A method for preparation of silyl functional fumarates

Abstract: Silyl-functional fumarates are formed through the reaction of a methyl ester of a maleate with a chloroalkyl or chloroaryl silane or disiloxane in the presence of an amine or phosphine catalyst. These materials are useful as adhesion promoters for polyolefins.

Description: This invention relates to silyl-functional fumarates and a method for their preparation. Document DE-A 31 12 060 discloses a method for the preparation of silyl functional fumarates, maleates, succinates and phthalates wherein an olefinic group containing maleate, fumarate, succinate or phthalate is reacted with hydrogen trichlorosilane in the presence of a platinum catalyst, the resulting reaction product is reacted with methanol during a period of at least 6 hours and the azeotrope of methanol, water and hydrogen chloride is removed from the reaction vessel. It is an object of this invention to present a method for production of silyl-functional fumarates that does not require addition across a double bond, the use of platinum or the handling of toxic starting materials. It is further an object to present novel silyl-functional fumarates that are prepared by this method. It is further an object of this invention to provide a method of adhering polyolefins to various substrates using silyl-functional fumarates. This invention relates to silyl-functional fumarates of the formula wherein each R¹ is independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons, each R² is independently selected from R¹ and phenyl, each R³ is independently selected from a straight or branched chain alkylene group having 1 to 10 carbons and phenylene, each Z is independently selected from the hydrogen atom, R¹ and -R³SiR² x (OR¹) 3-x , each Y is independently selected from the hydrogen atom and R¹ and x has a value of 0 to 3. R¹ can be further exemplified by alkyls such as methyl, ethyl, butyl, propyl and iso-propyl. R² can be further exemplified by alkyls such as methyl and ethyl or aryls such as phenyl. R³ can be further exemplified by methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, iso-butylene, hexylene and phenylene. The silyl-functional fumarates of this invention are produced by the reaction of a methyl ester of a maleate with a haloalkyl or haloaryl alkoxysilane in the presence of a an amine or phosphine while generating methyl chloride gas as a by-product. It is also possible to use haloalkyl or haloaryl disiloxanes to produce polyester siloxane-fumarates by the method of this invention. Haloalkyl or haloaryl alkoxysilanes applicable in this invention are of the formula: where R¹, R² and R³ are as previously described and X is a halogen. The preferred structure is when R¹ is methyl, R² is methyl, R³ is methylene, ethylene, propylene, iso-butylene or phenylene and X is chlorine. Haloalkyl or halo aryl disiloxanes applicable in this invention are of the formula where R², R³ and X are as previously described. It is preferable that every R² on the molecule be identical however this is not always necessary. The preferred structure of the molecule is where R² is methyl, R³ is methylene, ethylene, propylene, iso-butylene or phenylene and X is chlorine. Maleates useful in this invention have the general formula where R⁴ is independently selected from the hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons. The preferred structure is when R⁴ is selected from the hydrogen atom or the methyl group. The silyl-functional fumarates are formed because the starting maleate undergoes isomerization during the reaction. The maleate may also isomerize prior to the reaction forming a fumarate. The fumarate is not very reactive in the method of this invention and it tends to sublime in the process equipment causing plugging problems. This initial isomerization into the fumarate can be controlled by using an excess of the silane and the addition of trace amounts of basic materials. The method for making the silyl-functional fumarates comprises i) reacting an excess of III or IV with V at temperatures at which the reactants reflux in the presence of an amine or phosphine catalyst for a period of time sufficient to remove all of the alkyl chloride and then ii) subjecting the resulting reaction mixture to a reduced pressure and elevated temperature to remove low boilers and the excess III or IV. A basic material such as Na₂CO₃ may be added during the reaction step (i) to prevent V from isomerizing before the reaction has occurred. The strip step (ii) is not necessary in certain applications