JP7452009B2 - Acrylic rubber with excellent heat resistance and water resistance - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an acrylic rubber and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to an acrylic rubber having excellent heat resistance and water resistance, and a method for producing the same.

Acrylic rubber is a polymer containing acrylic ester as a main component, and is generally known as a rubber with excellent heat resistance, oil resistance, and ozone resistance, and is widely used in automobile-related fields.

As such acrylic rubber, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-114958) describes rubbers made from (meth)acrylic esters having an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 3 carbon atoms. 10 to 98.9% by weight of derived structural units, 0 to 88.9 structural units derived from (meth)acrylic acid ester having an alkyl group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms or an alkoxyalkyl group having 4 to 8 carbon atoms; Disclosed is an acrylic rubber with excellent roll processability characterized by containing 1 to 30% by weight of structural units derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, and specifically contains ethyl acrylate, acrylic acid A monomer component consisting of n-butyl, 10 parts by weight of di-n-butyl itaconate, monoethyl fumarate, water, and sodium dodecyl sulfate as an emulsifier were added, and then sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate and cumene hydroperoxide were added and the mixture was heated at normal pressure. , Start an emulsion polymerization reaction at room temperature, continue emulsion polymerization until the polymerization conversion rate reaches 95%, obtain an emulsion polymerization solution, coagulate it with an aqueous calcium chloride solution, wash with water, and dry to produce acrylic rubber. is listed. However, there was a problem that the acrylic rubber obtained by this method had poor water resistance.

In addition, Patent Document 2 (International Publication No. 2018/101146 pamphlet) describes a structural unit derived from an acrylic ester having an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and/or an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. 45 to 89.5% by weight of structural units derived from acrylic esters, 10 to 50% by weight of structural units derived from methacrylic acid alkyl esters having an alkyl group having 3 to 16 carbon atoms, and derived from crosslinkable monomers having a carboxy group An acrylic copolymer with excellent heat resistance containing 0.5 to 5% by weight of structural units is disclosed, specifically consisting of ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, and monoethyl fumarate. Monomers, water, and polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphate as an emulsifier were charged, and sodium ascorbate and potassium persulfate were added to start the emulsion polymerization reaction at normal pressure and room temperature, resulting in a polymerization conversion rate of 95%. It is described that an acrylic rubber with a Mooney viscosity of 38 is produced by continuing the reaction until the polymerization is reached, then adding hydroquinone to stop the polymerization, coagulating the emulsion polymerization solution with an aqueous sodium sulfate solution, washing with water, and drying. However, there was a problem that the acrylic rubber obtained by this method had poor water resistance.

JP2017-114958A International Publication No. 2018/101146 pamphlet

The present invention has been made in view of the actual state of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an acrylic rubber that is excellent in both heat resistance and water resistance, and a method for producing the same.

As a result of intensive research in view of the above problems, the present inventors have found that acrylic rubber with a specific molecular weight, which is composed of structural units of a specific composition, has an ash content within a specific range, and has outstanding heat resistance and water resistance. found that it is excellent.

The present inventors also found that by washing the water-containing crumb obtained by coagulating a specific monomer component after emulsion polymerization, and dehydrating it by squeezing out the water, and then drying it, it is easy to obtain excellent heat resistance and water resistance. It has been discovered that acrylic rubber can be obtained.

The present inventors have completed the present invention based on these findings.

Thus, according to the present invention, a bonding unit derived from an acrylic acid ester (A), a bonding unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester, and/or a bonding unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (B), a reactive group-containing monomer. An acrylic rubber consisting of a bonding unit (C) derived from a monomer , and a bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers contained as necessary , and derived from an emulsifier and/or coagulant during production. An acrylic rubber is provided that contains ash, has a total ash content of 0.2% by weight or less, and has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 100,000 to 5,000,000.

In the acrylic rubber of the present invention, the bonding units derived from acrylic esters (A) are 50 to 98.9% by weight, the bonding units derived from methacrylic esters and/or the bonding units derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters (B). ) is 1 to 30% by weight, bonding units (C) derived from reactive group-containing monomers are 0.1 to 10% by weight, and bonding units (D) derived from other monomers are 0 to 20% by weight. Preferably, the range is within the range.

In the acrylic rubber of the present invention, the total amount of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, and sulfur in the total ash is preferably 50% by weight or more relative to the total ash.
The acrylic rubber of the present invention is preferably emulsion polymerized using a phosphate ester salt or a sulfuric ester salt as an emulsifier.
In the acrylic rubber of the present invention, it is preferable that the emulsion-polymerized polymer solution is coagulated by using an alkali metal salt as a coagulant and then dried.
The acrylic rubber of the present invention is preferably dried using a screw extruder after solidification.
In the acrylic rubber of the present invention, it is preferable that the drying using the screw extruder is performed under reduced pressure.

According to the present invention, the method for producing the above acrylic rubber also includes :
Acrylic ester (a), methacrylic ester and/or ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b), reactive group-containing monomer (c), and other monomers that can be copolymerized as necessary ( an emulsion polymerization step in which the monomer component consisting of d) is emulsified with water and an emulsifier, and then emulsion polymerized in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to obtain an emulsion polymerization solution;
A coagulation step of adding the obtained emulsion polymerization liquid to an aqueous coagulant solution being stirred at a circumferential speed of 0.5 m/s or more to generate a hydrous crumb;
a washing step of washing the generated water-containing crumb with hot water of 40°C or higher ;
A dehydration process in which water is squeezed out from the washed water-containing crumbs,
a drying step of drying the water-containing crumb after dehydration;
Provided is a method for producing acrylic rubber, including:

According to the present invention, an acrylic rubber excellent in both heat resistance and water resistance and an efficient method for producing the same are provided.

As mentioned above, the acrylic rubber of the present invention includes a bonding unit derived from an acrylic acid ester (A), a bonding unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester and/or a bonding unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (B), and a reactive group. Consisting of a bonding unit (C) derived from the contained monomer and a bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers as necessary, the ash content is 0.2% by weight or less, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is It is characterized by a range of 100,000 to 5,000,000.

<Monomer component>
The bonding unit (A) constituting the acrylic rubber of the present invention is a bonding unit derived from an acrylic acid ester (a), and is preferably at least one bonding unit selected from the group consisting of an acrylic acid alkyl ester and an acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester. It is a bonding unit derived from acrylic ester of species.

The acrylic acid alkyl ester is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic acid alkyl esters having an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably acrylic acid alkyl esters having an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. More preferably, it is an acrylic acid alkyl ester having an alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of acrylic acid alkyl esters include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, n-propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, Examples include cyclohexyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, and n-butyl acrylate are preferred, and ethyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate are more preferred.

The acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and preferably acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably an acrylic acid alkoxy ester having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of acrylic acid alkoxyalkyl esters include methoxymethyl acrylate, methoxyethyl acrylate, methoxypropyl acrylate, methoxybutyl acrylate, ethoxymethyl acrylate, ethoxyethyl acrylate, propoxyethyl acrylate, and butoxyethyl acrylate. Examples include. Among these, methoxyethyl acrylate, ethoxyethyl acrylate, ethoxymethyl acrylate, methoxymethyl acrylate and the like are preferred, and methoxyethyl acrylate and ethoxyethyl acrylate are more preferred.

These (A) acrylic ester-derived bonding units can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the bonding amount in the acrylic rubber (polymer) is usually 50 to 98.9% by weight, preferably ranges from 60 to 97.5% by weight, more preferably from 72 to 94% by weight. If the amount of bonding unit (A) in the acrylic rubber is too small, weather resistance, heat resistance, and oil resistance may be reduced, and if it is too large, strength properties and compression set resistance may be reduced. Yes, it's not good.

The bonding unit (B) constituting the acrylic rubber of the present invention is a bonding unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester and/or an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b) (i.e., a bonding unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester and/or an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b)). (a bonding unit derived from an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester), preferably a bonding unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester.

The methacrylic ester is not particularly limited, and for example, at least one methacrylic ester selected from the group consisting of methacrylic acid alkyl ester and methacrylic acid alkyl ester is mentioned as a preferable example, and methacrylic acid alkyl ester is particularly preferred. preferable.

Examples of methacrylic acid alkyl esters include methacrylic acid alkyl esters having an alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, preferably methacrylic acid alkyl esters having an alkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, and more preferably carbon methacrylic acid alkyl esters. It is an alkyl methacrylate ester having 2 to 6 alkyl groups.

Specific examples of methacrylic acid alkyl esters include methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, n-propyl methacrylate, isopropyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, Examples include cyclohexyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, isotridecyl methacrylate, etc., preferably ethyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, more preferably ethyl methacrylate. , n-butyl methacrylate.

