Resin Modifier via Cellulose Nanofiber Amine Reaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for using cellulose nanofibers as resin modifiers fail to achieve a strong bonding with resin particles, leading to inadequate dispersion and reinforcing effects due to insufficient compatibility and bonding between cellulose nanofibers and resin.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the polymerization of ethylene unsaturated monomers in the presence of cellulose nanofibers, where the cellulose nanofibers are reacted with an amine or a quaternary ammonium salt compound, enhancing their compatibility and dispersion within the resin, and the use of oxidized or polyvalent carboxylic acid-modified cellulose nanofibers to improve bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cellulose nanofiber is simply mixed with resin, then the process is simple, but the reinforcing effect is insufficient due to poor compatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing process simplicityVSAvoidreinforcing effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (silane coupling agent or amine compound) that mediates between the hydrophilic cellulose nanofiber and hydrophobic resin. This intermediary forms chemical bonds with both materials, creating a bridge that improves compatibility and enables effective stress transfer, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple mixing and achieving reinforcing effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface properties of cellulose nanofiber by changing chemical parameters (introducing hydrophobic groups through silane modification or amine reaction). This parameter change in surface chemistry improves compatibility with resin while maintaining the nanofiber structure, allowing simple mixing to yield effective reinforcing results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If cellulose nanofiber is disposed at surface of resin particles, then compatibility improves, but bonding strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with resinVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs silane coupling agents or amine compounds as intermediaries that chemically bond to both the cellulose nanofiber surface and resin matrix. This intermediary mechanism creates strong interfacial bonding while maintaining compatibility, resolving the contradiction between improved compatibility and insufficient bonding strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure where modified cellulose nanofiber (with silane or amine groups) forms a hybrid interface with resin. This composite approach combines the advantages of different materials to achieve both compatibility and strong bonding, overcoming the limitations of simple surface disposal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If cellulose nanofiber is not strongly bonded to resin particles, then processing is easier, but uniform dispersion is failed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing easeVSAvoiduniform dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface energy and chemical parameters of cellulose nanofiber through silane modification or amine reaction. This parameter change creates appropriate surface properties that promote uniform dispersion in resin while maintaining processing ease, resolving the contradiction between processing ease and uniform dispersion stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach results in a resin modifier that exhibits excellent modifying effects, with improved compatibility and dispersion of cellulose nanofibers within the resin, leading to enhanced mechanical properties and processing advantages.

Implementation Method 1

the cellulose nanofiber being reacted with an amine or a quaternary ammonium salt compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a process of polymerizing an ethylene unsaturated monomer in the presence of a cellulose nanofiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

the oxidized cellulose being obtained from a cellulose-based raw material using, as an oxidant, a hypochlorous acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS11891501B2Method of producing resin modifier, resin modifier, and composite material
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 TOAGOSEI CO LTD

AI summary

A method of producing a resin modifier, the method comprising a process of polymerizing an ethylene unsaturated monomer in the presence of a cellulose nanofiber, the cellulose nanofiber being reacted with an amine or a quaternary ammonium salt compound.