Thiourethane Urea Resin Transparency via Segmented Polymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

When manufacturing thiourethane urea resins with excellent mechanical characteristics, such as impact resistance, using a one-step process with amines like polyetheramine, high reactivity with isocyanate can lead to prepolymer precipitation, preventing the formation of a uniform and transparent resin.

Innovation Solution

A polymerizable composition comprising a prepolymer reaction product of a first amine compound with a weight-average molecular weight less than 4,000, a first diol compound with low viscosity, a polyisocyanate, and a polythiol compound, including a dithiol and a polythiol with multiple mercapto groups, along with a catalyst, which prevents prepolymer precipitation and ensures transparency and impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a one-step process is used to manufacture thiourethane urea resin with high reactivity amine and isocyanate, then the reaction efficiency is improved, but prepolymer precipitation occurs and transparency is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction efficiencyVSAvoiduniformity of prepolymer solution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the one-step reaction into two distinct steps: first forming the prepolymer solution by reacting amine with isocyanate, then separately adding polythiol to the prepolymer solution. This segmentation prevents premature precipitation by controlling the reaction sequence, allowing uniform mixing and proper reaction conditions to be maintained throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by first preparing the prepolymer solution through reaction of amine and isocyanate before introducing the polythiol compound. This preliminary step ensures that the prepolymer is fully formed and dissolved in the appropriate solvent before the final crosslinking reaction occurs, preventing precipitation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If high reactivity amine is used to achieve excellent impact resistance, then mechanical characteristics are improved, but prepolymer precipitation occurs preventing transparency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidprepolymer precipitation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (polythiol compound) that reacts with the prepolymer formed from amine and isocyanate. This intermediary step creates a crosslinked structure that enhances impact resistance while the controlled addition timing prevents precipitation, allowing both mechanical strength and transparency to be achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reaction parameters by controlling the sequence and timing of reagent addition. By first forming the prepolymer solution under controlled conditions and then adding the polythiol, the reaction parameters are optimized to prevent precipitation while maintaining high reactivity for impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution allows for the production of a transparent thiourethane urea resin with enhanced impact resistance by preventing prepolymer precipitation, achieving desired optical and mechanical properties.

Implementation Method 1

a prepolymer which is a reaction product of a first amine compound (A1) having a weight-average molecular weight of less than 4,000, a first diol compound (B1) having a viscosity (25°C) of equal to or less than 100 mPa·s, and a polyisocyanate compound (C)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst, in which the first amine compound (A1) is at least one selected from a polyetheramine and an aromatic amine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3766910B1Polymerizable composition for optical material, method of producing polymerizable composition for optical material, and method of producing optical article
Publication Date: 2022.11.09 MITSUI CHEMICALS INC
  • EP3766910B1 patent drawing
  • EP3766910B1 patent drawing
  • EP3766910B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A polymerizable composition for an optical material includes a prepolymer which is a reaction product of a first amine compound (A1) having a weight-average molecular weight of less than 4,000, a first diol compound (B1) having a viscosity (25°C) of equal to or less than 100 mPa·s, and a polyisocyanate compound (C); and a first polythiol compound (D1), in which the first amine compound (A1) is at least one selected from a polyetheramine and an aromatic amine, and the first polythiol compound (D1) includes a dithiol compound (d1) having two mercapto groups and a polythiol compound (d2) having equal to or more than three mercapto groups.