Soluble Perfluoropolyether Polymers for Transparent Coatings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing (per)fluoropolyether polymers have poor solubility in solvents like acetone, ethyl acetate, and methylethylketone, limiting their use in transparent coating compositions for plastic substrates, and there is a need for polymers with high molecular weight and long fluorinated chains that maintain transparency.
Innovation Solution
Development of (per)fluoropolyether polymers with a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain having specific functional groups, synthesized by reacting a poli-isocyanate compound with a compound containing an unsaturated moiety, and then contacting the product with a (per)fluoropolyether polymer having hydroxy groups, to create a polymer that is soluble in these solvents and forms a transparent, water- and oil-repellent coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing (per)fluoropolyether polymers are used, then they provide good chemical stability and transparency, but they have poor solubility in solvents like acetone, ethyl acetate, and methylethylketone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of (per)fluoropolyether polymers by introducing specific functional groups (carboxylic acid, hydroxyl, amine, isocyanate, or acrylic groups) at the chain ends. This structural parameter change enables the polymers to dissolve in conventional organic solvents while preserving their chemical stability and transparency properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite polymer structures by combining (per)fluoropolyether chains with functional end groups. The resulting composite material maintains the backbone properties of (per)fluoropolyether (chemical stability, transparency) while adding the solubility characteristics of the functional groups, achieving a material that satisfies multiple requirements simultaneously.
2Strength
If polymers with long fluorinated chains and high molecular weight are developed, then they provide improved durability and protection, but they become less soluble in conventional solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent successfully changes the solubility parameters of high molecular weight (per)fluoropolyether polymers by introducing polar functional groups at the chain ends. This allows polymers with long fluorinated chains (MW 10,000-1,000,000) to dissolve in conventional organic solvents, enabling the manufacture of durable protective coatings without solubility limitations.
3Strength
If a transparent coating layer is provided onto plastic covers to improve scratch and abrasion resistance, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the coating manufacturing process by developing (per)fluoropolyether polymers that are soluble in conventional organic solvents. This eliminates the need for specialized high-cost solvents or complex application equipment, allowing standard dip-coating or spray-coating techniques to be used while achieving scratch-resistant transparent coatings.
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 resulting polymer composition provides a transparent, water- and oil-repellent coating with easy clean and anti-fingerprint properties, suitable for protecting touchscreens and other electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
synthesized by reacting a poli-isocyanate compound with a compound containing an unsaturated moiety
Implementation Method 2
contacting the product with a (per)fluoropolyether polymer having hydroxy groups
Implementation Method 3
forms a transparent, water- and oil-repellent coating
Implementation Method 4
water- and oil-repellent properties
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to novel (per)fluoropolyether (PFPE) polymers, to a process for their manufacture and to their use as additives in coating compositions.