Polyblock containing polymer blend

[Detailed Description of the Invention]

[0001]

[Industrial Application]

The present invention relates to the polymer blend which can manufacture moisture permeability and an air-impermeable film by fabrication or extrusion processing. It is related with this polymer blend that contains block poly (ether -Co- amide) as one of the polymer components in detail.

[0002]

[Description of the Prior Art]

Although functioned as a barrier to fluids, especially water, manufacture of an air-impermeable polymer film which penetrates vapor is desired for many uses. These films are used for manufacture of the gown for an operation, a drape and an interception externally caused injury allowance article, a disposable absorptive article like a bundle and a health napkin, and various kinds of health care goods. This film is manufactured by pushing out or forming processing a predetermined polymer constituent.

[0003]

The films which show high water vapor permeability (MVTR) are manufactured from hydrophilic polymer. However, after hydrophilic polymer films were sharp and it has become wet to contact with water, intensity decreases remarkably.

[0004]

In order to conquer the problem resulting from the wet strength of hydrophilic polymer films being low, the trial which laminates these films on cloth has been conducted. For example, a U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,068 gazette indicates what laminated the poly (vinyl alcohol) air-impermeable continuation film on the blanket-like breathability base, In the U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,675 gazette, what laminated the respiratory film which comprises block copoly (ether amide) on the textiles textiles which comprise a hydrophilic-oleophilic lamination is indicated. Although these laminations are the trials to which you are going to make it increase the wet strength of a respiratory film by reinforcing the film with waterproof textiles, wet strength is low and these laminations still swell in water fluid.

[0005]

In order to conquer the fault of the equalization which exists among both of the process of a film who show the process of the film which maintains intensity in the state where it became wet, and high MVTR, many trials which are going to compound polymer containing a hydrophilic portion and an oleophilic portion have been conducted. Thus, the hydrophilic portion of polymer contributes to improvement of the MVTR characteristic of a film, and it contributes to an oleophilic portion strengthening the wet strength characteristic of a film. Usually, a hydrophilic portion is supplied by the polyethylene-glycols (PEG) segment. For the example of new hydrophilicity / oleophilic polymer which has a PEG segment, The PEG unit connected with the amide linkage (U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,675), The PEG unit connected with the ester bond (U.S. Pat. No. 4,622,263), The PEG unit connected with the urethane bond (U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,876), The PEG unit (British patent application No. 2,112,789) connected with the PEG unit (U.S. Pat. No. 4,868,062) and amide ester bond which were connected with the imide ester bond is included.

[0006]

[Problem(s) to be Solved by the Invention]

Though regrettable, always is not necessarily possible for manufacturing the film which has the desirable balance between desirable wet strength and high MVTR from hydrophilicity / oleophilic polymer. It is not easy to make these polymer apply to the special object, and it is also waste of time. Therefore, in view of the defect of prior art, a polymer constituent which can manufacture the non-pervious film excellent in properties balance by publicly known extrusion or forming processing technology is desired.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problem]

Hydrophilic block poly which contains about 20 thru/or about 80% of the weight of a polyethylene-glycols block according to the present invention (ether -Co- amide), And oleophilic polymer chosen from either of the following, block poly (ether -Co- amide) which does not contain a polyethylene-glycols block substantially, b polyamide, c polyester, or a polymer blend that comprises a mixture of d polyurethane is provided.

[0008]

The blend of the hydrophilicity of the present invention and oleophilic polymer can manufacture non-perviousness and a respiratory film by carrying out fusion processing using publicly known extrusion or molding technique. A film manufactured from such a blend to an unexpected thing shows far bigger humid Tension [ than humid Tension intensity which a film manufactured only from hydrophilic polymer shows ] intensity, and high MVTR.

[0009]

The films manufactured from this polymer blend can be used for various kinds of medical uses like a gown for an operation, manufacture of a drape, and manufacture of an externally caused injury allowance article for isolation. A use may open such a film in other fields which need a respiratory barrier layer. For example, it can be used for manufacture of a disposable article which includes a disposable diaper and health napkins.

[0010]

this hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) -- "software -- a "polyether block and "Hurd -- it is the block co-polymer by which a "polyamide block was repeated. This soft polyether block raises the pliability of a copolymer, hydrophilicity, and thermoplasticity, and a hard polyamide block raises physical character of a copolymer. here -- "hydrophilicity" -- a block co-polymer swells underwater and a term means the capability to be at the balanced time and to absorb at least 50% of the weight of water.

[0011]

A block of polyethylene glycols (PEG) is included in a polyether block of this copolymer. Quantity of PEG in a block co-polymer is about 20 thru/or about 80% of the weight of a range. A polymer blend for not giving the hydrophilicity of a desired grade to the copolymer, when quantity of PEG in a block co-polymer is about 20 % of the weight or less, therefore manufacturing a film from the copolymers does not have a suitable MVTR value. When quantity of PEG in a block co-polymer is about 80 % of the weight or more, the dimensional stability of an obtained film worsens.

