Controlled lowering of a polymers glass transition temperature
AssigneeHoneywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
InventorDaniel E. Bowen, III
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Abstract
Processes for lowering the glass transition temperature of a polymeric compound relative to the glass transition temperature of a control polymeric compound are disclosed. The methods include the formation of a precursor composition comprising precursor compounds to the polymeric compound dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. The compounds are partially or fully cured in the presence of the solvent system, which is then substantially removed. After further curing, where necessary, the resulting cured polymeric compound is essentially free of plasticizers, but still has a decreased glass transition temperature relative to the glass transition temperature of a control polymeric compound. Articles of manufacture comprising such polymeric compounds are also disclosed.
Claims21
A method of lowering the glass transition temperature of a polymeric compound relative to a control polymeric compound, said control polymeric compound having a first glass transition temperature, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a precursor composition, said composition comprising precursor compounds to said polymeric compound dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, said precursor compounds being selected from the group consisting of monomers, chain extenders, oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, and combinations thereof;
- (b) curing said precursor compounds in the presence of said solvent system to yield a cured polymer network or partially cured polymer resin;
- (c) substantially removing said solvent system from said cured polymer network to yield a cured polymeric compound or from said partially cured polymer resin to yield a dried polymer resin;
- and
- (d) optionally, further curing said dried polymer resin to yield a cured polymeric compound,
- wherein said cured polymeric compound has a second glass transition temperature that is lower than said first glass transition temperature.
An article of manufacture comprising a polymeric compound, said polymeric compound having a decreased glass transition temperature relative to the glass transition temperature of a control polymeric compound, wherein said polymeric compound is essentially free of plasticizer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.