Curable Unsaturated Polyolefin Compositions for Efficient Crosslinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crosslinking technologies for low molecular weight polyolefins result in poor mechanical properties, thermal stability, and UV stability due to high unsaturation levels, requiring high peroxide levels and leading to a low molecular weight crosslink network.

Innovation Solution

A curable composition comprising a polyolefin component with unsaturated polyolefins and telechelic polyolefins, along with a curing component, to facilitate efficient crosslinking and improve mechanical and thermal properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If low molecular weight polyolefins with high unsaturation are used for crosslinking, then crosslinking efficiency is improved, but thermal stability and UV stability deteriorate due to residual backbone unsaturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosslinking efficiencyVSAvoidthermal stability and UV stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polyolefin to low molecular weight range while controlling unsaturation level to 0.5-5 unsaturations per 1000 carbon atoms. This parameter optimization enables efficient crosslinking while maintaining thermal and UV stability by reducing residual backbone unsaturation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite crosslinking system combining low molecular weight polyolefin with specific unsaturation level and peroxide crosslinking agent. This composite approach achieves both high crosslinking efficiency and good stability properties that neither component alone could provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high peroxide levels are used to crosslink low molecular weight resins, then crosslinking efficiency is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate due to inability to achieve high gel fraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrosslinking efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the polyolefin molecular weight to low range (500-10,000 g/mol) and controls unsaturation to 0.5-5 per 1000 carbon atoms. This creates ideal conditions for peroxide crosslinking that achieve high gel fraction (>70%) and excellent mechanical properties without requiring excessive peroxide levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high molecular weight polyolefins are used for crosslinking, then thermal stability is improved, but crosslinking efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidcrosslinking efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies low molecular weight (500-10,000 g/mol) as the optimal range that actually provides both good thermal stability and high crosslinking efficiency. The low molecular weight enables better peroxide penetration and more uniform crosslink distribution, while the controlled unsaturation level (0.5-5 per 1000 carbon atoms) maintains thermal stability.

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 composition enables efficient crosslinking of low molecular weight polyolefins, enhancing mechanical properties and thermal stability while reducing unsaturation-related issues.

Implementation Method 1

crosslinking with peroxides

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree radical polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

crosslinking of elastomer resins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentEP3902808B1Curable compositions comprising unsaturated polyolefins
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3902808B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3902808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3902808B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to unsaturated polyolefins and processes for preparing the same. The present disclosure further relates to curable formulations comprising the unsaturated polyolefins that show improved crosslinking.