[0012]

Although this polyether block not only contains a repetition unit of a PEG block, but it can contain a separate repetition unit of other poly alkylene oxide like [ simultaneous again ] polypropylene oxide, Even in this case, the whole quantity of PEG in a copolymer is about 20 thru/or about 80% of the weight of a range. PEG can make it able to copolymerize with other poly alkylene oxide, and can also make a suitable polyether block similarly form.

[0013]

As for a polyether block of this copolymer, it is preferred to comprise only a repetition unit of PEG. Ranges of each number average molecular weight of this PEG block are the range of about 600 thru/or 8000 preferably about 800 thru/or 3000. A film in which a molecular weight is obtained or less by about 600 serves as vapor impermeableness, and, in the case of about 8000 or more molecular weights, the dimensional stability of a film obtained worsens.

[0014]

A polyamide block of this copolymer may be polyamide like nylon 6, 66, 612, 11, or 12. This polyamide block may contain a repetition unit of different polyamide, or may contain copoly amide produced by making at least two kinds of different polyamide react.

[0015]

A molecular weight of this hydrophilic block co-polymer on the whole must be large enough to such an extent that a film in which the dimensional stability of a permissible grade is shown is obtained. A weight average molecular weight measured with gel permeation chromatography needs to be 20,000 or more.

[0016]

A hydrophilic block co-polymer within the range of the present invention is publicly known. One example is a case where this polyether block has connected with a polyamide block via an ester bond, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,920 and a 4,115,475 gazette have an indication. An end of this polyether block is an amine machine, and other examples have an indication in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,808,675 gazette by a case where it has connected with a polyamide block directly. The most desirable block co-polymer is "PEBAXTM4011MA" (brand name) block poly (ether -Co- amide), and it can obtain it from North American Atochemi (Atochem).

[0017]

A quantity of hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) required in a polymer blend of the present invention is dependent on a molecular weight and weight % of MVTR of a request to a film obtained from the blend, and PEG in this block co-polymer. Quantity of a block co-polymer under blend can be determined easily experimentally, and desirable quantity is about 30 of about 20 thru/or about 90 % of the weight, preferably a polymer blend thru/or about 80 % of the weight.

[0018]

That weight average molecular weight of an oleophilic polymer component in this polymer blend must be suitable for manufacture of a film which is about 20,000 or more and has sufficient dimensional stability like a case of hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide). "oleophilicity" here -- a term points out polymer, wherein the amount of absorption of water at the balanced time is 10 % of the weight or less.

[0019]

One of the oleophilic polymer which can be used into a polymer blend of the present invention is block poly (ether -Co- amide) which does not contain a PEG block substantially. The least amount of PEG which does not make the amount of water absorption of this block poly [ term / which becomes "substantial" ] (ether -Co- amide) increase to 10% of the weight or more shall be included. A desirable block co-polymer does not contain a PEG block, and a polyether block of poly tetramethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide is contained, and a U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,920 gazette has an indication. This desirable copolymer is "PEBAXTM 2533", "PEBAXTM 4033", and "PEBAXTM 3533" (all are brand names) block poly (ether -Co- amide).

[0020]

Polyester, polyamide, and polyurethane are included by other oleophilic polymer which can be used for the present invention. It is obtained by usable polyester making poly (alkylene oxide) react with dicarboxyl acid, and is [ publicly known ] a thing of an indication in a U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,481 gazette. Polycaprolactone and poly (tetramethylen glycol) terephthalate are especially included by desirable polyester. The most desirable polyester is polycaprolactone. Nylon 6, 66, 11, and 12 and the copoly amide which made these two or more sorts copolymerize are included by example of usable polyamide. Polyurethane usable to the present invention is publicly known oleophilic polyether or polyester urethane. Generally, these polyurethane makes superfluous Diisocyanate react to polyether of end hydroxyl, or polyester, it is manufactured, and, as for these polyether or polyester, Diol of low-molecular quantity or Gia Min, and chain extension are made. Toluene isocyanate (TDI), 4, and 4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) are included by example of Diisocyanate. Polypropylene glycol and polytetramethylene glycol are included by example of polyether polyol. Ethylene glycol horse mackerel Pate, butanediol succinate, and neopentyl glycol azelate are included by example of polyester polyol.

[0021]

Desirable oleophilic polymer is block poly (ether -Co- amide) which does not contain PEG substantially, polyamide, and polyurethane. The most desirable oleophilic polymer is block poly (ether -Co- amide) and polyamide.

[0022]

In a range which does not deviate from main point of the present invention, an additional ingredient can be added in the polymer blend. For example, polyethylene or ionomer resin like "SurlynTM" (brand name) may be added in this polymer blend. MI may add polyolefin like three or less straight chain low density polyethylene to 30 % of the weight, and may raise the processability of this blend. If it adds while blending ionomer resin, the compatibility of polymer components can be improved. The relative physical properties of a film manufactured from a polymer blend are also improvable by adding additive agents, such as an antioxidant, lubricant, and paints.

