Semi-Interpenetrating Urethane Matrix with Phase Change Material
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials with high hardblock content, such as MDI semi-flexible foams, lack effective methods for achieving high hardblock content while maintaining flexibility and phase change properties, particularly in the temperature range −10° C. to +60° C., for applications like building insulation and automotive interiors.
Innovation Solution
A semi-interpenetrating network material comprising a matrix with over 75% urethane, urea, or isocyanurate groups and a polymeric material with oxyalkylene groups, specifically polyethylene glycol, that acts as a phase change material and plasticizer, ensuring incorporation during matrix preparation to achieve high hardblock content and phase change properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If polyethylene glycol is reacted together with the foam forming formulation, then the phase change properties are achieved, but the hardblock content is reduced to at most 62%
Solution Approach 1:
The polyethylene glycol is incorporated into the foam forming formulation before the reaction takes place, allowing it to be uniformly distributed in the matrix before polymerization. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the phase change material is integrated into the structure without requiring post-processing impregnation, and enables achievement of both high hardblock content (>75%) and phase change properties simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the foam formulation by incorporating polyethylene glycol with specific molecular weight (700-20000) and specific ratios (1-50 parts by weight per 100 parts polyol). This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve both high hardblock content and phase change behavior in the temperature range -10°C to +60°C
2Stability of the object's composition
If high hardblock content is achieved in MDI semi-flexible foams, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and phase change properties are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining the rigid urethane/urea/isocyanurate matrix (providing high hardblock content and structural stability) with polyethylene glycol chains (providing flexibility and phase change properties). This composite approach allows both contradictory properties to coexist: the matrix provides structural integrity while the PEG segments provide flexibility and thermal response
Solution Approach 2:
The polyethylene glycol is distributed locally within the matrix structure, creating regions with different properties. The PEG segments act as local flexible domains and plasticizers within the rigid matrix, providing flexibility and phase change behavior at specific locations while maintaining overall structural stability through the high hardblock content matrix
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 solution enables materials with excellent temperature damping properties, suitable for various applications, including building insulation and automotive interiors, by maintaining high hardblock content and phase change behavior within the specified temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
exhibits a phase change as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range −10° C. to +60° C. with an enthalpy ΔHm of at least 87 kJ/kg
Implementation Method 2
exhibits a phase change as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range −10° C. to +60° C. with an enthalpy ΔHm of at least 87 kJ/kg
Implementation Method 3
The additives behave as plasticizers which soften the hard polymer matrix and provide flexibility to the foams
Implementation Method 4
is interpenetrating said matrix A
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a material comprising: a matrix material comprising a plurality of urethane and/or urea and/or isocyanurate groups and having a hardblock content of more than 75% (hereinafter called matrix A); and a polymeric material which 1) has no groups which are able to form a urethane, urea or isocyanurate group with an isocyanate group, 2) exhibits a phase change as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range −10° C. to +60° C. with an enthalpy ΔHm of at least 87 kJ/kg, 3) is interpenetrating said matrix A, and 4) has an average molecular weight of more than 700 and comprises at least 50% by weight of oxyalkylene groups, based on the weight of this material, wherein at least 85% of the oxyalkylene groups are oxyethylene groups (hereinafter called polymeric material B); and wherein the relative amount of said matrix A and of said polymeric material B, on a weight basis, ranges from 15:85 to 75:25. Process for preparing such material.