PVA Polymer Composition for 3D Printing Melt Flow and Thermal Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic polymer compositions, particularly polyvinyl alcohol, face challenges such as poor flow and thermal degradation during processing, which complicates their use in 3-D printing and other applications, and they persist in the environment for extended periods, contributing to microplastic pollution.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol with specific molecular weight and hydrolysis levels, combined with additives like phosphite, vitamin E, and epoxidised soy bean oil, enhances melt and flow behavior, thermal stability, and compatibility with 3-D printing processes, while being environmentally friendly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pure polyvinyl alcohol is used for 3-D printing, then environmental degradability is improved, but melt flow characteristics and thermal stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining polyvinyl alcohol with specific additives (phosphite compounds, vitamin E, epoxidised soy bean oil) to create a formulation that maintains environmental degradability while improving melt flow characteristics and thermal stability during 3-D printing processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of polyvinyl alcohol by controlling the degree of hydrolysis (66-79 mole%) and molecular weight (Mw 26,000-87,000, Mn 4,000-45,000), and by adding specific concentrations of additives (phosphite 0.05-10%, vitamin E 0.01-2%, epoxidised soy bean oil 0.01-5%) to optimize both processability and environmental degradability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pure polyvinyl alcohol is used for 3-D printing, then environmental degradability is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by formulating polyvinyl alcohol with phosphite compounds (which act as thermal stabilizers), vitamin E (antioxidant), and epoxidised soy bean oil (plasticizer), creating a system that resists thermal degradation during processing while maintaining environmental degradability at end-of-life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating thermal stabilizers (phosphite compounds) and antioxidants (vitamin E) into the polymer formulation before processing, which prevent thermal degradation and oxidation during the 3-D printing process, thereby protecting the polymer composition from thermal damage
3Ease of manufacture
If polyvinyl alcohol is formulated with additives for better processing, then melt flow characteristics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent manages formulation complexity by precisely defining parameter ranges for each component (degree of hydrolysis 66-79 mole%, molecular weights, additive concentrations) rather than requiring exact values, which simplifies manufacturing while maintaining improved melt flow characteristics
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 composition exhibits improved melt and flow characteristics, thermal stability, and environmental degradability, facilitating use in 3-D printing and other applications with reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
about 0.05 to about 10% by weight of a phosphite selected from the group consisting of formula (V) and formula (VI)
Implementation Method 2
about 0.05 to about 10% by weight of a phosphite selected from the group consisting of formula (V) and formula (VI)
Implementation Method 3
at least one additive selected from: (i) vitamin E; and (ii) epoxidised soy bean oil
Implementation Method 4
at least one additive selected from: (i) vitamin E; and (ii) epoxidised soy bean oil
Implementation Method 5
polyvinyl alcohol is water-soluble and in solution is broken down to carbon dioxide and water by the action of microorganisms
Implementation Method 6
polyvinyl alcohol is water-soluble and in solution is broken down to carbon dioxide and water by the action of microorganisms
Implementation Method 7
Thermoplastics are polymers that become pliable and mouldable above a certain elevated temperature
Implementation Method 8
Thermoplastics are polymers that become pliable and mouldable above a certain elevated temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides polyvinyl alcohol-based polymer compositions. One aspect provides a polymer composition comprising about 60 to about 99% by weight of a polymer (A), about 0.05 to about 10% by weight of a phosphite, at least one additive selected from vitamin E and epoxidised soy bean oil, and about 0 to about 10% by weight of a PEG-grafted polyvinyl acetate copolymer. Processes for preparation of said polymer composition as well as uses thereof and articles prepared therefrom are also provided.