[0023]

Graft-ized polyolefin produced by making alpha and beta-ethylenic unsaturated poly carboxyl acid or an anhydride react to polyolefin as other additional ingredients which can be added without deviating from a range or main point of the present invention is mentioned. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene rubber and others are included by example of polyolefin. A maleic acid anhydride, maleic acid, and fumaric acid are included by example of alpha and beta-ethylenic unsaturated poly carboxyl acid or an anhydride. These graft-ized polyolefin can be added in a polymer blend in 40 % of the weight or less, preferably about 5 thru/or 25% of the weight of the range. If graft-ized polyolefin is added, compatibility between blend ingredients will be improved and processability will improve.

[0024]

A respiratory film can be made to this polymer blend by non-perviousness by carrying out fusion processing using the usual extrusion or forming processing technology. An obtained film is further processed and various kinds of request products are made. For example, fusion adhesion can be carried out and a textiles base of a request of this film can be processed into a dressing gown, a drape, an externally caused injury allowance article, a disposable article, etc. for an operation.

[0025]

[Example]

Next, although an example explains the present invention still more concretely, thereby, the present invention is not restricted. In the range which does not deviate from the main point of the present invention, other the change of various kinds of and correction can be made.

[0026]

EXAMPLE hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM4011MA"] -- nylon 6 and hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM 2533"], Fusion mixture was carried out at a rate shown in hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM 4033"], and each and Table 1 of polycaprolactone. Polymer was blended in 50 rpm and 225 degreeC in the Plastic coder mixer (brand name "Plasti-Corder mixer") (melt mixer made from Brabender). In 235degreeC and 703 kg/cm2, compression molding of each blend was carried out in the Pasadena press (brand name "Pasadenapress") to make a film.

[0027]

The intensity and the degree of vapor penetration of each sample were measured using the following measuring method. a) Pull and it is an intensity-Instron type universal tester (a part for 12.7-cm/in crosshead speed). And 2.54-cm gap use; sample size 1"x4", 5 mil [ in thickness ] bMVTR-moisture permeation testing machine "Permatran-W" (brand name) (product made from Modern Controls Inc.) use; the sample which laminated the 1-mil film in thickness between the aluminum foil of two sheets which has a circular opening 1 inch in diameter The use c humid Tension intensity-film was underwater immersed for 90 minutes at room temperature, and the tensile test of the swelling film was done like the dry film with the above-mentioned Instron testing machine. d) The water absorption test-1"x1" sample was underwater immersed for 90 minutes, and the weight increment was recorded.

[0028]

These test results were compared with the result carried out about the film which was able to be obtained only from hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM 4011MA"]. A constituent and physical properties are shown in Table 1.

[0029]

[Table 1]

[0030]

As shown in Table 1, it is this polymer blend (examples 2 thru/or 7), Wet strength is improved compared with the film (example 1) obtained only from hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM 4011MA"], and the physical properties of the wide range which includes a high MVTR value are provided. The degree of swelling of hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) (brand name) ["PEBAXTM 4011MA"] can be reduced remarkably, maintaining high MVTR by blending oleophilic polymer. Since control of physical properties can be performed in Bargain which only changes the ingredient and compounding ratio under blend, a new film can be created easily.

[0031]

The concrete embodiment of this invention is as follows.

[0032]

1) The polymer blend according to claim 1, wherein the quantity of further hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) in a polymer blend is about 20 thru/or about 90 % of the weight.

[0033]

2) A polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 1st paragraph of an embodiment, wherein the quantity of further hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) in a polymer blend is about 30 thru/or about 80 % of the weight.

[0034]

3) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 2nd paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by the quantity of the polyethylene-glycols block in hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) being about 30 thru/or about 60 % of the weight.

[0035]

4) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 3rd paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by the number average molecular weights of the polyethylene-glycols block in hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) being 600 thru/or about 8000.

[0036]

5) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 4th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by the number average molecular weights of the polyethylene-glycols block in hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) being 800 thru/or about 3000.

[0037]

6) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 5th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by hydrophilic block poly (ether -Co- amide) being "PEBAXTM4011MA" (brand name) block poly (ether -Co- amide).

[0038]

7) Claim 1 which further contains the graft-ized polyolefin which alpha and beta-ethylenic unsaturated poly carboxyl acid or an acid anhydride, and polyolefin were made to react, and was furthermore manufactured, and is characterized by things, or a polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in 1st paragraph [ of an embodiment ]~the 6th paragraph.

[0039]

8) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 7th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by being either block poly (ether -Co- amide) in which oleophilic polymer does not contain a polyethylene-glycols block substantially, or polyamide.

[0040]

9) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 8th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by being block poly (ether -Co- amide) in which oleophilic polymer does not contain a polyethylene-glycols block substantially.

[0041]

10) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 9th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by being block poly (ether -Co- amide) in which oleophilic polymer does not contain a polyethylene-glycols block.

[0042]

11) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 8th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by oleophilic polymer being polyamide.

[0043]

12) The polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 9th paragraph of an embodiment furthermore characterized by polyamide being nylon 6, 66, 11, or 12.

[0044]

13) The air-impermeable film which pushed out the polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in the 7th paragraph of an embodiment, or was furthermore fabricated, and was manufactured.

[0045]

14) Claim 1 which further contains polyolefin or ionomer resin and is characterized by things, or a polymer blend given [ above-mentioned ] in 1st paragraph [ of an embodiment ]~the 6th paragraph.