Examples of methacrylic acid alkoxyalkyl esters include methacrylic acid alkoxyalkyl esters having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 14 carbon atoms, and preferably methacrylic acid alkoxyalkyl esters having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. More preferably, it is a methacrylic acid alkoxyalkyl ester having an alkoxyalkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of alkoxyalkyl methacrylates include methoxymethyl methacrylate, methoxyethyl methacrylate, methoxypropyl methacrylate, methoxybutyl methacrylate, ethoxymethyl methacrylate, ethoxyethyl methacrylate, propoxyethyl methacrylate, and butoxyethyl methacrylate. Examples include. Among these, methoxyethyl methacrylate, ethoxyethyl methacrylate, ethoxymethyl methacrylate, ethoxyethyl methacrylate and the like are preferred, and methoxyethyl methacrylate and ethoxyethyl methacrylate are more preferred.

Examples of ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters include diesters of dicarboxylic acids such as fumaric acid, maleic acid, citraconic acid, mesaconic acid, itaconic acid, and 2-pentenedioic acid and alkanols having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. It will be done.

Specific examples of ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters include dimethyl fumarate, diethyl fumarate, dipropyl fumarate, dibutyl fumarate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, dipropyl maleate, dibutyl maleate, dimethyl citraconate, and citracon. Diethyl acid, dipropyl citraconate, di-n-butyl citraconate, dimethyl mesaconate, diethyl mesaconate, dipropyl mesaconate, di-n-butyl mesaconate, dimethyl itaconate, diethyl itaconate, di-n-butyl itaconate, itaconic acid Examples include dicyclohexyl and dimethyl 2-pentenedioate. Among these, diethyl fumarate, dipropyl fumarate, dibutyl fumarate, dimethyl maleate, diethyl maleate, dipropyl maleate, dibutyl maleate, dimethyl itaconate, diethyl itaconate, di-n-butyl itaconate and the like are preferred. Diethyl acid, dipropyl fumarate, dibutyl fumarate, diethyl itaconate, di-n-butyl itaconate, and the like are preferred.

These bonding units derived from methacrylic acid esters and/or bonding units (B) derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters can be used alone or in combination of two or more types, and the amount of bonding in the acrylic rubber is as follows: The amount is usually 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 20% by weight, and more preferably 5 to 15% by weight.

The bonding unit (C) constituting the acrylic rubber of the present invention consists of a bonding unit derived from the reactive group-containing monomer (c).

The reactive group-containing monomer (c) is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a monomer having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group, an epoxy group, and a halogen group. A monomer having a carboxyl group or an epoxy group is preferable, and a monomer having a carboxyl group is particularly preferable.

Although there are no particular limitations on the monomer having a carboxyl group, ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids can be suitably used. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids include ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoesters, and among these, ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoesters However, it is preferable because it can further improve the compression set resistance of the obtained acrylic rubber.

The ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid is not particularly limited, but is preferably an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having 3 to 12 carbon atoms, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, etc. Examples include acids.

The ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid is not particularly limited, but is preferably an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 12 carbon atoms, such as fumaric acid, butenedionic acid such as maleic acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, chloro Examples include maleic acid. Note that ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids include those existing as anhydrides.

The ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoester is not particularly limited, but it is usually an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 12 carbon atoms and an alkyl monoester having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 6 carbon atoms. An ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid and an alkyl monoester having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, more preferably an alkyl monoester having 2 to 6 carbon atoms of butenedioic acid having 4 carbon atoms.

Specific examples of ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid monoesters include monomethyl fumarate, monoethyl fumarate, mono-n-butyl fumarate, monomethyl maleate, monoethyl maleate, mono-n-butyl maleate, monocyclopentyl fumarate, and fumarate. Butenedionic acid monoalkyl esters such as monocyclohexyl acid, monocyclohexenyl fumarate, monocyclopentyl maleate, monocyclohexyl maleate; itaconic acid such as monomethyl itaconate, monoethyl itaconate, mono n-butyl itaconate, monocyclohexyl itaconate Monoalkyl ester; etc., preferably mono-n-butyl fumarate and mono-n-butyl maleate, particularly preferably mono-n-butyl fumarate.

Examples of the monomer having an epoxy group include epoxy group-containing (meth)acrylic acid esters such as glycidyl (meth)acrylate; epoxy group-containing vinyl ethers such as allyl glycidyl ether and vinyl glycidyl ether; and the like. Note that "(meth)acrylic acid" as used herein is used as a generic term for acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, and the same applies below.

Examples of monomers having a halogen group include unsaturated alcohol esters of halogen-containing saturated carboxylic acids, (meth)acrylic acid haloalkyl esters, (meth)acrylic acid haloacyloxyalkyl esters, and (meth)acrylic acid (haloacetylcarbamoyl esters). Examples include oxy)alkyl esters, halogen-containing unsaturated ethers, halogen-containing unsaturated ketones, halomethyl group-containing aromatic vinyl compounds, halogen-containing unsaturated amides, and haloacetyl group-containing unsaturated monomers.

Examples of the unsaturated alcohol ester of a halogen-containing saturated carboxylic acid include vinyl chloroacetate, vinyl 2-chloropropionate, allyl chloroacetate, and the like. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid haloalkyl ester include chloromethyl (meth)acrylate, 1-chloroethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-chloroethyl (meth)acrylate, 1,2-dichloroethyl (meth)acrylate, Examples include 2-chloropropyl (meth)acrylate, 3-chloropropyl (meth)acrylate, and 2,3-dichloropropyl (meth)acrylate. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid haloacyloxyalkyl ester include 2-(chloroacetoxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-(chloroacetoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, and 3-(chloroacetoxy)(meth)acrylate. ) propyl, 3-(hydroxychloroacetoxy)propyl (meth)acrylate, and the like. Examples of the (meth)acrylic acid (haloacetylcarbamoyloxy)alkyl ester include 2-(chloroacetylcarbamoyloxy)ethyl (meth)acrylate and 3-(chloroacetylcarbamoyloxy)propyl (meth)acrylate. It will be done. Examples of the halogen-containing unsaturated ether include chloromethyl vinyl ether, 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether, 3-chloropropyl vinyl ether, 2-chloroethyl allyl ether, and 3-chloropropyl allyl ether. Examples of the halogen-containing unsaturated ketone include 2-chloroethyl vinyl ketone, 3-chloropropyl vinyl ketone, and 2-chloroethylallyl ketone. Examples of the halomethyl group-containing aromatic vinyl compound include p-chloromethylstyrene, m-chloromethylstyrene, o-chloromethylstyrene, and p-chloromethyl-α-methylstyrene. Examples of the halogen-containing unsaturated amide include N-chloromethyl (meth)acrylamide. Examples of the haloacetyl group-containing unsaturated monomer include 3-(hydroxychloroacetoxy)propyl allyl ether and p-vinylbenzylchloroacetate.

The bonding unit (C) derived from the reactive group-containing monomer formed from these reactive group-containing monomers can be used alone or in combination of two or more types, and the bonding amount in the acrylic rubber is , usually in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, more preferably 1 to 3% by weight.

The bonding unit (D) constituting the acrylic rubber of the present invention is a bonding unit derived from another monomer (d) that is copolymerized as necessary.

Other monomers (d) are not particularly limited as long as they are other than the above monomers (a), (b), and (c) and can be copolymerized with these monomers, such as aromatic vinyl, ethylene, etc. Examples include unsaturated nitriles, acrylamide monomers, and other olefin monomers. Examples of the aromatic vinyl include styrene, α-methylstyrene, and divinylbenzene. Examples of ethylenically unsaturated nitriles include acrylonitrile and methacrylonitrile. Examples of the acrylamide monomer include acrylamide and methacrylamide. Examples of other olefinic monomers include ethylene, propylene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, vinyl acetate, ethyl vinyl ether, butyl vinyl ether, and the like.

The bonding units (D) derived from other monomers formed from these other monomers (d) can be used alone or in combination of two or more types, and the bonding amount in the acrylic rubber is as follows: The amount is usually 0 to 20% by weight, preferably 0 to 15% by weight, and more preferably 0 to 10% by weight. Therefore, some of the acrylic rubbers of the present invention do not contain the bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers, while others contain the bonding unit (D) within the above range. d) is not used.

