VDF Polymer Composition Transparency via ECTFE Additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoplastic VDF polymer compositions fail to achieve a balance between transparency/translucency, barrier properties, chemical resistance, mechanical properties, and thermal rating, with existing solutions either compromising on these properties or not providing an effective compromise.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic VDF polymer composition comprising at least 85% VDF recurring units and 0.1-20% wt ECTFE polymer with a melting point less than 210°C, which enhances transparency/translucency without negatively affecting barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties, achieved through the addition of ECTFE polymer in specific amounts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If VDF copolymers are used with comonomers like HFP or CTFE to enhance transparency and translucency, then transparency and translucency are improved, but barrier properties, chemical resistance, mechanical properties, weatherability and thermal rating are negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of comonomer type from conventional HFP or CTFE to fluorinated vinyl ether comonomers (specifically perfluorobutyl vinyl ether, pentafluoropropyl vinyl ether, or hexafluoroisopropyl vinyl ether). This parameter change allows achieving transparency and translucency improvement while maintaining barrier properties, chemical resistance, mechanical properties, weatherability and thermal rating, as these specific fluorinated vinyl ether comonomers introduce less disruption to the crystalline structure and intermolecular forces of the VDF homopolymer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer material by copolymerizing VDF with specific fluorinated vinyl ether comonomers. The resulting copolymer combines the excellent barrier and mechanical properties of VDF homopolymer with the transparency-enhancing effects of the fluorinated vinyl ether units, achieving a balanced performance profile that neither pure homopolymer nor conventional copolymers can achieve alone.
2Reliability
If VDF homopolymers are used to maintain barrier properties, chemical resistance, mechanical properties and thermal rating, then these properties are maintained, but transparency and translucency are compromised due to crystalline structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the polymer composition parameter by introducing specific fluorinated vinyl ether comonomers (perfluorobutyl vinyl ether, pentafluoropropyl vinyl ether, or hexafluoroisopropyl vinyl ether) at controlled levels (0.1-10 mol%). This controlled compositional change disrupts the regular crystalline structure of VDF homopolymer to reduce light scattering and improve transparency, while the specific chemistry of these comonomers preserves the essential barrier and mechanical properties.
3Temperature
If high melting point VDF polymers are used for high temperature rating applications, then thermal rating is improved, but transparency is reduced due to enhanced crystallinity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal transition parameter by selecting comonomers with specific fluorinated side chains (perfluorobutyl, pentafluoropropyl, or hexafluoroisopropyl groups) that modify the polymer's thermal behavior. These comonomeric units disrupt crystalline packing to lower the melting point and improve transparency, while the strong C-F bonds in the side chains maintain thermal stability and resistance at elevated temperatures.
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 significantly improves transparency and translucency while maintaining or enhancing barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties, with optimal results achieved when ECTFE is used within the specified range to avoid negative impacts on other properties.
Implementation Method 1
said ECTFE polymer possesses a melting point of less than 210° C.
Implementation Method 2
it is generally understood that these mechanical properties are correlated with the crystalline phase of said thermoplastic VDF polymers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a thermoplastic VDF polymer composition comprising: at least one thermoplastic vinylidene fluoride (VDF) polymer comprising at least 85% by moles of recurring units derived from VDF; and at least one ethylene/chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE) polymer, wherein said ECTFE polymer possesses a melting point of less than 210° C. and it is comprised in an amount of from 0.1 to 20% wt with respect to the total weight of VDF polymer and ECTFE polymer. The invention also pertains to a process for making the VDF polymer and to the uses thereof for manufacturing films, in particular transparent films.