Thermosensitive Light-Adjusting Material via Composite Polymer Phase Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermally light-scattering polymeric materials face challenges such as high water content, poor mechanical properties, and the use of harmful organic solvents, which limit their application and environmental sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A thermosensitive light-adjusting material is developed by photo- or thermo-polymerizing a polymer polyol and a hydroxyl-terminated polymer with a hydroxyl-containing carbon-carbon unsaturated monomer, eliminating the need for water and organic solvents, and featuring a high optical transmittance difference between transparent and cloudy states, achieved through a simple and efficient preparation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If thermally light scattering polymeric materials are used for solar shading, then light-adjusting function is achieved, but mechanical properties deteriorate and water content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer system consisting of a thermally light scattering polymer matrix combined with a transparent polymer. This composite structure allows the material to maintain both the light-adjusting function (through phase separation and light scattering in the thermally responsive polymer) and good mechanical properties (through the reinforcing effect of the transparent polymer phase), resolving the contradiction between functional performance and mechanical strength.
2Illumination intensity
If traditional thermally light scattering materials are used, then light scattering effect is achieved, but harmful organic solvents are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the preparation parameters by using water as the solvent instead of harmful organic solvents. The thermally light scattering polymer and transparent polymer are dissolved or dispersed in water, and the material is formed through aqueous processing methods. This parameter change eliminates the use of harmful organic solvents while maintaining the light scattering effect through controlled phase separation during or after processing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If high water content materials are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but mechanical properties worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system where a water-based thermally light scattering polymer is combined with a transparent polymer matrix. The transparent polymer provides structural support and mechanical strength, while the thermally responsive polymer provides the light-adjusting function. This composite approach allows high water content (improving environmental sustainability) while maintaining good mechanical properties through the reinforcing transparent polymer phase.
4Illumination intensity
If thermally light scattering material is used for solar shading, then light intensity adjustment is achieved, but transmittance in transparent state may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct phases within the material: a transparent polymer phase that provides high optical transmittance when in the transparent state, and a thermally light scattering polymer phase that provides light scattering capability. The transparent polymer phase ensures sufficient light transmission (≥75%) in the transparent state, while the thermally responsive phase provides the light-adjusting function through temperature-dependent phase separation and light scattering.
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 material exhibits strong light-adjusting properties, improved mechanical properties, and environmental sustainability, with a repeatable thermo-optic inter-phase swing, reducing manufacturing costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
above the transformation temperature (i.e. cloud point), some micro-phases, micro-crystalline or micro-areas with unmatched refractive indexes caused by a phase separation and a aggregation structure transformation, allow for an incident light scatting inside the material
Implementation Method 2
allow for an incident light scatting inside the material, showing a cloudy state
Implementation Method 3
After the temperature is reduced below the cloud point, these micro-phases, micro-crystalline or micro-areas disappear gradually, and the system goes back to a homogeneous phase, showing a transparent state again
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A thermosensitive light-adjusting material is formed by reacting 18-84% polymer polyols and/or terminal hydroxyl-containing polymers which are formed by reacting polymer polyols and diisocyanate, with 15-80% terminal hydroxy-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomers through light or heat polymerization reaction. A process for preparing the thermosensitive light-adjusting material and an optical device comprising thereof. The light-adjusting ability is high, the light-adjusting range is broad, and mechanical capability is good. The preparation method is simple, short-circle, and high effective, so it can be applied in industry, furthermore, because of no organic solvents, the method's advantages are low cost and without pollution.