Silane-Modified Polyethylene for Cable-to-Polyurethane Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyolefins, particularly polyethylene, used in cable layers exhibit poor adhesion to polyurethane resins, necessitating improved compositions for enhanced bonding.

Innovation Solution

A polyethylene composition comprising ethylene copolymers with hydrolysable silane-groups and/or monomer units with hydroxyl and/or (meth-)acrylate groups, along with a silanol condensation catalyst, to enhance cross-linking and adhesion to polyurethane resins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If polyolefins (particularly polyethylene) are used in cable layers, then the cable structure is achieved, but adhesion to polyurethane resins is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidbonding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition of polyethylene by incorporating specific comonomers (vinyl alcohol, carboxylic acid, ester groups) to change the surface properties and chemical reactivity parameters, enabling improved adhesion to polyurethane resins while maintaining the base polyolefin structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite polymer material by copolymerizing ethylene with functional comonomers (vinyl alcohol, carboxylic acid, ester groups) to produce a material that combines the desirable properties of polyolefins with enhanced adhesion characteristics, achieving both structural integrity and bonding reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If PVC is used in cable layers, then adhesion to polyurethane resins is excellent, but the need for polyolefin usage is not met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of polyolefins by introducing functional groups through copolymerization, transforming them from non-adhesive materials to those with adhesion properties comparable to PVC, thus expanding material selection flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces functional comonomer units at specific locations within the polyethylene polymer chain, creating local regions with enhanced adhesion properties while maintaining the overall polyolefin structure and characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 adhesion strengths exceeding 1 N/mm, meeting industry standards, by utilizing ethylene copolymers with hydroxyl and/or acrylate functionalities, significantly improving bonding with polyurethane resins.

Implementation Method 1

cross-linking may be performed by condensation of silanol groups contained in the composition which can be obtained by hydrolysation of silane groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

cross-linking may be performed by condensation of silanol groups contained in the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

an ethylene co-polymer with monomer units comprising hydroxyl groups and/or (meth-)acrylate groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS12391823B2Polyethylene composition for improving adhesion to polyurethane resins
Publication Date: 2025.08.19 BOREALIS AG

AI summary

The present invention concerns a polyethylene composition comprising (A) an ethylene co-polymer containing monomer units with hydrolysable silane-groups, and (B) one or more ethylene co-polymers selected from the group of (B1) an ethylene co-polymer containing monomer units with hydroxyl groups, (B2) an ethylene co-polymer containing monomer units with (meth-)acrylate groups, and (B3) an ethylene co-polymer containing monomer units with hydroxyl groups and (meth-)acrylate groups, a cable comprising a layer (1) which comprises one or more ethylene copolymers selected from the group of (B1), (B2) and (B3) and to the use of one or more ethylene co-polymers selected from the group of (B1), (B2) and (B3) for improving the adhesion between a layer of a cable comprising the ethylene co-polymer(s) and a polyurethane resin.