TFE-PPVE Copolymer Composition for Low-Permeability Molded Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing copolymers used for forming articles and electric wire coatings face challenges such as corrosion of molds, poor chemical resistance, high permeability to gases and chemicals, and limited durability under heat and stress, which affect their performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

A copolymer containing tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE) units with specific mass content, melt flow rate, and functional group density, optimized for injection molding and extrusion forming, providing enhanced chemical resistance, low permeability, and durability while minimizing fluorine ion dissolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing copolymers are used for forming articles and electric wire coatings, then production can proceed with conventional materials, but the articles suffer from corrosion of molds, poor chemical resistance, high permeability to gases and chemicals, and limited durability under heat and stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidmold corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the compositional parameters of the copolymer: the content of perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) units is maintained at 3.2 to 3.7 mass%, and the number of functional groups is limited to 50 or less per 10^6 main-chain carbon atoms. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by achieving superior chemical resistance while preventing mold corrosion through controlled material composition rather than changing the fundamental polymer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material principles by creating a copolymer system that combines tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) units in specific proportions. This composite polymer structure integrates the beneficial properties of both monomer units, achieving enhanced chemical resistance and mold compatibility that neither component could provide alone in conventional formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing copolymers are used for forming articles, then conventional processing methods can be applied, but the articles exhibit high permeability to carbon dioxide and chemical solutions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepermeability resistanceVSAvoidpolymer structure optimization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the permeability issue through parameter changes by optimizing the functional group density to 50 or less per 10^6 main-chain carbon atoms and controlling the perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) unit content within 3.2 to 3.7 mass%. These parameter adjustments reduce polymer chain irregularities and improve packing density, thereby achieving low permeability to carbon dioxide and chemical solutions without requiring complex multilayer structures or additional processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If existing copolymers are used for high-temperature applications, then processing can proceed with standard materials, but the articles show poor durability against repetitive load and heat stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability under heat and stressVSAvoidhigh-temperature tensile creep resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses high-temperature durability through parameter changes by controlling the functional group content and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) unit composition. These parameter optimizations enhance the thermal stability and structural integrity of the copolymer, enabling it to maintain strength and resist tensile creep under repetitive load at elevated temperatures, thereby achieving superior durability without requiring cross-linking or reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If existing copolymers are used for injection molding, then conventional molding processes can be employed, but the formed articles lack excellent abrasion resistance and transparency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidinjection molding process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves excellent abrasion resistance and transparency through parameter changes in the copolymer composition, specifically by maintaining perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) units at 3.2 to 3.7 mass% and functional groups at 50 or less per 10^6 main-chain carbon atoms. These compositional parameters optimize the material's surface properties and optical characteristics, enabling superior abrasion resistance and clarity while remaining compatible with conventional injection molding processes without requiring specialized equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20230383033A1Copolymer, molded article, injection molded article and covered wire
Publication Date: 2023.11.30 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

There is provided a copolymer containing tetrafluoroethylene unit and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) unit, wherein the copolymer has a content of perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) unit of 3.2 to 3.7% by mass with respect to the whole of the monomer units, the melt flow rate at 372° C. of 22.0 to 27.0 g/10 min, and the number of functional groups of 50 or less per 106 main-chain carbon atoms.