Thermoplastic Cooling Circuit Components with Hydrolysis Stabilizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymers used in automotive cooling circuits are prone to hydrolytic degradation when exposed to high temperatures and cooling media, leading to a reduction in mechanical properties, and are often expensive, particularly for partially aromatic polyamides and polyamide 66.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic component comprising 20-85% polycaprolactam, 5-35% polypropylene, and 5-65% reinforcing material, with hydrolysis stabilizers such as carbodiimides or secondary amines, which provides sufficient hydrolysis stability without the need for expensive polymers like polyamide 66.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyamide 66 or semi-aromatic polyamides are used for hydrolysis stability, then hydrolytic degradation resistance is improved, but material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive polyamide 66 with a more economical polyamide 6 formulation that achieves comparable hydrolysis resistance through optimized stabilizer packages, effectively using a cheaper material to achieve the same functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system combining polyamide 6 with specific stabilizers (secondary amines and/or carbodiimides) and optionally polyolefin resins, achieving hydrolysis stability comparable to expensive polyamide 66 while maintaining cost advantages
2Quantity of substance
If polyamide 6 is used instead of polyamide 66, then material cost is reduced, but hydrolysis stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces secondary amines and/or carbodiimides as intermediary substances that mediate between the polyamide 6 polymer chains, preventing hydrolytic degradation by reacting with carbonyl groups formed during degradation, thus protecting the polymer structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the polyamide 6 system by incorporating specific stabilizers (secondary amines and/or carbodiimides) at optimized concentrations, fundamentally altering the degradation behavior and hydrolysis resistance of the material
3Reliability
If stabilizer concentration is increased to improve hydrolysis resistance, then hydrolytic degradation resistance is improved, but material cost and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of stabilizers to achieve effective hydrolysis protection at moderate levels (0.01-5% secondary amines, 0.01-3% carbodiimides), avoiding the need for excessive stabilizer additions that would complicate formulation and processing
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 component maintains mechanical properties and hydrolysis stability, meeting automotive industry requirements without the high cost of conventional stabilizers, as demonstrated by flexural strength after storage in a coolant/water mixture at elevated temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
experts understand hydrolytic degradation to mean the cleavage of the amide groups present in the polymer chain under the influence of water
Implementation Method 2
the stabilizing effect or the sufficient stability of the stabilized polymers against hydrolytic degradation is tested... Monomeric, oligomeric, or polymeric carbodiimides... and secondary amines are used as special stabilizers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to thermoplastic components comprising polycaprolactam and polypropylene and their use in cooling circuits, particularly in automobiles.