Recycled Polycarbonate Composition Balancing Flame Retardancy and Transparency

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a polycarbonate resin composition that is excellent in flame retardancy and transparency, particularly for formed articles, as existing compositions may not adequately address these requirements.

Innovation Solution

A resin composition comprising recycled polycarbonate resin, a flame retardant, and a specific molecular weight ratio between recycled and virgin polycarbonate resins, without the use of fluoropolymers, which includes a metal salt-based flame retardant, such as an alkali metal salt of sulfonic acid or a phosphazene compound.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoropolymers are used to achieve flame retardancy, then flame retardancy is improved, but transparency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardancyVSAvoidtransparency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes fluoropolymers from the resin composition while maintaining flame retardancy through alternative mechanisms. The patent achieves this by using a specific combination of phosphorus-based flame retardant and antimony oxide, eliminating the need for fluoropolymer additives that compromise transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite flame retardant system combining phosphorus-based compounds and antimony oxide in specific ratios. This composite approach provides effective flame retardancy through synergistic effects without requiring fluoropolymer additives, thus maintaining the transparency of the polycarbonate resin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If recycled polycarbonate resin is used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but molecular weight consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidmolecular weight consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls the viscosity average molecular weight of the recycled polycarbonate resin within a specific range (5,000 to 50,000) to optimize both sustainability and performance. By specifying molecular weight parameters, the patent ensures consistent rheological properties and mechanical strength while utilizing recycled materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies different quality requirements to different components: recycled polycarbonate resin with controlled molecular weight for sustainability, virgin polycarbonate resin for base performance, and specific flame retardants for flame resistance. This differentiated approach allows each component to contribute optimally to the overall composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If flame retardant content is increased to improve flame retardancy, then flame retardancy is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardancyVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the content of phosphorus-based flame retardant and antimony oxide within specific ranges to achieve effective flame retardancy while minimizing impact on mechanical properties. The patent specifies controlled amounts of each additive to balance flame resistance and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses antimony oxide as an intermediary that enhances the effectiveness of phosphorus-based flame retardants, allowing lower overall additive levels to achieve the same flame retardancy. This synergistic combination reduces the total amount of flame retardant needed, thereby preserving mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves excellent flame retardancy and transparency in formed articles by promoting the formation of a carbonized layer during combustion, reducing the need for anti-dripping agents, and enhancing heat resistance and toughness.

Implementation Method 1

promoting the formation of a carbonized layer during combustion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbonized layer formation: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20250282948A1Resin composition, pellet, formed article, and method for producing resin composition
Publication Date: 2025.09.11 MITSUBISHI CHEM CORP
  • US20250282948A1 patent drawing
  • US20250282948A1 patent drawing
  • US20250282948A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A resin composition comprises a polycarbonate resin and a flame retardant, wherein the polycarbonate resin comprises a recycled polycarbonate resin, wherein the resin composition is substantially free from fluoropolymers.