18553957. TETRABLOCK COPOLYMERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM simplified abstract (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY)

TETRABLOCK COPOLYMERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM

Organization Name

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Carl A. Laskowski of Minneapolis MN (US)

Timothy M. Gillard of St. Paul MN (US)

Lucas D. Mcintosh of Minneapolis MN (US)

Clinton P. Waller, Jr. of White Bear Lake MN (US)

TETRABLOCK COPOLYMERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18553957 titled 'TETRABLOCK COPOLYMERS AND ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM

Abstract: Tetrablock copolymers of formula ABAC are provided that can be used to form porous articles such as porous hollow fibers and porous membranes. Each A block is formed from a vinyl aromatic monomer, the B block is formed from a conjugated diene monomer, and the C block is formed from at least two different oxirane (i.e., epoxy) compounds. The tetrablock copolymers can advantageously be prepared without the use of functional initiators and/or difunctional initiators. The tetrablock copolymers are well suited for solvent induced phase separation (SIPS) processing to prepare porous articles. Membranes formed from the tetrablock copolymers can be used for water treatment and biopharmaceutical purification and/or separation processes.

Key Features and Innovation:

• Tetrablock copolymers of formula ABAC for forming porous articles.
• A block from a vinyl aromatic monomer, B block from a conjugated diene monomer, and C block from oxirane compounds.
• Preparation without the use of functional initiators or difunctional initiators.
• Suitable for solvent induced phase separation (SIPS) processing.
• Membranes for water treatment and biopharmaceutical purification.

Potential Applications: - Water treatment processes - Biopharmaceutical purification - Separation processes in various industries

Problems Solved: - Formation of porous articles with improved properties - Simplified preparation process without the need for certain initiators - Enhanced membrane performance for specific applications

Benefits: - Improved efficiency in water treatment and purification processes - Enhanced separation capabilities in biopharmaceutical applications - Simplified manufacturing process for porous articles

Commercial Applications: Title: Innovative Tetrablock Copolymers for Porous Article Formation This technology can be utilized in industries such as water treatment, biopharmaceuticals, and separation processes, offering improved efficiency and performance in membrane applications.

Prior Art: Readers can explore prior research on tetrablock copolymers, phase separation processing, and membrane technology to understand the evolution of this innovation.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay informed about the latest advancements in tetrablock copolymer research, membrane technology, and applications in water treatment and biopharmaceutical industries.

Questions about Tetrablock Copolymers: 1. How do tetrablock copolymers compare to traditional polymers in membrane applications? Tetrablock copolymers offer unique properties that enhance membrane performance, making them advantageous in specific applications.

2. What are the potential challenges in scaling up the production of porous articles using tetrablock copolymers? Scaling up production may require optimization of processing parameters and equipment to ensure consistent quality and performance in the manufactured porous articles.

Original Abstract Submitted

Tetrablock copolymers of formula ABAC are provided that can be used to form porous articles such as porous hollow fibers and porous membranes. Each A block is formed from a vinyl aromatic monomer, the B block is formed from a conjugated diene monomer, and the C block is formed from at least two different oxirane (i.e., epoxy) compounds. The tetrablock copolymers can advantageously be prepared without the use of functional initiators and/or difunctional initiators. The tetrablock copolymers are well suited for solvent induced phase separation (SIPS) processing to prepare porous articles. Membranes formed from the tetrablock copolymers can be used for water treatment and biopharmaceutical purification and/or separation processes.