<Acrylic rubber>
The acrylic rubber of the present invention comprises a bonding unit derived from the above-mentioned acrylic ester (A), a bonding unit derived from methacrylic ester and/or a bonding unit derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (B), and a reactive group-containing monomer. It consists of a bonding unit (C) derived from a monomer, and a bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers as necessary, and the respective proportions are usually 50 to 98.9% by weight of the bonding unit (A), It is preferably in the range of 60 to 97.5% by weight, more preferably 72 to 94% by weight, and the bonding unit (B) is usually 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 2 to 20% by weight, more preferably 5 to 94% by weight. 15% by weight, the bonding unit (C) is usually in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, more preferably 1 to 3% by weight, and the bonding unit (D) is usually in the range of 0 to 20% by weight, preferably 0 to 15% by weight, and more preferably 0 to 10% by weight. That is, the acrylic rubber of the present invention is a copolymer that contains each of the above-mentioned bonding units in the above-mentioned specific weight proportions, and the total of each bonding unit is 100% by weight. When the mer bond unit is within this range, it is preferable to form a crosslinked product of acrylic rubber because heat resistance, water resistance, and compression set resistance can be highly balanced.

The content of reactive groups in the acrylic rubber of the present invention is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected within the proportion of bonding units (C) derived from the above-mentioned reactive group-containing monomers, and the content of reactive groups itself The weight percentage is usually in the range of 0.001 to 5% by weight, preferably 0.01 to 3% by weight, more preferably 0.05 to 1% by weight, particularly preferably 0.1 to 0.5% by weight. In some cases, it is preferable because properties such as workability, strength properties, compression set resistance, oil resistance, cold resistance, and water resistance are highly balanced.

The ash content of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is 0.2% by weight or less, preferably 0.15% by weight or less, more preferably 0.14% by weight or less, particularly preferably 0.13% by weight or less, most preferably 0. .12% by weight or less, and when the total ash content is within this range, it is suitable as an acrylic rubber with excellent water resistance.

The lower limit of the total ash content of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.0001% by weight or more, preferably 0.0005% by weight or more, more preferably 0.001% by weight or more, Particularly preferably, the content is 0.005% by weight or more, most preferably 0.01% by weight or more, since metal adhesion of the rubber is reduced and workability is excellent.

Therefore, the total ash content at which the water resistance and metal adhesion resistance of the acrylic rubber of the present invention are highly balanced is usually 0.0001 to 0.2% by weight, preferably 0.0005 to 0.15% by weight. , more preferably from 0.001 to 0.14% by weight, particularly preferably from 0.005 to 0.13% by weight, most preferably from 0.01 to 0.12% by weight.

The total amount of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium and sulfur in the total ash in the acrylic rubber of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is usually 50% by weight or more, preferably 70% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight. It is preferable that the conditions are above because the water resistance of the acrylic rubber is highly excellent.

The water resistance of the acrylic rubber is determined when the total amount of magnesium and phosphorus in the ash in the acrylic rubber of the present invention is 50% by weight or more, preferably 70% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more based on the total ash. It is suitable because it has excellent altitude. The ratio of magnesium to phosphorus ([Mg]/[P]) in the ash of acrylic rubber is not particularly limited, but the weight ratio is usually 0.4 to 2.5, preferably 0.45 to 1. 2, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 0.7, since the water resistance of the acrylic rubber is highly excellent.

The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is an absolute molecular weight measured by GPC-MALS, and is 100,000 to 5,000,000, preferably 500,000 to 4,000,000, more preferably 700,000 to 3,000,000, most preferably 1,000,000 to 2,500,000, when the acrylic rubber has a high degree of processability, strength properties, and compression set resistance when mixed. This is preferable because it is well-balanced.

The ratio (Mw/Mn) between the weight average molecular weight (Mw) and the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is usually 1 in the absolute molecular weight distribution measured by GPC-MALS. A range of .1 to 8, preferably 1.2 to 7, more preferably 1.4 to 6 is preferable because the processability, strength characteristics, and compression set resistance of the acrylic rubber are highly balanced. be.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is not particularly limited, and is usually 20°C or lower, preferably 10°C or lower, and more preferably 0°C.

The water content of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is usually less than 1% by weight, preferably 0.8% by weight or less, and more preferably 0.6% by weight or less, since the scorch properties can be optimized.

The Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100°C) of the acrylic rubber of the present invention is usually in the range of 10 to 150, preferably 20 to 100, more preferably 25 to 80.

<Method for manufacturing acrylic rubber>
The method for producing the acrylic rubber is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, acrylic ester (a), methacrylic ester and/or ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b), reactive group-containing monomer A monomer component consisting of (c) and other copolymerizable monomers (d) as needed is emulsified with water and an emulsifier, and then emulsion polymerized in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to obtain an emulsion polymerization solution. an emulsion polymerization step to obtain
a coagulation step of adding the obtained emulsion polymerization liquid to the coagulation liquid being stirred to generate water-containing crumb;
a cleaning step of cleaning the generated water-containing crumb;
A dehydration process in which water is squeezed out from the washed water-containing crumbs,
a drying step of drying the water-containing crumb after dehydration;
It can be easily manufactured using a manufacturing method including

Hereinafter, embodiments of each of the above steps will be described.

(Emulsion polymerization process)
The emulsion polymerization step in the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention comprises an acrylic ester (a), a methacrylic ester and/or an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b), a reactive group-containing monomer (c), and A monomer component consisting of other copolymerizable monomers (d) if necessary is emulsified with water and an emulsifier, and then emulsion polymerized in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to obtain an emulsion polymerization liquid. shall be.

The monomer components used in the emulsion polymerization process of acrylic rubber are the same as the examples and preferred ranges of the monomer components already described. The amounts of the monomer components to be used are also as described above, and in the emulsion polymerization step, each monomer may be appropriately selected so as to achieve the above composition of the acrylic rubber of the present invention.

The emulsifier used as an emulsifier in the emulsion polymerization process can be used without any particular limitations as long as it is commonly used in emulsion polymerization reactions. This is suitable because water resistance can be significantly improved. The phosphate salt is not particularly limited, but divalent phosphate metal salts are preferred, and divalent phosphate sodium salts are particularly preferred.

Specific examples of suitable divalent phosphate ester salts include alkyloxypolyoxyalkylene phosphate ester salts, alkylphenyloxypolyoxyalkylene phosphate ester salts, etc. Among these, these metal salts are preferred; The alkali metal salts of are more preferred, and their sodium salts are most preferred.

Examples of the above-mentioned alkyloxypolyoxyalkylene phosphate salts include alkyloxypolyoxyethylene phosphate salts, alkyloxypolyoxypropylene phosphate salts, etc. Among these, alkyloxypolyoxyethylene phosphate salts include Ester salts are preferred.

Specific examples of alkyloxypolyoxyethylene phosphate salts include octyloxydioxyethylene phosphate, octyloxytrioxyethylene phosphate, octyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, and decyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate. , dodecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, tridecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, tetradecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, hexadecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, octadecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, octyl Oxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, decyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, dodecyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, tridecyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, tetradecyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, hexadecyloxypenta Oxyethylene phosphate, octadecyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, octyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, decyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, dodecyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, tridecyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate Ester, tetradecyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, hexadecyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, octadecyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, octyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, decyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, dodecyl Metal salts such as oxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, tridecyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, tetradecyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, hexadecyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, octadecyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, etc. Among these, their alkali metal salts, particularly sodium salts, are preferred.

Specific examples of alkyloxypolyoxypropylene phosphate salts include octyloxydioxypropylene phosphate, octyloxytrioxypropylene phosphate, octyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, and decyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate. , dodecyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, tridecyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, tetradecyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, hexadecyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, octadecyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, octyl Oxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, decyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, tridecyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, tetradecyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, hexadecyloxypenta Oxypropylene phosphate, octadecyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, octyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, decyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, tridecyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate Ester, tetradecyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, hexadecyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, octadecyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, octyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, decyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecyl Oxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, tridecyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, tetradecyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, hexadecyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, octadecyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate and metals thereof Among these, alkali metal salts thereof, particularly sodium salts, are preferred.

Specific examples of alkylphenyloxypolyoxyalkylene phosphate salts include alkylphenyloxypolyoxyethylene phosphate salts, alkylphenyloxypolyoxypropylene phosphate salts, etc. Among these, alkylphenyloxypolyoxypropylene phosphate salts include Oxyethylene phosphate ester salts are preferred.

Specific examples of alkylphenyloxypolyoxyethylene phosphate ester salts include methyloxyoxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, butylphenyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, hexyl phenyloxytetra Oxyethylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, octadecyloxytetraoxyethylene phosphate, methylphenyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, ethylphenyloxypentaoxy Ethylene phosphate, butylphenyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, hexylphenyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxypentaoxyethylene phosphate, methylphenyloxyhexaoxy Ethylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, butylphenyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, hexylphenyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxyhexaoxy Ethylene phosphate, methylphenyloxyhexaoxyethylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, butylphenyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, hexylphenyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxyoctaoxy Examples include metal salts such as ethylene phosphate and dodecylphenyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, and among these, alkali metal salts thereof, particularly sodium salts, are preferred.

