Scratch-Whitening Resistant Flame-Retardant TPE-E Composition

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Intumescent flame retardants used in thermoplastic polyester elastomers provide superior flame retardant properties but have poor compatibility and exhibit scratch-whitening issues, leading to easily scratched and damaged cables.

Innovation Solution

A halogen-free, flame-retardant composition comprising a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a low-melting phosphorus-based flame retardant, and a blend of phosphorus-based and nitrogen-based solid intumescent flame retardants, which enhances scratch-whitening resistance and mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If intumescent flame retardants are used in thermoplastic polyester elastomers, then flame retardant properties are improved, but scratch resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardant propertiesVSAvoidscratch resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite flame retardant system combining intumescent flame retardants with a low-melting-point phosphorus-based compound (melting point 50-150°C). This composite approach allows the intumescent retardants to provide flame protection while the low-melting phosphorus compound migrates to the surface to maintain scratch resistance by plasticizing and柔化 the surface layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and melting characteristics of the phosphorus-based flame retardant component. By selecting phosphorus compounds with specific melting points (50-150°C), the system enables these compounds to melt and migrate under processing and use conditions, dynamically adjusting their distribution to balance flame retardancy and scratch resistance properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If intumescent flame retardants are used in thermoplastic polyester elastomers, then flame retardant properties are improved, but compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame retardant propertiesVSAvoidcompatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The low-melting-point phosphorus-based compound acts as an intermediary substance between the intumescent flame retardants and the thermoplastic polyester elastomer matrix. It facilitates compatibility by forming a compatible interface layer that allows the intumescent retardants to disperse uniformly while maintaining the polymer's structural integrity and processing characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly improves scratch-whitening resistance and maintains excellent flame retardant and mechanical properties, making it suitable for cable and wire applications, passing stringent flame tests like the UL-44 VW-1 rating.

Implementation Method 1

a low-melting, phosphorus-based flame retardant having a melting temperature no higher than 150 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the low-melting phosphorus-based flame retardant acts as a plasticizer and improves the compatibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMigration: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

the low-melting phosphorus-based flame retardant acts as a plasticizer and improves the compatibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasticization:

Implementation Method 4

a blend of solid intumescent flame retardants comprising a phosphorus-based, organic salt flame retardant and a nitrogen-based organic flame retardant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIntumescence: Intumescent Materials

Implementation Method 5

passing stringent flame tests like the UL-44 VW-1 rating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2550328B1Flame-retardant thermoplastic elastomer composition with resistance to scratch-whitening
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Halogen-free, flame-retardant thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPE-E) compositions that include at least one thermoplastic polyester elastomer, at least one low-melting, phosphorus-based flame retardant having a melting temperature no higher than 150?, and a blend of solid intumescent flame retardants comprising a phosphorus-based, organic salt flame retardant and a nitrogen-based organic flame retardant are provided. The presence of the low-melting, phosphorus-based flame retardant renders the compositions more resistant to scratch-whitening.