Nanoporous Polyurethane-Acrylate Aerogels for Flexible Thermal Insulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current structural and thermal insulation materials lack flexibility and mechanical strength, and existing aerogel technologies are often expensive and difficult to handle, limiting their applications in flexible and high-strength requirements such as sub-sea oil pipes and defense applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of nanoporous polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) materials and urethane-acrylate Star monomers that can be synthesized using inexpensive isocyanates and hydroxyl-functionalized acrylates, offering flexible and thermally stable aerogels with high mechanical properties through easy one-step synthesis methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible aerogel materials are used for thermal insulation applications, then flexibility and ease of handling are improved, but mechanical strength and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining polyurethane and acrylate polymers to form PUAC aerogels. This composite structure integrates the flexibility benefits of polyurethane with the mechanical strength and rigidity of acrylate, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and mechanical strength. The synergistic combination allows the aerogel to maintain both desirable flexibility for ease of handling and sufficient mechanical strength for structural applications.
2Strength
If high-density aerogel materials are used to improve mechanical strength, then strength and stiffness are improved, but flexibility and ease of handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting the density, crosslinking degree, and compositional ratio of polyurethane and acrylate components in the PUAC aerogel. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves a balanced state where the aerogel possesses adequate mechanical strength for structural applications while retaining sufficient flexibility for ease of handling and installation, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and flexibility.
3Reliability
If expensive aerogel technologies are used to achieve high performance, then thermal insulation and mechanical properties are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive, readily available polyurethane and acrylate monomers as raw materials, replacing expensive specialty chemicals used in conventional aerogel synthesis. The use of simple free-radical polymerization methodology further reduces manufacturing complexity and cost. This approach maintains high thermal insulation performance while significantly lowering material and processing costs, making the aerogel economically viable for widespread commercial applications.
4Weight of moving object
If low-density aerogel structures are used to reduce weight, then weight and thermal insulation are improved, but mechanical strength and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials architecture where the polyurethane-acrylate combination creates a synergistic effect. The acrylate component provides enhanced mechanical strength and rigidity that compensates for the low-density structure, while the polyurethane maintains light weight and flexibility. This composite approach enables the aerogel to achieve both low density for weight reduction and adequate mechanical strength for structural stability.
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 PUAC aerogels provide excellent thermal insulation, flexibility, and mechanical strength, making them suitable for diverse applications including sub-sea oil pipes, buildings, and defense applications, while being cost-effective and easy to handle.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention discloses a series of nanoporous polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) type materials for applications in structural insulation, thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
nanoporous polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) type materials
Data Source
AI summary
Novel urethane-acrylate (UAC) Star monomers and polyurethane-acrylate (PUAC) aerogel polymers derived therefrom are described herein, along with other novel, related monomers and polymers. Also described herein are processes for preparing the UAC Star monomers, the PUAC aerogel polymers, and the other related monomers and polymers. The PUAC and related polymers herein are useful in various applications including in structural and thermal insulation.