UV-Stabilized P-NIL Resin with Metal Oxide Coated TiO2

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Solution Overview

Problem

High refractive index (RI) nanoimprint lithography (NIL) resins used in optical applications tend to degrade rapidly under UV light due to the photocatalytic properties of titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, leading to yellow coloration, loss of polymeric network integrity, and reduction in refractive index.

Innovation Solution

A UV-stabilized photo nanoimprint lithography (P-NIL) resin is developed, comprising an organic binder, titanium oxide nanoparticles modified with additional metal oxides such as SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, SnO2, and NiO, and a light-activated initiator for polymerization. The resin also optionally includes a radical scavenger and an adhesion promoter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are used to achieve high refractive index, then the refractive index is improved, but UV stability deteriorates due to photocatalytic degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive indexVSAvoidUV stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines TiO2 nanoparticles with other metal oxides (such as SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, SnO2, or NiO) to form a composite material system. This composite structure allows the resin to maintain high refractive index properties while the additional metal oxides provide UV stability by reducing photocatalytic activity, thus resolving the contradiction between optical performance and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the inorganic filler by incorporating multiple metal oxides in specific ratios. By adjusting the composition parameters (adding UV-stabilizing metal oxides to TiO2), the material achieves both high refractive index and UV resistance, transforming the properties to satisfy both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If TiO2 nanoparticles are used in the resin, then high refractive index is achieved, but yellow coloration develops due to UV-induced degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive indexVSAvoidyellow coloration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The additional metal oxides (SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, SnO2, or NiO) act as intermediary substances that protect the organic polymer matrix from UV-induced degradation by TiO2 photocatalysis. These intermediaries absorb or scatter harmful UV radiation and prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species, thereby preventing yellow coloration while allowing the TiO2 to maintain high refractive index.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful photocatalytic activity of TiO2 into a beneficial effect by combining it with metal oxides that have complementary properties. The combination creates a synergistic effect where the metal oxides protect against UV degradation while the TiO2 provides high refractive index, turning the originally harmful photocatalytic property into a controlled and beneficial characteristic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of stationary object

If TiO2 nanoparticles are used to enhance optical properties, then refractive index is improved, but mechanical integrity is lost due to polymeric network degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefractive indexVSAvoidmechanical integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite filler system combining TiO2 with protective metal oxides that not only maintain optical properties but also protect the polymeric network. This composite structure prevents photocatalytic degradation of the polymer matrix, preserving mechanical integrity while maintaining high refractive index through the TiO2 component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 UV-stabilized P-NIL resin exhibits enhanced resistance to UV-induced degradation, maintaining refractive index and mechanical integrity for extended periods, making it suitable for optical devices exposed to sunlight.

Implementation Method 1

a light-activated initiator for polymerization of acrylates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of: SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, SnO2, and NiO

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250189890A1UV-stabilized Photo Nanoimprint Lithography Resin

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 ADDISON CLEAR WAVE COATINGS INC

AI summary

A UV-stabilized photo nanoimprint lithography (P-NIL) resin is disclosed. The P-NIL resin comprises: an organic binder selected from the group consisting of: acrylate monomeric components, acrylate oligomeric polymerizable components, and acrylated polymers; titanium oxide (TiO2) inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in the P-NIL resin, the titanium oxide inorganic nanoparticles having one or more metal oxides coated on or added into the titanium oxide particles, the metal oxides are selected from the group consisting of: SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, SnO2, and NiO; and a light-activated initiator for polymerization of acrylates. The P-NIL resin may optionally include a radical scavenger selected from the group consisting of the HALS type, ascorbate type, and hydroquinone type; and optionally includes an adhesion promoter for acrylates.