Self-Consuming Polymer Structure for Controlled Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric materials lack the necessary mechanical properties and rigidity to form durable, self-consuming structures that can be destroyed on demand, which is essential for applications requiring temporary or disposable components with structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A rigid, self-consuming polymeric composition is developed by incorporating a cross-linked thermosetting polymer with molecularly dispersed or particulate fuel and oxidizer, providing mechanical properties suitable for structural support and enabling self-destruction capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If soft polymers are used for self-consuming materials, then the material can be easily consumed or destroyed, but the material lacks rigidity and sufficient mechanical properties for structural applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines soft polymer matrices with rigid reinforcing elements (fibers, particles, or crystalline structures) to create composite self-consuming materials that simultaneously achieve both ease of consumption and sufficient mechanical strength for structural applications. The composite structure allows the material to maintain structural integrity during use while remaining capable of controlled consumption when triggered.
2Strength
If rigid thermosetting polymers are used for structural applications, then the material provides sufficient mechanical properties and durability, but the material becomes extremely difficult to remove or destroy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates consumable components (such as embedded fuels, oxidizers, or weak-link structures) into the rigid thermosetting polymer during manufacturing, preparing the material in advance for controlled consumption. This preliminary integration of consumption mechanisms allows the otherwise permanent thermoset structure to be selectively destroyed or removed when needed, resolving the contradiction between durability and removability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If self-consuming polymer materials are used, then the material can be destroyed on demand, but the material lacks the mechanical properties required for structural support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates heterogeneous structures where different regions of the material have different properties - some areas contain consumable components for self-destruction while other areas maintain rigid structural characteristics. This local differentiation allows the material to provide structural support where needed while retaining self-destruction capability in specific zones or under specific conditions.
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 structural integrity and self-destruction functionality, enabling the creation of rigid, load-bearing structures that can be used in various applications, including temporary plugs, seals, and thermally activated safety devices, with enhanced mechanical properties and energy release capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a rigid, cross-linked, thermosetting polymer
Implementation Method 2
fuel and an oxidizer molecularly dispersed in the polymer
Implementation Method 3
molecularly dispersed within the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A self-consuming structure is disclosed that is formed from a self-consuming composition based on an epoxy or polyurethane having fuel and/or oxidizer molecularly dispersed and/or as particulates in the epoxy or polyurethane. The composition may be used to form self-consuming structural components.