Segmented Silicone Polyamide Block Copolymers for Adhesion and Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The incompatibility of polyamides and silicones has made it difficult to create materials that retain the desirable properties of both, such as release properties and durability, for use in coatings and adhesives, where polyamide and silicone polymers typically do not laminate well or maintain adhesion.

Innovation Solution

A segmented polyamide silicone block copolymer is developed, where the silicone polymers constitute at least 60% by weight, and dimer acid residues in polyamide blocks are at least 50% by weight, allowing for a combination that retains release properties and coatability while adhering to substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If polyamide and silicone polymers are combined in conventional formulations, then release properties and coatability can be achieved, but adhesion and lamination compatibility deteriorate due to material incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease propertiesVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the polymer structure into distinct segments: polyamide segments that provide adhesion and lamination compatibility, and silicone segments that provide release properties. These segments are connected in a block copolymer architecture, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while being part of a unified material system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite polymer material by chemically bonding polyamide and silicone segments together in a block copolymer structure. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously exhibit properties of both constituent polymers - the adhesion characteristics of polyamide and the release properties of silicone - while maintaining compatibility and preventing the phase separation that occurs in conventional blends.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If polyamide and silicone polymers are combined in conventional formulations, then release properties can be achieved, but coatability and durability worsen due to poor lamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease propertiesVSAvoidcoatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented block copolymer structure separates the material into distinct polyamide and silicone regions at the molecular level. This segmentation ensures that each segment maintains its inherent properties - polyamide segments provide coatability and durability while silicone segments provide release properties - without the materials phase-separating during application and curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By creating a chemically integrated composite material through block copolymerization, the invention eliminates the lamination and compatibility issues that arise when physically blending incompatible polymers. The chemically bonded structure ensures uniform distribution and stable integration of both polymer types, enabling reliable coating and application processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If pure silicone is used for release properties, then release performance is improved, but coatability and durability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease propertiesVSAvoidcoatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the beneficial properties of silicone (release characteristics) with those of polyamide (coatability and durability) into a single block copolymer material. The silicone segments are chemically integrated with polyamide segments, allowing the material to exhibit both release performance and good coating properties simultaneously, rather than requiring separate layers or components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3491042B1Segmented silicone polyamide block copolymers and articles containing the same
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
  • EP3491042B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3491042B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP3491042B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Segmented silicone polyamide block copolymers that comprise dimer acid residues and articles containing the same.