and permanent tackiness, expanding their application in personal hygiene, assembly, and other demanding uses.

Implementation Method 1

copolymerization of propylene and hexene-1 monomers using a supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCopolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

produced using a supported Ziegler-Natta catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS10160888B2Propylene-based amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAOs) formulated with hexene-1 monomer containing amorphous poly-alpha-olefins for use in hot melt adhesives
Publication Date: 2018.12.25 REXTAC LLC

AI summary

Amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAOs) such as propylene-co-hexene-1-co-butene-1 and propylene-hexene-1 are used as tackifiers in hot melt adhesive formulations.