VDF-TrFE Polymer Azide Crosslinking Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vinylidene fluoride (VDF) copolymers with trifluoroethylene (TrFE) face challenges in achieving uniform crosslinking while maintaining piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties, as existing methods often result in uneven distribution of crosslinking density and affect the material's electrical properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating recurring units derived from a monomer with an azide group into the VDF/TrFE polymer chain, allowing for crosslinking through thermal or UV exposure, while maintaining the material's dielectric and ferroelectric properties by controlling the concentration of azide units within the polymer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If crosslinking is applied to VDF-TrFE copolymers to stabilize shape and fix structures, then processing ability and structural stability are improved, but uniform distribution of crosslinking density is difficult to achieve and electrical properties may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance that mediates the crosslinking process. The silane coupling agent contains both hydrolyzable groups (for forming crosslinks) and reactive groups that interact with the polymer matrix, enabling uniform crosslinking density distribution while maintaining electrical properties. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled crosslinking mechanism that avoids the non-uniformity issues of direct crosslinking methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the concentration, molecular weight, and functional group composition of the silane coupling agent to achieve optimal crosslinking uniformity. By adjusting these parameters, the crosslinking density can be precisely controlled throughout the polymer matrix, resolving the uniformity issue while maintaining structural stability and electrical properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If crosslinking is applied to VDF-TrFE copolymers to stabilize shape, then shape stability is improved, but piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent acts as an intermediary that enables crosslinking while preserving electrical properties. Its molecular structure allows it to form crosslinks without disrupting the crystalline phases responsible for piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric effects. The coupling agent bridges the gap between structural stabilization requirements and electrical property preservation, resolving the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that crosslinking occurs at specific locations (at the silane-polymer interfaces) rather than uniformly throughout the entire polymer matrix. This localized crosslinking approach stabilizes shape while leaving the bulk polymer crystalline structure intact, thereby preserving the electrical properties that depend on specific crystalline phases.
3Adaptability or versatility
If azide-containing coupling agents are used for photolithography to access three-dimensional memory arrays, then patterning ability is improved, but homogeneous mixing and compatible distribution are difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as an intermediary that is compatible with both the VDF-TrFE polymer matrix and the photolithography process. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to mix homogeneously with the polymer while still providing the necessary photoreactive groups for patterning. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by enabling homogeneous distribution without compromising patterning capability.
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 polymer achieves uniform crosslinking and retains outstanding piezoelectric, ferroelectric, and pyroelectric properties, ensuring consistent performance in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating recurring units derived from a monomer with an azide group into the VDF/TrFE polymer chain, allowing for crosslinking through thermal or UV exposure
Implementation Method 2
the term piezoelectric means the ability of a material to exchange electrical for mechanical energy and vice versa
Implementation Method 3
Ferroelectricity is the property of a material whereby this latter exhibits a spontaneous electric polarization, the direction of which can be switched between equivalent states by the application of an external electric field
Implementation Method 4
Pyroelectricity is the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical potential upon heating or cooling
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to semi-crystalline fluoropolymer [polymer (F)] comprising: —recurring units derived from vinylidene fluoride (VDF); —from 10% to 50% by moles [with respect to the total moles of recurring units of polymer (F)] of recurring units derived from trifluoroethylene (TrFE); and —from 0.01% to 10% by moles [with respect to the total moles of recurring units of polymer (F)] of recurring units derived from at least one monomer comprising an azide group [monomer (Az)], to a process for its manufacture, to a crosslinkable composition comprising the same, to a process for crosslinking the same and to a method for manufacturing one of electrical and electronic devices using the same.