Specific examples of alkylphenyloxypolyoxypropylene phosphate ester salts include methylphenyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, butylphenyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, hexyl phenyloxytetra Oxypropylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxytetraoxypropylene phosphate, methylphenyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, butylphenyloxypenta Oxypropylene phosphate, hexyl phenyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxypentaoxypropylene phosphate, methylphenyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxyhexa Oxypropylene phosphate, butylphenyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, hexylphenyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxyhexaoxypropylene phosphate, methylphenyloxyocta Oxypropylene phosphate, ethyl phenyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, butylphenyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, hexylphenyloxyoctaoxyethylene phosphate, nonylphenyloxyoctaoxypropylene phosphate, dodecylphenyloxyocta Examples include metal salts such as oxypropylene phosphate, and among these, alkali metal salts thereof, particularly sodium salts, are preferred.

Examples of phosphoric acid emulsifiers other than divalent phosphate ester salts include monovalent phosphate ester salts such as di(alkyloxypolyoxyalkylene) phosphate sodium salt.

Examples of the emulsifier other than the phosphate ester salt include anionic emulsifiers other than the phosphate ester salt, cationic emulsifiers, nonionic emulsifiers, and the like.

Other anionic emulsifiers other than phosphate ester salts include, for example, salts of fatty acids such as myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid; alkylbenzene sulfonates such as sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; sodium lauryl sulfate, etc. Examples include sulfate ester salts and alkyl sulfosuccinates.

Examples of the cationic emulsifier include alkyltrimethylammonium chloride, dialkylammonium chloride, and benzylammonium chloride.

Examples of nonionic emulsifiers include polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters such as polyoxyethylene stearate; polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers such as polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether; polyoxyalkylene alkyl phenol ethers such as polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether; Examples include oxyethylene sorbitan alkyl ester, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether and polyoxyalkylene alkylphenol ether are preferred, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether and polyoxyethylene alkylphenol ether are more preferred.

These emulsifiers can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount used is usually 0.01 to 10 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer component. 5 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 3 parts by weight.

The mixing method (mixing method) of the monomer components, water, and emulsifier may follow a conventional method, for example, a method of stirring the monomer, emulsifier, and water using a stirrer such as a homogenizer or a disc turbine. Examples include. The amount of water used is usually 1 to 1,000 parts by weight, preferably 5 to 500 parts by weight, more preferably 4 to 300 parts by weight, particularly preferably 3 to 150 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the monomer component. parts, most preferably in the range of 20 to 80 parts by weight.

The polymerization catalyst used is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used in emulsion polymerization, but for example, a redox catalyst consisting of a radical generator and a reducing agent can be used.

Examples of the radical generator include peroxides and azo compounds, with peroxides being preferred. As the peroxide, an inorganic peroxide or an organic peroxide is used.

Examples of inorganic peroxides include sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium persulfate. Among these, potassium persulfate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium persulfate are preferred, and potassium persulfate is preferred. Particularly preferred.

The organic peroxide is not particularly limited as long as it is used in emulsion polymerization of acrylic rubber, etc. For example, 2,2-di(4,4-di-(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexyl) ) propane, 1-di-(t-hexylperoxy)cyclohexane, 1,1-di-(t-butylperoxy)cyclohexane, 4,4-di-(t-butylperoxy)n-butyl valerate, 2,2-di-(t-butylperoxy)butane, t-butyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, paramenthane hydroperoxide, benzoyl peroxide, 1,1,3,3 -Tetraethylbutyl hydroperoxide, t-butylcumyl peroxide, di-t-butyl peroxide, di-t-hexyl peroxide, di(2-t-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene, dicumyl peroxide, diisobutyryl peroxide, di(3,5,5-trimethylhexanoyl) peroxide, dilauroyl peroxide, disuccinic acid peroxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, di(3-methylbenzoyl) peroxide, benzoyl (3-methylbenzoyl) Peroxide, diisobutyryl peroxydicarbonate, di-n-propyl peroxydicarbonate, di(2-ethylhexyl) peroxydicarbonate, di-sec-butyl peroxydicarbonate, 1,1,3,3-tetra Methylbutylperoxyneodecanate, t-hexylperoxypivalate, t-butylperoxyneodecanate, t-hexylperoxypivalate, t-butylperoxypivalate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5 -di(2-ethylhexanoylperoxy)hexane, 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutylperoxy-2-ethylhexanate, t-hexylperoxy-2-ethylhexanate, t-butylperoxy -3,5,5-trimethylhexanate, t-hexylperoxyisopropyl monocarbonate, t-butylperoxyisopropyl monocarbonate, t-butylperoxy-2-ethylhexyl monocarbonate, 2,5-dimethyl-2, 5-di(benzoylperoxy)hexane, t-butylperoxyacetate, t-hexylperoxybenzoate, t-butylperoxybenzoate, 2,5-dimethyl-2,5-di(t-butylperoxy)hexane Among these, diisopropylbenzene hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide, paramenthane hydroperoxide, benzoyl peroxide and the like are preferred.

Examples of the azo compounds include azobisisobutyronitrile, 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid), 2,2'-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane, 2, 2'-azobis(propane-2-carboamidine), 2,2'-azobis[N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2-methylpropanamide], 2,2'-azobis{2-[1-(2 -hydroxyethyl)-2-imidazolin-2-yl]propane}, 2,2'-azobis(1-imino-1-pyrrolidino-2-methylpropane) and 2,2'-azobis{2-methyl-N- [1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]propanamide} and the like.

These radical generators can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount used is usually 0.0001 to 5 parts by weight, preferably 0.0001 to 5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer component. The amount ranges from 0.005 to 1 part by weight, more preferably from 0.001 to 0.5 part by weight.

As the reducing agent, any reducing agent can be used without limitation as long as it is used in a redox catalyst for emulsion polymerization, but in the present invention, it is particularly preferable to use at least two types of reducing agents. As the at least two types of reducing agents, for example, a combination of a metal ion compound in a reduced state and another reducing agent is suitable.

Examples of the metal ion compound in a reduced state include, but are not limited to, ferrous sulfate, sodium hexamethylenediaminetetraacetate, cuprous naphthenate, and the like. Among these, ferrous sulfate is preferred. These metal ion compounds in a reduced state can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount used is usually 0.000001 to 0.000 parts per 100 parts by weight of the monomer components. 0.01 parts by weight, preferably 0.00001 to 0.001 parts by weight, more preferably 0.00005 to 0.0005 parts by weight.

Reducing agents other than metal ion compounds in their reduced state include, but are not particularly limited to, ascorbic acid or its salts such as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, and potassium ascorbate; erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, and erythorbic acid. Erythorbic acid or its salts such as potassium; sulfinates such as sodium hydroxymethanesulfinate; sulfites of sodium sulfite, potassium sulfite, sodium hydrogen sulfite, aldehyde sodium hydrogen sulfite, potassium hydrogen sulfite; sodium pyrosulfite, potassium pyrosulfite, pyrosulfites such as sodium pyrosulfite and potassium pyrosulfite; thiosulfates such as sodium thiosulfate and potassium thiosulfate; Phosphoric acid or a salt thereof; pyrophosphorous acid or a salt thereof such as pyrophosphorous acid, sodium pyrophosphite, potassium pyrophosphite, sodium hydrogen pyrophosphite, potassium hydrogen pyrophosphite; sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate; and the like. Among these, ascorbic acid or its salts, sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, etc. are preferred, and ascorbic acid or its salts are particularly preferred.

These reducing agents other than metal ion compounds in a reduced state can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount used is usually 0.001 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the monomer components. ~1 part by weight, preferably 0.005 to 0.5 part by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 0.1 part by weight.

A preferred combination of a metal ion compound in a reduced state and another reducing agent is a combination of ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and/or sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, more preferably a combination of ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid or a salt thereof and/or sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate. A combination of ascorbate and/or sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate, most preferably a combination of ferrous sulfate and ascorbate. The amount of ferrous sulfate used at this time is usually 0.000001 to 0.01 parts by weight, preferably 0.00001 to 0.001 parts by weight, and more preferably 0. The amount of ascorbic acid or its salt and/or sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate used is usually 0.001 to 1 part by weight, preferably 0.001 to 1 part by weight, per 100 parts by weight of both components. The amount ranges from 0.005 to 0.5 parts by weight, more preferably from 0.01 to 0.1 parts by weight.