of the product in which the excess III or IV will not hinder the performance of the material. The haloalkyl or haloaryl alkoxysilane or disiloxane is used in an excess from 5 to 30 percent based on the theoretical weight of alkoxy or disiloxane required to form the product. Examples of amine catalysts applicable in this invention include tertiary amines such as tetramethylguanadine, benzyl dimethylamine, triethylamine and others. If secondary or primary amines are used they must be of the type so that when they react with the haloalkyl or haloaryl silanes or disiloxanes they form quaternary salts. Examples of phosphine catalysts applicable in this invention include tributylphosphine, dibutylmonomethylphosphine and others. The amount of catalyst needed varies but is usually from 0.1 to 5 percent based on the total weight of the reaction mixture. The basic material may be added at the start of the reaction process. Quantities up to 10 percent based on the amount of maleate used may be added. The basic material may be filtered off at the end of the strip (ii) if it is used during the process of making the silyl-functional fumarate. Other materials such as hydroquinone monomethyl ether and possible other phenolic inhibitors can be added to stabilize the fumarate double bond in the resulting product so that the product may be distilled or processed otherwise at high temperatures without polymerizing the fumarate double bond. It is feasible to form a bis silyl-functional fumarate by using 2 moles (plus the desired excess) of the alkoxysilane for every mole of the maleate (V) where R⁴ is an alkyl group, preferably methyl. It is also possible to stop the reaction or use less than 2 moles but greater than 1 mole to form a mixture of bis- and mono-substituted silyl-functional fumarates. The silyl-functional fumarates of this invention are useful as coupling agents for organic polyolefins. The polyolefins may be coupled to substrates such as glass, ceramic, metal or metal oxides. Examples of preferred polyolefins are homopolymers of ethylene and propylene and various copolymers of ethylene. A method for coupling the polyolefins to the substrates comprises (i) mixing silyl-functional fumarates of this invention with an alcohol, (ii) applying the mixture of (i) to the substrate (iii) drying coated substrate of (ii), (iv) applying the polyolefin to dried substrate and, (v) melting the polyolefin in contact with the substrate. The silyl-functional fumarates of this invention are diluted in a solvent so that they comprise 5 to 90 percent of the total solution and then applied them to the substrate by methods such as wiping, flowing, dipping, spraying and others. The silyl-functional fumarate is allowed to dry by removal of the solvent on the surface of the substrate. Methods for evaporation include air drying, the application of heat and others. The polyolefin may then be melted or fused at temperatures of 200 to 300°C. The solvents used in diluting the silyl-functional fumarate are alcohols. These may be further exemplified by the alcohols such as methanol, ethanol or propanol, isopropanol, butanol and others. The amount of solvent present should comprise from about 10 percent to 95 percent by weight of the total solution. Substrates applicable for the application of the fumarates are selected essentially from glass, ceramic, metal or metal oxides. So that those skilled in the art can understand and appreciate the invention taught herein, the following examples are presented, being it understood that these examples should not be used to limit the scope of this invention over the limitations found in the claims attached hereto. EXAMPLE 1 72 grams of dimethylmaleate (0.5 moles) and 200 grams chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (1 mole) and 3 grams benzyl dimethylamine were heated with stirring to a reflux temperature of 180°C. while measuring the methyl chloride evolution by collecting it in a 500 ml graduated glass cylinder inverted in a pan of water. Gas evolution was very slow reaching a maximum of about 40 ml/min. An additional 4 grams of tetramethylguanadine catalyst was added which within a few minutes caused the reaction to accelerate generating up to 650 ml/min. of methyl chloride. Reaction finally tapered to less than 50 ml/min. methyl chloride at 200°C. pot temperature which was taken as the end of the reaction. The material was distilled under vacuum resulting in recovery of 16 grams of chloropropyltrimethoxysilane b 70-80°, 0.5 torr; 30 grams of the monosubstituted fumarate ester b 140-150°, 0.5 