Thermoplastic Composition Flame Retardancy Alkoxysilane Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoplastic polymer compositions based on ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers lack effective flame retardant properties, particularly in insulating parts of electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, an inorganic flame retardant, and a polymer with alkoxysilane or acetoxysilane groups covalently linked to ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers, where the monomer compositions differ significantly, along with the inclusion of clay, to enhance flame retardancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermoplastic polymer compositions are used, then processing ease is maintained, but flame retardant properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic polymer, inorganic flame retardant, polymer with alkoxysilane groups, and clay to create a multi-component composition that achieves flame retardancy without sacrificing processability. The synergistic interaction between these components resolves the contradiction between maintaining simple processing and achieving reliable flame retardant properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer with alkoxysilane groups acts as an intermediary component that bridges the thermoplastic polymer matrix and the inorganic flame retardant/clay fillers. This intermediary improves the interfacial interaction and dispersion of flame retardant components, enabling effective flame protection while maintaining composition manageability.
2Reliability
If inorganic flame retardant is added to improve flame resistance, then flame retardant properties are enhanced, but mechanical properties may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer with alkoxysilane groups serves as a mediator between the inorganic flame retardant and the thermoplastic matrix, improving interfacial adhesion and stress transfer. This intermediary function prevents the typical mechanical property deterioration that occurs when inorganic fillers are added, while still achieving enhanced flame retardancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the composition including the specific type of alkoxysilane groups, their concentration, and the ratio of different components to achieve a balance where flame retardant properties are improved without significant loss of mechanical strength. The clay content and particle size are also controlled to maintain mechanical integrity.
3Reliability
If multiple components are combined to achieve flame retardancy, then flame resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the parameters of each component including the molecular weight of the polymer, the type and concentration of alkoxysilane groups, the particle size and content of inorganic flame retardant and clay, to ensure that the multi-component composition remains processable using conventional thermoplastic processing methods without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer with alkoxysilane groups promotes homogeneous dispersion of the inorganic flame retardant and clay within the thermoplastic matrix, reducing aggregation and ensuring uniform properties throughout the composition. This homogeneity simplifies processing and ensures consistent flame retardant performance.
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 composition exhibits significant improvements in flame retardant properties, demonstrating enhanced fire resistance even when used in low amounts, suitable for processing into 3-dimensional objects and electrical components.
Implementation Method 1
a polymer based on one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers and having a plurality of alkoxysilane or acetoxysilane groups linked to the polymer
Implementation Method 2
b) an inorganic flame retardant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition comprising a) a thermoplastic matrix polymer based on one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomer(s), wherein the thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polystyrene, polyacrylates, ethylene-vinylacetate copolymer, and copolymers and blends of the aforementioned, b) an inorganic flame retardant, c) a polymer based on one or more ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers and having a plurality of alkoxysilane and/or acetoxysilane groups covalently linked to the polymer, wherein the ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable monomers of component c) are different or have a different composition than the ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) of component a) and d) a clay.