The amount of water used in the emulsion polymerization reaction may be just the amount used during emulsification of the monomer components, but it is usually 10 to 1,000 parts by weight, preferably 10 to 1,000 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer components used in the polymerization. The amount is adjusted to be in the range of 50 to 500 parts by weight, more preferably 80 to 400 parts by weight, and most preferably 100 to 300 parts by weight.

The method of the emulsion polymerization reaction may be a conventional method, and may be a batch method, a semi-batch method, or a continuous method. The polymerization temperature and polymerization time are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of polymerization initiator used. The polymerization temperature is usually in the range of 0 to 100°C, preferably 5 to 80°C, more preferably 10 to 50°C, and the polymerization time is usually 0.5 to 100 hours, preferably 1 to 10 hours.

The polymerization conversion rate of the emulsion polymerization reaction is not particularly limited, but is usually 80% by weight or more, preferably 90% by weight or more, more preferably 95% by weight or more, and the acrylic rubber produced at this time has poor strength properties. It is excellent and has no monomer odor, making it suitable. A polymerization terminator may be used to terminate the polymerization.

(solidification process)
The coagulation step in the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention is a step of adding the emulsion polymerization liquid obtained in the above emulsion polymerization step to the stirred coagulation liquid to generate hydrous crumb.

The solid content concentration of the emulsion polymerization liquid used in the coagulation step is not particularly limited, but is usually adjusted to a range of 5 to 50% by weight, preferably 10 to 45% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 40% by weight. Ru.

The coagulant used in the coagulation liquid is not particularly limited as long as it is a coagulant used in emulsion polymerization, but it is preferable to use an alkali metal salt, more preferably an acrylic rubber produced when using a magnesium salt. This is suitable because it can highly improve water resistance. There are no particular limitations on the magnesium salt, but examples include inorganic magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride, magnesium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate, and organic magnesium salts such as magnesium formate and magnesium acetate. Among these, inorganic magnesium salts include Preferably, magnesium sulfate is particularly preferred.

These coagulants can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount used is usually 0.01 to 100 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the monomer component. -50 parts by weight, more preferably 1-30 parts by weight. When the coagulant is in this range, it is possible to sufficiently coagulate the acrylic rubber while highly improving compression set resistance and water resistance when the acrylic rubber is crosslinked.

When the coagulant concentration of the coagulating liquid used is usually in the range of 0.1 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight, more preferably 1 to 5% by weight, the particles of the water-containing crumb to be produced are This is preferable because the diameter can be uniform and focused on a specific area.

The temperature of the coagulating liquid used is not particularly limited, but it is usually 40° C. or higher, preferably 40 to 90° C., more preferably 50 to 80° C., to produce a uniform water-containing crumb.

The stirring speed (stirring number) of the coagulated liquid being stirred is expressed by the number of rotations per minute of the stirring device installed in the coagulation tank (specifically, the number of rotations of the stirring blade), but the When adding to the coagulation tank, it is preferable to stir it vigorously to a certain extent in order to make the size of the water-containing crumb particles small and uniform. The range is 1,000 rpm, more preferably 300 to 900 rpm, particularly preferably 350 to 850 rpm, and most preferably 400 to 800 rpm. If the stirring speed (rotation speed) of the coagulation liquid is too low, large crumb particles and small crumb particle sizes will be produced, and if it is too high, it will be difficult to control the coagulation reaction, so both Undesirable.

Additionally, the circumferential speed of the coagulated liquid being stirred is expressed by the speed of the outer circumference of the stirring blade of the above-mentioned stirring device. This is preferable because the crumb particle size can be made small and uniform, and therefore it is appropriate that the circumferential velocity of the coagulating liquid in the coagulating tank is at least 0.5 m/s or more. When this peripheral speed is 0.5 m/s or more, preferably 1 m/s or more, more preferably 1.5 m/s or more, particularly preferably 2 m/s or more, especially 2.5 m/s or more, the cleaning step This method is suitable because it can produce a hydrated crumb having a crumb shape and crumb diameter that allows for excellent removability of coagulants and emulsifiers in the dehydration process.

The upper limit of the peripheral speed of the coagulated liquid being stirred is not particularly limited, but is usually 30 m/s or less, preferably 25 m/s or less, more preferably 20 m/s or less, particularly preferably 15 m/s or less. It is preferable that the coagulation reaction be easily controlled at certain times.

In the acrylic rubber manufacturing method of the present invention, by appropriately selecting the above-mentioned conditions for the coagulation reaction (contact method, solid content concentration of the emulsion polymerization liquid, concentration of the coagulation liquid, temperature, number of rotations, circumferential speed, etc.), it is possible to The crumb shape and crumb diameter are uniform and aggregated, and the removal efficiency of the emulsifier and coagulant in the water-containing crumb in the washing step and dehydration step is significantly improved, which is preferable.

By adjusting the particle size and particle size distribution of the hydrous crumbs produced during acrylic rubber production to a specific range, we have significantly improved the removal efficiency of emulsifiers and coagulants from the hydrous crumbs during washing and dehydration. Although this was not known at all in the past, the present invention makes use of the above new findings to make it possible for the first time to produce high-quality acrylic rubber with particularly excellent water resistance.

(Washing process)
The washing step in the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention is a step of washing the water-containing crumbs produced in the coagulation step.

The washing method is not particularly limited and may be any conventional method. For example, it can be carried out by mixing the produced water-containing crumb with a large amount of water.

The amount of water added for washing is not particularly limited, but the amount per water washing is usually 50 parts by weight or more, preferably 50 to 15 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer components charged by emulsion polymerization. 000 parts by weight, more preferably 100 to 10,000 parts by weight, even more preferably 500 to 5,000 parts by weight, since the ash content in the acrylic rubber can be effectively reduced. be.

The temperature of the water used is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use warm water, usually 40°C or higher, preferably 40 to 100°C, more preferably 50 to 90°C, especially 60 to 80°C. It is ideal for dramatically increasing cleaning efficiency. By setting the temperature of the hot water used to be equal to or higher than the above-mentioned lower limit, the emulsifier and coagulant are released from the water-containing crumb, and the cleaning efficiency is further improved.

The washing time is not particularly limited, but is usually in the range of 1 to 120 minutes, preferably 2 to 60 minutes, and more preferably 3 to 30 minutes.

The number of times of washing (washing with water) in the washing step is also not particularly limited, and is usually 1 to 10 times, preferably 1 to 5 times, and more preferably 2 to 3 times. In addition, from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of coagulant remaining in the acrylic rubber finally obtained, it is desirable to wash with water more often, but as mentioned above, the shape of the hydrous crumb and the diameter of the hydrous crumb should be set within a specific range. By setting the cleaning temperature and/or the cleaning temperature within the above range, the number of times of water washing can be significantly reduced.

(Dehydration process)
The dehydration step in the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention is a step of squeezing out water from the washed water-containing crumb.

The means for dehydrating the hydrous crumbs is not particularly limited and may be any conventional method. For example, water can be removed from the hydrous crumbs using a dehydrator such as a centrifuge, a squeezer, or a screw extruder. Among these dehydrators, the acrylic rubber of the present invention has strong adhesiveness and can only be dehydrated to a water content of about 45 to 50% by weight using a centrifugal separator. Extruders are preferred, and among these, screw extruders are most preferred.

When the water content of the water-containing crumb after dehydration is 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 3 to 40% by weight, more preferably 5 to 35% by weight, most preferably 10 to 35% by weight, emulsifiers and coagulants are added. It is preferable that the removal of 20% is significantly improved, and the drying process is more efficient.

(drying process)
The drying step in the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention is a step of drying the dehydrated water-containing crumb to obtain acrylic rubber.

The method for drying the water-containing crumb may be according to a conventional method. For example, it can be dried using a dryer such as a hot air dryer, a vacuum dryer, an expander dryer, a kneader type dryer, or a screw type extruder. The drying temperature of the hydrated crumb is not particularly limited, but is usually in the range of 80 to 250°C, preferably 100 to 200°C, more preferably 120 to 180°C.

The water content of the acrylic rubber after drying is usually less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.8% by weight, more preferably less than 0.6% by weight.

(Dehydration/drying process using screw extruder)
In the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention, the above dehydration step and drying step are carried out using a screw type extruder equipped with a dehydration barrel having a dehydration slit, a drying barrel for drying under reduced pressure, and a die at the tip. It is preferable to carry out the process continuously. Although specific embodiments thereof are shown below, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

Dewatering and drying in the dewatering barrel section Dewatering of the water-containing crumb is carried out in a dewatering barrel having a dewatering slit provided in the screw extruder. The opening of the dehydration slit may be selected as appropriate depending on the conditions of use, but is usually in the range of 0.01 to 5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, and more preferably 0.2 to 0.6 mm. In addition, it is suitable because there is little loss of water-containing crumbs and the water-containing crumbs can be dehydrated efficiently.