torr; and 56 grams of the bis substituted ester b 200-205°, 0.5 torr, n D 1.4448, d₄ 1.118 and a large tarry residue. EXAMPLE 2 36 grams of dimethylmaleate (0.25 moles), 120 grams of chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (0.60 moles), 4 grams of tetramethylguanadine and 3 grams of hydroquinone monomethyl ether was warmed to 184°C. with a maximum rate of methyl chloride evolution, measured as in Example 1, of 500 ml/min. at 175°C. The reaction product was a dark viscous oil. EXAMPLE 3 36 grams of dimethylmaleate (0.25 moles), 120 grams of chloropropyltrimethoxysilane (0.60 moles), 4 grams of tetramethylguanadine, 3 grams of hydroquinone monomethyl ether and 3 grams of anhydrous Na₂CO₃ was warmed to 184°C. with a maximum rate of methyl chloride evolution of 180 ml/min. at 175°C. The cooled product was filtered to obtain a product that was lighter and less viscous than in Example 2. EXAMPLE 4 Sample A: Distilled mono-substituted fumarate ester prepared in Example 1 Sample B: Distilled bis-substituted fumarate ester prepared in Example 1 Sample C: Unstripped reaction mixture prepared in Example 3. Samples A, B and C were diluted to 20 percent in methanol. They were wiped by hand using a saturated cloth on clear glass microscope slides and aluminum panels and allowed to air dry. High molecular weight polyethylene was pressed against the primed substrate surface at a temperature of 250°C. Initial adhesion of the polyethylene to the substrate was greater than 30 N/cm peel strength. The substrates were then submerged in boiling water for a period of 24 hours or until peel strength differences were observed. Although there appeared to be some loss of adhesion at the edges, the overall peel strength remained above 30 N/cm. Results are given in Table I. EXAMPLE 5 For comparative purposes the following materials were diluted and applied in the same manner as described previously. Both are known in the art as coupling agents for polyolefins. Sample D: (MeO)₃Si(CH₂)₃NH₂CH₂CH₂N(H)CH₂PhCh₂=CH₂ where Ph stands for phenyl and Me is methyl. Sample E: Both samples failed before the 24 hour test period had been completed. Results are given in Table I. Sample Glass Substrate Boil Time Aluminum Substrate Boil Time 2 hr. 4 hr. 8 hr. 24 hr. 2 hr. 4 hr. 8 hr. 24 hr. D C 9.6 - - C 13.5 - - E C 11.6 - - C 4.6 - - A C C C¹ C¹ C C C¹ C¹ B C C C C C C C C C C C C¹ C¹ C C C¹ C¹ C = cannot peel at 30 N/cm C¹ = loose areas on edges, overall adhesion still > 30 N/cm

Claims: A process for making silyl-functional fumarates which comprises (I) reacting a silicon-containing precursor selected from the group consisting essentially of (i) silanes of the general formula and (ii) siloxanes of the general formula with a maleate having the general formula of (iii) in the presence of amines or phosphines capable of forming -onimum compounds with the reactants; said reaction being conducted at a temperature sufficient to maintain reflux; said reaction being conducted for a time sufficient to remove any alkyl chloride formed; (II) subjecting the resulting reaction mixture to reduced pressure and elevated temperatures to remove any undesired low boiling materials, and (III) recovering any silyl-functional fumarates formed thereby, wherein each R¹ is independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons; each R² is independently selected from R¹ and phenyl; each R³ is independently selected from alkylene groups having 1 to 10 carbons and phenylene; each R⁴ is independently selected from R¹ and the hydrogen atom; X is a halogen atom and x has a value of 0 to 3. A process as claimed in claim 1 where an amine is present during the reaction, the silicon-containing precursor is (i), R¹ is methyl, R² is methyl and X is chlorine. A siloxy-functional fumarate of the formula wherein each R¹ is independently selected from an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbons; each R² is independently selected from R¹ and phenyl; each Z is independently selected from the hydrogen atom, R¹ or -CH₂SiR² x (OR¹) 3-x and x has a value of 0 to 3. A method for adhering polyolefins to substrates comprising (i) mixing silyl-functional fumarates as prepared in claim 1, with an alcohol; (ii) applying the mixture of (i) to a substrate (iii) drying the substrate; (iv) applying a polyolefin to the substrate and, (v) melting the polyolefin in contact with the substrate.

Inventors: PLUEDDEMANN EDWIN PAUL, PLUEDDEMANN, EDWIN PAUL
Applicants: DOW CORNING, DOW CORNING CORPORATION
Application year: 1990
Main classification: C07F7
IPC codes: C08J5, C07F7