Quantum Dot Film Viscosity Control During High-Temperature Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

High cure temperatures in the formation of quantum dot films lead to defects due to decreased polymer precursor viscosity, causing movement within the laminate construction and stress-related issues.

Innovation Solution

An interpenetrating polymer network is formed by adding a radiation curable methacrylate to an epoxy amine laminating adhesive, increasing viscosity and reducing defects through radiation polymerization, which occurs after lamination of barrier films.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high cure temperature is used to shorten cure time, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecure timeVSAvoiddefect generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the polymer precursor by adding a radiation-curable component. This modified precursor maintains higher viscosity at elevated cure temperatures, preventing the precursor from moving and causing defects while still allowing the cure reaction to proceed rapidly. The parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of high productivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer system combining radiation-curable monomers/oligomers with epoxy-amine components. This composite material exhibits both rapid cure kinetics (from radiation curable components) and high temperature stability (from the composite structure), resolving the contradiction between fast curing and defect-free manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If high cure temperature is used to accelerate curing, then duration of action is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to polymer precursor movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecure durationVSAvoidfilm integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the viscosity parameter of the polymer precursor through formulation with radiation-curable components. This ensures the precursor maintains adequate viscosity at high cure temperatures, preventing movement and maintaining film integrity while enabling rapid curing. The parameter change simultaneously improves reliability and reduces cure duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If radiation curable methacrylate is added to increase viscosity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect reductionVSAvoidpolymer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the curing functions of radiation-curable monomers/oligomers with epoxy-amine components into a single hybrid system. This unified approach uses one curing process (radiation curing) to achieve both rapid reaction and high temperature stability, reducing overall process complexity despite the multi-component formulation. The merging principle resolves the contradiction by integrating multiple functions into a cohesive system.

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 increased viscosity locks in coating quality and reduces defects during high temperature curing, providing better control over coating, curing, and web handling, while maintaining the functional properties of the epoxy amine polymer.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer material includes a methacrylate polymer, an epoxy polymer and a photoinitiator. The methacrylate polymer is formed by radiation polymerization of methacrylate polymer precursors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The epoxy polymer is formed by thermal polymerizing of epoxy polymer precursors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal polymerization:

Data Source

PatentEP2946411B1Quantum dot film
Publication Date: 2019.07.24 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP2946411B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A quantum dot film article includes a first barrier film, a second barrier film, and a quantum dot layer separating the first barrier from the second barrier film. The quantum dot layer includes quantum dots dispersed in a polymer material. The polymer material includes a methacrylate polymer, an epoxy polymer and a photoinitiator.