The number of dehydration barrels in a screw type extruder is not particularly limited, but it is usually plural, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 3 to 6, for dehydration of sticky acrylic rubber. This is suitable for efficient execution.

There are two ways to remove water from the water-containing crumbs in the dehydration barrel: water is removed from the dehydration slit in liquid form (drainage) and water is removed in vapor form (exhaust steam). Exhaust steam is defined and distinguished from pre-drying.

When using a screw extruder equipped with multiple dehydration barrels, it is especially effective because dehydration and water content reduction of sticky acrylic rubber can be efficiently carried out by combining waste water (dehydration) and exhaust steam (pre-drying). suitable. In a screw type extruder equipped with three or more dehydration barrels, whether each dehydration barrel is a drain type dehydration barrel or an exhaust steam type dehydration barrel may be appropriately selected depending on the intended use of the acrylic rubber. To reduce the amount of ash in normally manufactured rubber, increase the number of drained barrels. For example, if there are 3 dewatering barrels, use 2 draining barrels, and if there are 4 dewatering barrels, use 3 draining barrels. Please select as appropriate.

The set temperature of the dehydration barrel is appropriately selected depending on the type of acrylic rubber, ash content, water content, operating conditions, etc., but is usually 60 to 150°C, preferably 70 to 140°C, more preferably 80 to 130°C. range. The temperature setting of the dehydration barrel for dehydration in the drained state is usually 60 to 120°C, preferably 70 to 110°C, more preferably 80 to 100°C. The set temperature of the dehydration barrel for pre-drying in the exhaust steam state is usually in the range of 100 to 150°C, preferably 105 to 140°C, more preferably 110 to 130°C.

The water content of the water-containing crumb after dehydration, that is, the water content after passing through the drainage type barrel, is not particularly limited, but is usually 1 to 50% by weight, preferably 3 to 40% by weight, more preferably 5 to 35% by weight, most preferably Preferably, the amount is 10 to 35% by weight, since the emulsifier and coagulant can be efficiently removed. When removing emulsifiers and coagulants and reducing water content efficiently using a screw extruder, the water content after dehydration is 5 to 40% by weight, preferably 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably 15 to 35% by weight. % by weight.

When dehydrating sticky acrylic rubber with the above specific composition and crosslinkable groups using a centrifuge, etc., the acrylic rubber adheres to the dehydration slit, making it almost impossible to dehydrate it (the water content is approximately 45 to In the present invention, by using a screw type extruder equipped with a dehydration barrel that has a dehydration slit and is forcibly squeezed by a screw, the water content can be efficiently reduced to less than that. Therefore, it is particularly suitable.

The moisture content of the hydrous crumb pre-dried in an exhaust steam dehydration barrel after the above dehydration is usually 1 to 30% by weight, preferably 3 to 20% by weight, more preferably 5 to 15% by weight.

Drying in a Drying Barrel The hydrous crumbs dehydrated and dried in the dehydrating barrel described above are further dried in a drying barrel under reduced pressure provided on the downstream side (extrusion side) of the same screw type extruder.

The degree of vacuum inside the drying barrel may be selected as appropriate, but it is usually 1 to 50 kPa, preferably 2 to 30 kPa, more preferably 3 to 20 kPa, which is suitable for efficiently drying the water-containing crumbs.

The temperature setting of the drying barrel may be selected as appropriate, but it is usually in the range of 100 to 250°C, preferably 110 to 200°C, more preferably 120 to 180°C, that the acrylic rubber will not fade or deteriorate. This is preferable because it allows efficient drying and reduces the amount of gel in the acrylic rubber.

The number of drying barrels in the screw extruder is not particularly limited, but is usually plural, preferably 2 to 10, more preferably 3 to 8. When there is a plurality of drying barrels, the degree of vacuum may be similar to that of all the drying barrels, or may be varied. When having multiple drying barrels, the set temperature may be set to a similar temperature for all drying barrels or may be changed, but the temperature at the discharge section (closer to the die) may be higher than the temperature at the inlet section (closer to the dehydration barrel). It is preferable to raise the temperature of the first method since drying efficiency can be increased.

The water content of the acrylic rubber crumb after drying in the drying barrel section is usually less than 1% by weight, preferably less than 0.8% by weight, more preferably less than 0.6% by weight.

Shape of acrylic rubber (die part)
The acrylic rubber dehydrated and dried in the screw parts of the dehydration barrel and drying barrel is sent to a rectifying die part without a screw, which is provided near the tip of the screw type extruder. A breaker plate and a wire mesh may or may not be provided between the screw part and the die part.

The acrylic rubber extruded from the die of a screw extruder has various shapes such as granules, pellets, columns, round bars, and strips depending on the shape of the nozzle of the die.

The resin pressure in the die part is not particularly limited, but when it is usually in the range of 0.1 to 10 MPa, preferably 0.5 to 5 MPa, more preferably 1 to 3 MPa, there is little air entrainment (high specific gravity). Moreover, it is suitable because it is excellent in productivity.

As described above, according to the method for producing acrylic rubber of the present invention, the above-mentioned bond unit (A) derived from an acrylic acid alkyl ester, a bond unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester, and/or a bond derived from an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester. It consists of a unit (B), a bond unit (C) derived from a reactive group-containing monomer, and a bond unit (D) derived from other monomers as necessary, and has an ash content of 0.2% by weight or less. , an acrylic rubber having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 100,000 to 5,000,000 can be efficiently produced.

<Rubber composition>
The rubber composition preferably contains a rubber component containing the acrylic rubber of the present invention, a filler, and a crosslinking agent so that heat resistance and water resistance are highly balanced.

As the main rubber component, the acrylic rubber of the present invention may be used alone, or, if necessary, the acrylic rubber of the present invention and other rubber components may be used in combination. The content of the acrylic rubber of the present invention in the rubber component may be selected depending on the intended use, and is, for example, usually 30% by weight or more, preferably 50% by weight or more, and more preferably 70% by weight or more.

Other rubber components to be combined with the acrylic rubber of the present invention are not particularly limited, and examples include natural rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, and olefin rubber. Examples include elastomers, styrene-based elastomers, vinyl chloride-based elastomers, polyester-based elastomers, polyamide-based elastomers, polyurethane-based elastomers, and polysiloxane-based elastomers.

These other rubber components can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The shape of these other rubber components may be any shape, such as a veil shape, a sheet shape, or a powder shape. The content of other rubber components in the entire rubber component is appropriately selected within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention, and is, for example, usually 70% by weight or less, preferably 50% by weight or less, and more preferably 30% by weight or less. .

The filler contained in the rubber composition is not particularly limited, but examples include reinforcing fillers and non-reinforcing fillers, with reinforcing fillers being preferred.

Examples of reinforcing fillers include carbon blacks such as furnace black, acetylene black, thermal black, channel black, and graphite; silicas such as wet silica, dry silica, and colloidal silica; and the like. Examples of non-reinforcing fillers include quartz powder, diatomaceous earth, zinc white, basic magnesium carbonate, activated calcium carbonate, magnesium silicate, aluminum silicate, titanium dioxide, talc, aluminum sulfate, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, etc. be able to.

These fillers can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and their blending amount is appropriately selected within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. The amount ranges from 1 to 200 parts by weight, preferably from 10 to 150 parts by weight, and more preferably from 20 to 100 parts by weight.

The crosslinking agent contained in the rubber composition is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, polyvalent amine compounds such as diamine compounds, and carbonates thereof; sulfur compounds; sulfur donors; triazinethiol compounds; polyvalent epoxy compounds; Conventionally known crosslinking agents such as acid ammonium salts; organic peroxides; polycarboxylic acids; quaternary onium salts; imidazole compounds; isocyanuric acid compounds; organic peroxides; triazine compounds; and the like can be used. Among these, polyvalent amine compounds and triazine compounds are preferred, and polyvalent amine compounds are particularly preferred.

Examples of the polyvalent amine compound include aliphatic polyvalent amine compounds such as hexamethylene diamine, hexamethylene diamine carbamate, N,N'-dicinnamylidene-1,6-hexane diamine; 4,4'-methylene dianiline, p -Phenylene diamine, m-phenylene diamine, 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 3,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, 4,4'-(m-phenylene diisopropylidene) dianiline, 4,4'-(p-phenylene di isopropylidene) dianiline, 2,2'-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, 4,4'-diaminobenzanilide, 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, m-xyly Aromatic polyvalent amine compounds such as diamine, p-xylylenediamine, and 1,3,5-benzenetriamine; and the like. Among these, hexamethylene diamine carbamate, 2,2'-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, and the like are preferred. These polyvalent amine compounds are particularly preferably used in combination with carboxyl group-containing acrylic rubber.

