Surface-Modified Metal Oxide Particles for High Abbe Number Optical Resins

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Solution Overview

Problem

The surface-modified metal oxide particles in existing curable compositions have low compatibility with fluorinated compounds due to a high proportion of surface-modifying groups derived from non-fluorinated components, leading to poor dispersion and reduced transparency of the cured products when attempting to increase the fluorine atom content for higher Abbe numbers.

Innovation Solution

Surface-modified metal oxide particles with fluoroalkyl and (meth)acryloyl group-containing surface-modifying groups are developed, allowing for improved dispersion in high fluorine atom content liquids, comprising specific chemical formulas and proportions of surface-modifying groups to enhance compatibility and transparency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the proportion of fluorinated compound in the second polymerizable component is increased to increase the Abbe number, then the Abbe number of the cured product is improved, but the surface-modified metal oxide particles cannot be uniformly dispersed, thus lowering the transparency

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbbe numberVSAvoidtransparency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface-modifying groups by introducing fluorinated compounds with specific molecular structures (formulae A1 and A2) containing both fluoroalkyl groups and (meth)acryloyl groups. This parameter change enables the surface-modified metal oxide particles to maintain compatibility with high fluorine atom content liquids while achieving uniform dispersion, thus resolving the contradiction between increasing Abbe number and maintaining transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite surface-modifying group structure combining fluoroalkyl groups (from fluorinated compounds) and (meth)acryloyl groups (from polymerizable components) on the metal oxide particle surface. This composite structure provides both high fluorine atom content for high Abbe number and compatibility with the liquid fluorinated compound for uniform dispersion and high transparency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If the fluorine atom content in the surface-modifying groups is increased to increase the Abbe number, then the Abbe number is improved, but the compatibility with the fluorinated compound deteriorates, leading to poor dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbbe numberVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies local quality by introducing fluorinated surface-modifying groups specifically on the surface of metal oxide particles, while maintaining (meth)acryloyl groups that provide compatibility with the liquid fluorinated compound. This localized modification ensures high fluorine atom content for high Abbe number while preserving compatibility for uniform dispersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The surface-modifying groups act as an intermediary between the metal oxide particles and the liquid fluorinated compound. By incorporating both fluoroalkyl groups (providing fluorine atom content) and (meth)acryloyl groups (providing compatibility), the surface-modifying groups mediate the interaction between particles and liquid, enabling uniform dispersion while achieving high Abbe number.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 surface-modified metal oxide particles achieve high Abbe numbers and excellent transparency in cured products, enabling effective optical applications while maintaining mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

surface-modified metal oxide particles having fluoroalkyl group-containing surface-modifying groups and (meth)acryloyl group-containing surface-modifying groups on their surface, which are readily dispersed in a liquid fluorinated compound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface modification: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a curable composition from which a cured product having a high Abbe number and being excellent in transparency can be obtained

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS10745508B2Surface-modified metal oxide particles, production method, dispersion liquid, curable composition, and cured product
Publication Date: 2020.08.18 AGC INC

AI summary

Surface-modified metal oxide particles, includes: a metal oxide particle having a refractive index of at least 1.9 to light having a wavelength of 589 nm; a first surface-modifying group having a group represented by formula (A1); and a second surface-modifying group having a group represented by formula (A2). R1 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 hydrocarbon group; n is an integer of from 1 to 20, m is an integer of at least 3 and at most (2n+1); a is an integer of from 0 to 2; R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R4 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-4 hydrocarbon group; X is —O— or —NH—; b is an integer of from 2 to 10; and c is an integer of from 0 to 2.CnFmH2n+1-m—SiR1a(—*)3-a  (A1)CH2═CR3C(O)—X—(CH2)b—SiR4c(—*)3-c  (A2)