Curable Unsaturated Polyolefin Compositions for Low-Odor Crosslinking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyolefin elastomers face limitations in processability and mechanical properties due to lower molecular weight and viscosity, which are not adequately addressed by increasing curing agent amounts, leading to costly byproducts with unpleasant odors.

Innovation Solution

A curable composition comprising a polyolefin component with unsaturated or telechelic polyolefins of specific viscosity ranges and a cross-linking agent, potentially including UV stabilizers and blowing agents, to enhance processability and mechanical performance without requiring high curing agent levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the amount of curing agent is increased to improve curing level and mechanical properties, then the curing level and mechanical properties are improved, but the cost increases and decomposition byproducts with unpleasant odor are produced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoiddecomposition byproducts with unpleasant odor
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an organometallic catalyst as an intermediary substance that enables the curing reaction to proceed efficiently at lower curing agent concentrations. The catalyst mediates between the polyolefin and curing agent, facilitating crosslinking while minimizing decomposition byproduct formation and unpleasant odors associated with high curing agent usage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the curing system by selecting specific organometallic catalysts and curing agents that enable effective crosslinking at reduced curing agent concentrations. This parameter change allows achieving the required curing level with less curing agent, thereby reducing harmful decomposition byproducts and unpleasant odors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the molecular weight and viscosity of polyolefin are decreased to improve flow and processing, then the flow and processing are improved, but the curing level and mechanical properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprocessingVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The organometallic catalyst acts as an intermediary that enables effective crosslinking of lower molecular weight polyolefins. This allows the use of lower viscosity polymers for improved processing while the catalyst ensures adequate curing levels and mechanical properties are achieved despite the reduced polymer chain length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the curing mechanism parameters by using organometallic catalysts that are particularly effective with lower molecular weight polyolefins. This parameter change allows processing with lower viscosity materials while maintaining or improving curing levels and mechanical properties through optimized catalyst-agent interactions

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 achieves improved processability and mechanical performance of polyolefin elastomers with reduced curing agent usage, minimizing byproduct formation and odor issues.

Implementation Method 1

curable compositions that are useful for improved crosslinking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4234594A1Curable compositions comprising unsaturated polyolefins
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP4234594A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4234594A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4234594A1 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.