Transparent Thermoplastic Composition with Ionic Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastics are electrical insulators, and incorporating conducting materials like copper into plastics increases electrical conductivity but renders the matrix opaque, necessitating a need for clear thermoplastics with improved electrical conductivity without compromising clarity.
Innovation Solution
A transparent thermoplastic composition is developed by blending polycarbonate and polyester resins with specific perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts and glycerol monostearate, which enhances electrical conductivity without affecting transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conducting materials like copper are incorporated into thermoplastics to increase electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but transparency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts instead of traditional metal conductors. This parameter change allows the material to achieve electrical conductivity while maintaining transparency, as the organic salt compounds do not scatter light like metal particles would
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining polycarbonate or polyester resins with perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts and glycerol monostearate. This composite approach achieves both electrical conductivity and transparency by selecting compatible materials that work together without compromising either property
2Reliability
If antistatic agents are added to polycarbonate resin to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but thermal stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces glycerol monostearate as an intermediary substance that mediates between the antistatic agent and the polycarbonate resin. This intermediary protects the resin from degradation caused by traditional antistatic agents while still allowing the perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salt to provide electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses small amounts of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts that can be replenished or replaced. These low-concentration additives provide the necessary conductivity without requiring large quantities that would compromise thermal stability, accepting that they may degrade over time but can be easily replenished
3Reliability
If antistatic agents are added to polycarbonate resin to improve electrical conductivity, then electrical conductivity is improved, but transparency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the antistatic agent by selecting perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts with specific molecular structures that are transparent in the visible spectrum. This parameter selection allows the agent to provide conductivity without the light scattering effects that plague traditional antistatic additives
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 achieves improved electrical conductivity while maintaining clarity, as demonstrated by reduced electrical resistivity and minimal haze, showcasing a synergistic effect between the perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salts and glycerol monostearate.
Implementation Method 1
The composition achieves improved electrical conductivity while maintaining clarity, as demonstrated by reduced electrical resistivity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a transparent thermoplastic molding composition made from one member selected from the group consisting of a transparent copolyestercarbonate resin, a transparent blend of a polycarbonate resin with a polyester resin, and a transparent polyester resin, from about 0.005 weight percent to about 2 weight percent, based on the weight of the composition, of a perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid salt of the formula (I): (RA - SO3 -)nXn+ (I), wherein R denotes perfluorinated linear or branched carbon chain having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, A denotes a direct bond or an aromatic nucleus, n denotes an integer of 1 or 2, and X denotes a metal element selected from the first or the second column in the Periodic Table of the Elements, and from about 0 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the composition, of a glycerol monostearate (GMS), wherein the transparent thermoplastic molding composition has a total transmittance according to ASTM D- 1003 of greater than about 84 % and an electric resistivity according to ASTM D-257 (at 277 °C after 1000 seconds electrification at 100 volts) of less than about 2.5E+06 ohm-m.