Phase change solvents for thermoplastic elastomers
US7459494B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2013/15284
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Novel elastomeric compositions that contain at least one thermoplastic elastomer and at least one phase change solvent. Above the phase change temperature, the phase change solvent solubilizes or intimately mixes with the thermoplastic elastomers. Below the phase change temperature, the phase change solvent solidifies or crystallizes within the thermoplastic matrix. The phase change behavior of these materials produce elastomeric compositions that exhibit lowered viscosity and lowered processing temperature without substantially compromising the mechanical properties. The present invention also relates a method of lowering the viscosity and improving the processability of a thermoplastic elastomer using the phase change solvent.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.