Examples of triazine compounds include 6-trimercapto-s-triazine, 2-anilino-4,6-dithiol-s-triazine, 1-dibutylamino-3,5-dimercaptotriazine, 2-dibutylamino-4, 6-dithiol-s-triazine, 1-phenylamino-3,5-dimercaptotriazine, 2,4,6-trimercapto-1,3,5-triazine, 1-hexylamino-3,5-dimercaptotriazine Examples include. These triazine compounds are particularly preferably used in combination with acrylic rubber containing a halogen group.

These crosslinking agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the amount blended is usually 0.001 to 20 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the rubber component. parts, more preferably 0.1 to 5 parts by weight. By setting the amount of the crosslinking agent within this range, it is possible to obtain sufficient rubber elasticity and to obtain excellent mechanical strength as a crosslinked rubber product.

An anti-aging agent can be added to the rubber composition, if necessary. The type of anti-aging agent is not particularly limited, but for example, 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butylphenol, butylhydroxyanisole, 2,6-di-t-butylphenol, etc. -butyl-α-dimethylamino-p-cresol, octadecyl-3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, styrenated phenol, 2,2'-methylene-bis(6-α) -methyl-benzyl-p-cresol), 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 2, 4-bis[(octylthio)methyl]-6-methylphenol, 2,2'-thiobis-(4-methyl-6-t-butylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis-(6-t-butyl-o- other phenolic antioxidants such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-(4,6-bis(octylthio)-1,3,5-triazin-2-ylamino)phenol; tris( Phosphite ester-based anti-aging agents such as nonylphenyl) phosphite, diphenylisodecyl phosphite, and tetraphenyldipropylene glycol diphosphite; Sulfur ester-based anti-aging agents such as dilauryl thiodipropionate; Phenyl-α-naphthylamine, phenyl -β-naphthylamine, p-(p-toluenesulfonylamide)-diphenylamine, 4,4'-(α,α-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine, N,N-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-isopropyl-N'- Amine-based anti-aging agents such as phenyl-p-phenylenediamine and butyraldehyde-aniline condensate; imidazole-based anti-aging agents such as 2-mercaptobenzimidazole; 6-ethoxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2- Examples include quinoline anti-aging agents such as dihydroquinoline; hydroquinone anti-aging agents such as 2,5-di-(t-amyl)hydroquinone; and the like. Among these, amine anti-aging agents are particularly preferred.

These anti-aging agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the blending amount is 0.01 to 15 parts by weight, preferably 0.1 to 15 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber component. The amount is preferably 10 parts by weight, more preferably 1 to 5 parts by weight.

The rubber composition contains a rubber component containing the acrylic rubber of the present invention, a filler, and a crosslinking agent as essential components, and if necessary, an anti-aging agent, and further contains, if necessary, a rubber component commonly used in the technical field. Optionally, other additives such as crosslinking aids, crosslinking accelerators, crosslinking retarders, silane coupling agents, plasticizers, processing aids, lubricants, pigments, colorants, antistatic agents, blowing agents, etc. Can be mixed. These other compounding agents can be used alone or in combination of two or more, and the blending amount thereof is appropriately selected within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

Examples of the method for producing the rubber composition include a method of mixing a rubber component including the acrylic rubber of the present invention, a filler, a crosslinking agent, and an anti-aging agent and other compounding agents that can be contained as necessary. Any means used in the conventional rubber processing field, such as open rolls, Banbury mixers, various kneaders, etc., can be used. The mixing procedure for each component can be carried out according to the usual procedure used in the field of rubber processing. For example, components that are difficult to react or decompose with heat are thoroughly mixed, and then components that are easy to react or decompose with heat are mixed. It is preferable to mix a certain crosslinking agent or the like in a short period of time at a temperature that does not cause reaction or decomposition.

<Rubber crosslinked product>
The crosslinked rubber product is obtained by crosslinking the above rubber composition.

The rubber crosslinked product is produced by molding the rubber composition into a desired shape using a molding machine such as an extruder, injection molding machine, compressor, or roll, and then heating to cause a crosslinking reaction. It can be manufactured by fixing the shape as a crosslinked product. In this case, the crosslinking may be performed after pre-forming or at the same time as the molding. The molding temperature is usually 10 to 200°C, preferably 25 to 150°C. The crosslinking temperature is usually 100 to 250°C, preferably 130 to 220°C, more preferably 150 to 200°C, and the crosslinking time is usually 0.1 minute to 10 hours, preferably 1 minute to 5 hours. As the heating method, methods used for crosslinking rubber such as press heating, steam heating, oven heating, and hot air heating may be selected as appropriate.

Depending on the shape, size, etc., the rubber crosslinked product may be further heated to perform secondary crosslinking. Secondary crosslinking varies depending on the heating method, crosslinking temperature, shape, etc., but is preferably carried out for 1 to 48 hours. The heating method and heating temperature may be selected as appropriate.

A rubber crosslinked product using the acrylic rubber of the present invention has excellent heat resistance and water resistance while maintaining basic properties as a rubber such as tensile strength, elongation, and hardness.

Rubber crosslinked products using the acrylic rubber of the present invention take advantage of the above characteristics, and are used, for example, in O-rings, packings, diaphragms, oil seals, shaft seals, bearing seals, mechanical seals, well head seals, and electrical/electronic equipment. Sealing materials such as seals and seals for air compression equipment; Rocker cover gaskets installed at the connection between the cylinder block and cylinder head, oil pan gaskets installed at the connection between the oil pan and the cylinder head or transmission case, and positive electrodes. , various gaskets such as fuel cell separator gaskets installed between a pair of housings that sandwich a unit cell equipped with an electrolyte plate and a negative electrode, and hard disk drive top cover gaskets; cushioning materials, vibration-proofing materials; wire covering materials; industrial Suitable for use as belts; tubes and hoses; sheets; etc.

The rubber crosslinked products using the acrylic rubber of the present invention can also be used as extrusion molded products and mold crosslinked products used in automobile applications, such as fuel hoses, filler neck hoses, vent hoses, paper hoses, oil hoses, etc. Suitable for use in various hoses such as fuel oil hoses such as tanks, air hoses such as turbo air hoses and mission control hoses, radiator hoses, heater hoses, brake hoses, and air conditioner hoses.

The present invention will be explained in more detail below by giving Examples and Comparative Examples. "Parts", "%" and "ratio" in each example are based on weight unless otherwise specified. In addition, various characteristics (including physical properties) were evaluated according to the following methods.

[Monomer composition]
Regarding the monomer composition in acrylic rubber, the monomer composition of each monomer unit in acrylic rubber was confirmed by H-NMR, and it was confirmed that the activity of the reactive group remained in the acrylic rubber and its various reactions. The content of functional groups was confirmed by the following method. Moreover, the content ratio of each monomer unit in the acrylic rubber was calculated from the amount used in the polymerization reaction of each monomer and the polymerization conversion rate. Specifically, the polymerization reaction was an emulsion polymerization reaction, and the polymerization conversion rate was approximately 100%, with no unreacted monomers observed, so the content percentage of each monomer unit in the rubber was The amount used was the same as that of each monomer.

[Reactive group content]
The content of reactive groups in the acrylic rubber was measured by the following method.
(1) The amount of carboxyl groups was calculated by dissolving a rubber sample (acrylic rubber) in acetone and performing potentiometric titration with a potassium hydroxide solution.
(2) The amount of chlorine was calculated by completely burning a rubber sample in a combustion flask, absorbing the generated chlorine in water, and titrating it with silver nitrate.

[Ash content]
The ash content (%) contained in the rubber sample was measured according to JIS K6228 A method.

[Ash content]
The amount (ppm) of each component in the ash of the rubber sample was determined by pressing the ash collected during the above ash measurement onto a titration filter paper with a diameter of 20 mm, and performing XRF measurement using ZSX Primus (manufactured by Rigaku).

