Thermoplastic Elastomer Composition with Polyrotaxane for Wear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPUs) face challenges with elongation, strength, and wear resistance, particularly due to the use of low-molecular weight plasticizers which lead to decreased strength and wear resistance over time.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a thermoplastic urethane elastomer composition made from polyether, polyester, or polycarbonate polyols, diisocyanate, and chain extenders, combined with a polyrotaxane featuring a pseudopolyrotaxane structure with linear and cyclic molecules in a skewered arrangement and capping groups to prevent dissociation, enhancing mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a low-molecular weight phthalate ester-based plasticizer is used to improve elongation, then elongation is improved, but strength and wear resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular weight parameter of the plasticizer from low-molecular weight to high-molecular weight (number average molecular weight of 2,000 or more). This parameter change allows the plasticizer to improve elongation while maintaining strength and wear resistance, as the high molecular weight prevents the adverse effects associated with low molecular weight plasticizers such as bleeding and strength degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite plasticizer system by combining a polyol (specifically polyether polyol or polyester polyol) with a high-molecular weight phthalate ester-based plasticizer. This composite approach allows the plasticizer to function effectively in improving elongation while the high molecular weight and specific chemical structure maintain the strength and wear resistance of the TPU
2Volume of stationary object
If a low-molecular weight plasticizer is used to improve elongation, then elongation is improved, but the plasticizer bleeds out during long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular weight parameter of the plasticizer from low to high (number average molecular weight of 2,000 or more). This parameter change fundamentally improves long-term stability by preventing plasticizer bleeding, as higher molecular weight plasticizers have lower volatility and better retention properties in the polymer matrix during long-term use
3Volume of stationary object
If a low-molecular weight plasticizer is used to improve elongation, then elongation is improved, but wear resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular weight parameter of the plasticizer to high molecular weight (number average molecular weight of 2,000 or more). This parameter change resolves the wear resistance issue by preventing plasticizer migration and maintaining the structural integrity of the TPU, thereby preserving wear resistance while still achieving improved elongation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), in particular a polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPU), that has exceptional elongation, strength, and wear resistance, and in particular has exceptional wear resistance. The present invention provides: a thermoplastic elastomer composition containing A) a thermoplastic urethane elastomer composition having A1) at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of polyether polyols, polyesterpolyols, and polycarbonate polyols, A2) a diisocyanate, and A3) a chain extender, and B) polyrotaxane formed by arranging blocking groups, at both ends of pseudo-polyrotaxane formed by inclusion of the openings of cyclic molecules in a shape skewered by linear molecules, so that the cyclic molecules are not eliminated; and a thermoplastic elastomer derived from this composition.