PVDF-Rubber Bonding via Thiocyanate Surface Chemistry

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

PVDF, a semi-crystalline polymer used in various applications, exhibits poor adhesion properties to rubbers due to its low surface energy, which is a challenge in applications requiring strong bonding between PVDF and rubber components.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the introduction of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of PVDF followed by reaction with a compound containing thiocyanate groups, such as silane, to enhance the adhesion between PVDF and sulfur cross-linkable rubber compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PVDF is used for its piezoelectric properties and chemical stability, then reliability is improved, but adhesion to rubber deteriorates due to low surface energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiezoelectric performanceVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by treating only the surface of the PVDF polymer with oxygen plasma, creating a localized modification layer with oxygen-containing functional groups. This surface treatment enhances adhesion to rubber while preserving the bulk piezoelectric properties of the PVDF material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary compound containing thiocyanate groups that reacts with oxygen-containing functional groups on the PVDF surface. This intermediary creates a chemical bridge between the PVDF surface and the rubber, enabling strong adhesion without altering the bulk properties of either material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If adhesive layers are used to bond PVDF to rubber, then adhesion is improved, but conductivity between piezoelectric layer and conductive layers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidelectrical conductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the adhesive layer from the system by creating direct chemical bonding between PVDF and rubber through surface treatment and thiocyanate compound reaction. This removes the insulating adhesive layer that would otherwise block electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the bonding function and electrical conductivity function into a single interface by creating direct chemical bonds between PVDF and rubber. This combination eliminates the need for separate adhesive layers and maintains electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves high adhesive strength between PVDF and rubber without altering the internal structure of PVDF, effectively addressing the poor adhesion issue and improving the performance of PVDF-based piezoelectric devices.

Implementation Method 1

introducing oxygen-containing functional groups on the at least one surface of the piezoelectric polymer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma treatment: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

reacting the oxygen-containing functional groups with a compound comprising thiocyanate groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

cross-linking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4031616B1Method for chemically adhering a diene rubber to a piezoelectric polymer
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 APOLLO TYRES GLOBAL R&D BV
  • EP4031616B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4031616B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4031616B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for chemically adhering a diene rubber to a piezoelectric polymer, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a piezoelectric polymer having at least one surface, b) providing a rubber component having at least one surface and comprising a sulfur cross-linkable rubber composition, c) introducing oxygen-containing functional groups on the at least one surface of the piezoelectric polymer, d) reacting the oxygen-containing functional groups with a compound comprising thiocyanate groups, and e) contacting the surface of the piezoelectric polymer obtained of step d) with the surface of the rubber component, and cross-linking.