Thermoplastic Polyurethane Silane Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastic polyurethanes lack heat distortion resistance compared to crosslinked polymers, and existing methods for improving this property require complex multi-step processes that involve additional reactions and risk material degradation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating organosilicon groups directly into the thermoplastic polyurethane structure during production, using compounds with reactive groups such as secondary amines and silane groups, allows for improved crosslinking without hindering thermoplastic processability, eliminating the need for additional crosslinking steps and reducing chain terminations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoplastic polyurethane is modified with silane coupled by crosslinker (existing method), then crosslinking properties are improved, but process complexity increases and material degradation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the silane coupling agent and crosslinking functionality into a single compound (compound (i)) that contains both the isocyanate-reactive group and organosilicon groups. This eliminates the need for separate crosslinking steps and additional crosslinkers, directly resolving the technical contradiction by achieving crosslinking properties without increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The silane-containing compound (i) is incorporated into the polyurethane structure during the initial polymerization reaction with isocyanate (a). The organosilicon groups are pre-positioned in the polymer backbone, ready for subsequent crosslinking without requiring additional processing steps, thus improving reliability while maintaining process simplicity
2Reliability
If thermoplastic polyurethane is modified with silane coupled by crosslinker (existing method), then crosslinking properties are improved, but material degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the silane coupling and crosslinking functions into a single compound (i), the patent eliminates multiple reaction steps that could cause material degradation. The single-step incorporation during polymerization reduces exposure to harsh conditions and minimizes degradation while achieving the desired crosslinking properties
3Strength
If compound with secondary amino group is used (invention), then chain terminations are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the compound (i) by specifying a secondary amino group instead of other reactive groups. This parameter change reduces chain terminations and increases molecular weight while the compound remains suitable for standard polyurethane synthesis processes, thus not significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
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
This approach results in a thermoplastic polyurethane with enhanced crosslinking properties and improved heat distortion resistance, enabling the production of materials like fibers and cable sheathing with superior performance without the complexity of multi-step processes.
Implementation Method 1
the reaction product of an isocyanate (a) with a compound (i) having at least one, preferably one, group which is reactive toward isocyanates, preferably a secondary amino group, and at least two, preferably two, organosilicon groups
Implementation Method 2
at least two, preferably two, organosilicon groups are joined via a urea group to the thermoplastic polyurethane
Implementation Method 3
crosslinking of the originally thermoplastic polyurethane is achieved by hydrolysis of the silane
Data Source
AI summary
Thermoplastic polyurethane comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate (a) with a compound (i) having at least one group which is reactive toward isocyanates and also at least two organosilicon groups.