Styrenic Block Copolymer Composition With Decarboxylated Rosin Co-Solvent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer compositions face challenges with material incompatibility, low solubility, high volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and odor issues, which affect their effectiveness in bonding polymer articles together or to other substrates.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising styrenic block copolymer (SBC) in a solvent system with a decarboxylated rosin (DCR) as a co-solvent, utilizing a specific ratio of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and alcohols to achieve high solubility and compatibility, with optional additives for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional solvents are used to dissolve polymers, then dissolution can be achieved, but volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the solvent system by incorporating decarboxylated rosin (DCR) as a co-solvent with aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and alcohols in specific ratios. This parameter change maintains polymer solubility while reducing VOC emissions and odor compared to conventional single-solvent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system combining multiple solvent types (aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols) with DCR as the base co-solvent. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of each component to achieve both high solubility and reduced harmful emissions.
2Strength
If polymer materials are bonded together, then bonding function is achieved, but material incompatibility occurs due to low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The DCR-based solvent system acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates compatibility between different polymer materials. The specific composition of DCR with aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and alcohols creates a universal solvent environment that enables various polymers to dissolve and bond effectively, overcoming material incompatibility issues.
3Productivity
If temperature is increased to speed up dissolution, then dissolution rate increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent composition parameters to include DCR with specific ratios of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and alcohols. This composition modification enhances the solvent's ability to dissolve polymers at lower temperatures, thereby maintaining high dissolution rates while reducing the energy input required compared to conventional high-temperature processes.
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 provides a solvent-based polymer composition with excellent polymer compatibility, low VOCs, and reduced odor, ensuring full solubility and effective bonding of polymer articles.
Implementation Method 1
The SBC is fully dissolved at a rate of >90 wt. % in a solvent system. The solvent system contains a first solvent selected from aromatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ketones, and mixtures thereof, and a decarboxylated rosin (DCR) as a cosolvent
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a polymer composition comprising a styrenic block copolymer, a tackifier and at least an additive. The styrenic block copolymer is fully dissolved in a solvent system containing a first solvent and a decarboxylated rosin as a co-solvent in a ratio of 20:80 to 80:20. The styrenic block copolymer includes unhydrogenated styrenic block copolymers, partially hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer, fully hydrogenated styrenic block copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The polymer composition exhibits a higher softening point and reduced vertical slump at room temperature after 6 to 24 hours. The polymer composition is suitable for use in adhesives, sealants, and coating applications.