Thermoplastic Polyurethane Resin Transparency and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermoplastic polyurethane resins lack sufficient appearance, transparency, mechanical properties, and durability for applications such as smart device covers, eyewear, and automobile components.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic polyurethane resin is developed using a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component with 50 mol% or more of 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane, a macropolyol, isosorbide, and an aliphatic diol with 3 to 8 carbon atoms, along with a phosphorous acid antioxidant, to achieve the desired properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermoplastic polyurethane resin compositions are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but appearance, transparency, mechanical properties, and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the molecular weight ranges of polyol components (600-2000 for macropolyol, 300-700 for chain extender polyol) and the molar ratio between hard segment and soft segment (20-80 mass%). These specific parameter adjustments optimize the balance between durability and composition complexity, achieving enhanced reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple polyol components with different molecular weights and functions: macropolyol (for flexibility), chain extender polyol (for strength), and low molecular weight polyol (for processing). This composite approach allows simultaneous improvement of appearance, transparency, mechanical properties, and durability while managing composition complexity through functional differentiation.
2Strength
If rigid thermoplastic polyurethane is produced with specific isocyanate and polyol combinations, then structural strength is improved, but transparency and appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different polyol components with specific molecular weight ranges for different functions: macropolyol (600-2000) for flexibility and toughness, chain extender polyol (300-700) for strength enhancement, and low molecular weight polyol for processing. This localized functional assignment allows the material to exhibit both high strength and good transparency in different aspects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by controlling the hard segment to soft segment ratio within 20-80 mass% and using specific molecular weight ranges for polyol components. These parameter optimizations enable the resin to achieve mechanical strength while maintaining transparency, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and optical properties.
3Strength
If thermoplastic polyurethane is formulated for high hardness, then mechanical properties are improved, but impact resistance and heat resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the polyol component into three distinct segments with different molecular weights: macropolyol (600-2000) for flexibility and impact resistance, chain extender polyol (300-700) for strength, and low molecular weight polyol for processing. This segmentation allows the material to simultaneously achieve hardness and impact resistance through the synergistic contribution of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by formulating a multi-component polyol system where each component contributes specific properties. The combination of macropolyol, chain extender polyol, and low molecular weight polyol creates a composite structure that balances hardness with impact resistance and heat resistance, avoiding the trade-off between these properties.
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 enables the production of thermoplastic polyurethane resin with improved appearance, transparency, mechanical properties, and durability, making it suitable for various applications including display panel cover plates, eyewear materials, and automobile components.
Implementation Method 1
thermoplastic polyurethane resin including a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component containing 50 mol% or more of an isocyanate group of 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane relative to a total mol of the isocyanate group, and a polyol component containing macropolyol, isosorbide, and aliphatic diol with 3 to 8 carbon atoms
Data Source
AI summary
Thermoplastic polyurethane resin includes a reaction product of a polyisocyanate component containing 50 mol% or more of an isocyanate group of 1,4-bis(isocyanatomethyl) cyclohexane relative to a total mol of the isocyanate group, and a polyol component containing macropolyol, isosorbide, and aliphatic diol with 3 to 8 carbon atoms; wherein relative to a total mol of the isosorbide and the aliphatic diol, the isosorbide content is 60 mol% or more and 95 mol% or less.