Silane Crosslinkable Polyolefin Composition Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyolefin compositions face challenges in achieving high throughput and surface quality during extrusion due to temperature limitations and degradation, requiring improved processing properties and reduced retention time in the extruder.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a silicon-containing compound with specific structural features into a polyolefin composition comprising crosslinkable polyolefin with hydrolysable silane groups and a silanol condensation catalyst, allowing for lower extrusion temperatures and higher throughput while maintaining surface quality and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If higher energy input is applied to the extruder to improve mixing and dispersion, then dispersion quality improves, but temperature increases causing polyolefin degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The silicon-containing compound acts as an intermediary substance that modifies the interaction between the polyolefin composition and the extruder environment. It enables effective mixing and dispersion at lower temperatures by improving flow properties and reducing friction, thereby preventing thermal degradation while maintaining good dispersion quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal parameter by enabling processing at lower temperatures (below 200°C). The silicon-containing compound modifies the rheological properties of the composition, allowing for effective extrusion and dispersion at reduced temperature conditions that prevent polyolefin degradation.
2Productivity
If higher output of the extruder is achieved, then productivity increases, but retention time decreases leading to insufficient mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The silicon-containing compound serves as a processing aid that mediates between the conflicting requirements of high output and adequate mixing. It improves the flow characteristics and surface properties of the composition, enabling high-speed extrusion with sufficient mixing time by reducing friction and improving material homogeneity during the extrusion process.
3Productivity
If extrusion temperature is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but surface quality deteriorates due to degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention fundamentally changes the temperature parameter by enabling high-throughput extrusion at lower temperatures. The silicon-containing compound modifies the processing characteristics to allow increased productivity while maintaining surface quality by preventing thermal degradation that would otherwise occur at higher temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicon-containing compound acts as a protective intermediary that prevents direct thermal degradation of the polyolefin surface during high-speed extrusion. It improves surface smoothness and quality by reducing friction and heat generation, while still allowing for increased throughput.
4Productivity
If retention time in the extruder is decreased to maximize output, then productivity increases, but mixing and dispersion become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The silicon-containing compound acts as a processing aid that enables effective mixing and dispersion even with reduced retention time. It improves the flow and rheological properties of the composition, allowing for rapid yet thorough mixing during the shortened extrusion process, thereby maintaining high productivity without sacrificing mixing 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 silicon-containing compound enhances processing behavior, enabling extrusion at decreased temperatures with improved dispersion and output, maintaining surface smoothness and reducing retention time, thus extending production campaigns and ensuring high-quality polyolefin products.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking may be performed by condensation of silanol groups contained in the polyolefin which can be obtained by hydrolysation of silane groups
Implementation Method 2
crosslinking may be performed by condensation of silanol groups contained in the polyolefin
Implementation Method 3
the content of water in the polyolefin composition can be reduced by a drying step
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising (i) a crosslinkable polyolefin with hydrolysable silane groups (A), (ii) a silanol condensation catalyst (B) of the formula Ar(SO3H)x as defined herein, and (iii) a silicon containing compound (C) selected from the group consisting of 3-ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane, N-trimethoxysilylmethyl-O-methylcarbamate, and mixtures thereof; to an article, in particular a wire or cable, comprising such a composition, and to the use of such a composition for producing the article. The present invention further relates to the use of silicon containing compound (C) as a processing aid in the compounding of polyolefin compositions and as a surface smoothening agent in polyolefin compositions. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a silicon containing compound (C) as a drying agent for polyolefin compositions, as a corrosion inhibitor in polyolefin compositions comprising a Bronsted acid and as a pH controlling agent in polymer compositions comprising a Bronsted acid.