[Gel amount]
The gel amount (%) of a rubber sample is the amount of insoluble matter in methyl ethyl ketone, and was determined by the following method.
Approximately 0.2 g of the rubber sample was weighed (Xg), immersed in 100 ml of methyl ethyl ketone, left to stand at room temperature for 24 hours, and the insoluble matter in methyl ethyl ketone was filtered off using an 80-mesh wire gauze. The dry solid content (Yg) obtained by evaporating and solidifying the filtrate in which only the components were dissolved was weighed and calculated using the following formula.
Gel amount (%) = 100 x (X-Y)/X

[Molecular weight]
The weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the rubber sample was determined by the GPC-MALS method using a solution in which 0.05 mol/L of lithium chloride and 0.01% of 37% concentrated hydrochloric acid were added to dimethylformamide as a solvent. Absolute molecular weight and absolute molecular weight distribution measured. Specifically, we incorporated a multi-angle laser light scattering photometer (MALS) and a differential refractometer (RI) into a GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) device, and measured the light scattering intensity and refraction of a molecular chain solution size-sorted by the GPC device. By measuring the rate difference over the elution time, the molecular weight of the solute and its content were sequentially calculated and determined. The measurement conditions and measurement method using the GPC device are as follows.
Column: TSKgel α-M 2 pieces (φ7.8mm x 30cm, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation)
Temperature: column 40℃
Flow rate: 0.8ml/mm
Sample preparation: 5 ml of solvent was added to 10 mg of sample, and the mixture was gently stirred at room temperature (dissolution was visually observed). Thereafter, filtration was performed using a 0.5 μm filter.
Injection volume: 0.200ml

[Glass transition temperature (Tg)]
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the rubber sample was measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC, product name "X-DSC7000", manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Science).

[Water content]
The water content (%) of the rubber sample was measured according to JIS K6238-1: Oven A (volatile content measurement) method.

[Mooney viscosity]
The Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100°C) of the rubber sample was measured according to JIS K6300 uncrosslinked rubber physical test method.

[Water resistance evaluation]
The water resistance of the rubber sample was determined by conducting an immersion test in accordance with JIS K6258 by immersing the crosslinked rubber sample in distilled water at a temperature of 85°C for 100 hours, and calculating the volume change rate before and after immersion according to the following formula. Evaluation was made using an index with Comparative Example 1 being 100 (the smaller the index, the better the water resistance).
Volume change rate (%) before and after immersion = ((test piece volume after immersion - test piece volume before immersion) / test piece volume before immersion) x 100

[Heat resistance evaluation]
To evaluate the heat resistance of the rubber sample, a heating test was performed in which the crosslinked rubber sample was left standing at 175°C for 250 hours, and the tensile strength of the crosslinked rubber product before and after the test was measured according to JIS K6251, and the hardness was measured according to JIS K6253. , changes in elongation at break and changes in hardness were evaluated using the following criteria.
The change in elongation at break was evaluated as "◎" if the change rate in elongation at break was 20% or less, and as "x" if the change rate in elongation at break exceeded 20%. The change in hardness was evaluated as "◎" if the hardness change rate was 20 points or less, and as "x" if the hardness change rate exceeded 20 points.

[Example 1]
In a mixing container equipped with a homomixer, 46 parts of pure water, 63.25 parts of ethyl acrylate, 17 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 7 parts of methoxyethyl acrylate, 11 parts of butyl methacrylate, and fumaric acid as monomer components. 1.75 parts of monoethyl and 1.8 parts of octyloxydioxyethylene phosphate sodium salt as an emulsifier were charged and stirred to obtain a monomer emulsion.

170 parts of pure water and 3 parts of the monomer emulsion obtained above were charged into a polymerization reaction tank equipped with a thermometer and a stirring device, and the mixture was cooled to 12° C. under a nitrogen stream. Next, the remainder of the monomer emulsion, 0.00033 parts of ferrous sulfate, 0.264 parts of sodium ascorbate, and 0.22 parts of potassium persulfate were continuously added dropwise into the polymerization reaction tank over 3 hours. . After that, the reaction was continued while maintaining the temperature inside the polymerization reaction tank at 23°C, and after confirming that the polymerization conversion rate had reached approximately 100%, hydroquinone as a polymerization terminator was added to terminate the polymerization reaction. The process was stopped to obtain an emulsion polymerization solution.

Next, in a coagulation tank equipped with a thermometer and a stirring device, a 2% aqueous magnesium sulfate solution (coagulated) was vigorously stirred at a stirring blade rotation speed of 600 revolutions (peripheral speed 3.1 m/s) and heated to 80°C. The emulsion polymerization solution obtained above was heated to 80°C and continuously added to 350 parts of a coagulation solution using magnesium sulfate as a coagulation agent to coagulate the polymer. A coagulated slurry containing water was obtained. While the crumbs were filtered from the resulting slurry, moisture was discharged from the coagulated layer to obtain water-containing crumbs.

Add 194 parts of warm water (70°C) into the coagulation tank in which the filtered water-containing crumb remains, stir for 15 minutes to wash the water-containing crumb, drain the moisture, and add 194 parts of warm water (70°C) again. was added and stirred for 15 minutes to wash the water-containing crumb (total number of washings was 2 times). The washed water-containing crumb was dehydrated (drained) using a screw extruder to a water content of 20% and then dried to obtain an acrylic rubber (A) with a water content of 0.4% by weight. Regarding this acrylic rubber (A), the reactive group content, ash content, ash component content, gel content, glass transition temperature (Tg), water content, weight average molecular weight, and Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100°C) were measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

Next, 100 parts of acrylic rubber (A) and Compound A of "Formulation 1" listed in Table 1 were charged into a Banbury mixer and mixed at 50° C. for 5 minutes (first stage mixing). Each of the mixtures obtained in the first-stage mixing was transferred to a roll at 50° C., and compounding agent B of “Formulation 1” was blended and mixed (second-stage mixing) to obtain a rubber mixture.

The obtained rubber mixture was put into a mold with a length of 15 cm, a width of 15 cm, and a depth of 0.2 cm, and was pressed at 180° C. for 10 minutes while applying a press pressure of 10 MPa to obtain a primary crosslinked product. was further heated in a gear type oven at 180° C. for 2 hours to cause secondary crosslinking, thereby obtaining a sheet-like crosslinked rubber product. Then, a test piece of 3 cm x 2 cm x 0.2 cm was cut out from the obtained sheet-like crosslinked rubber product and evaluated for water resistance and heat resistance, and the results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 2]
Except that the monomer components were changed to 4.5 parts of ethyl acrylate, 53.5 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 29.5 parts of methoxyethyl acrylate, 11 parts of hexyl methacrylate, and 1.5 parts of monoethyl fumarate. Acrylic rubber (B) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, and its properties (the compounding agent was changed to "Blend 2") were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 3]
The same procedure as in Example 2 was carried out except that the monomer components were changed to 48.6 parts of ethyl acrylate, 39 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 11 parts of butyl methacrylate, and 1.4 parts of monoethyl fumarate, and acrylic rubber ( C) was obtained and each characteristic was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 4]
The same procedure as in Example 2 was carried out except that the monomer components were changed to 42.3 parts of ethyl acrylate, 45.3 parts of n-butyl acrylate, 11 parts of butyl methacrylate, and 1.4 parts of monoethyl fumarate. Acrylic rubber (D) was obtained and its properties were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Example 5]
Acrylic rubber (E) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the water content after dehydration (drainage) of the hydrous crumb in the screw extruder was 30% or less, and the properties of the acrylic rubber (E) were evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[Comparative example 1]
200 parts of pure water, 42.3 parts of ethyl acrylate, 45.3 parts of n-butyl acrylate, and 11 parts of butyl methacrylate as monomer components were placed in a polymerization reaction tank equipped with a thermometer and a stirring device under a nitrogen stream. and 1.4 parts of monoethyl fumarate, 2.5 parts of octyloxydioxyethylene phosphate and 0.5 parts of polyoxyethylene dodecyl ether as emulsifiers, 0.1 part of potassium persulfate, and 0.0 parts of sodium ascorbate. Then, 0.1 part of potassium persulfate and 0.1 part of sodium ascorbate were added to start the reaction. The reaction was continued at room temperature, and after confirming that the polymerization conversion rate had reached approximately 100%, hydroquinone as a polymerization terminator was added to stop the polymerization reaction, and an emulsion polymerization liquid was obtained.

Next, a 0.4% aqueous sodium sulfate solution (a coagulating liquid using sodium sulfate as a coagulant) was added to the emulsion polymerization liquid that was being stirred at a stirring blade rotation speed of 100 revolutions (peripheral speed 0.5 m/s) of a stirring device. The polymer was coagulated to obtain a coagulated slurry containing acrylic rubber crumbs and water. While the crumbs were filtered from the obtained slurry, moisture was discharged from the coagulated layer to obtain water-containing crumbs.

194 parts of 25° C. water was added to the coagulation tank in which the filtered water-containing crumbs remained, and the water-containing crumbs were washed by stirring for 15 minutes, and then the water was drained and the water-containing crumbs were washed. The washed water-containing crumb was dried in a hot air dryer to obtain an acrylic rubber (F) having a water content of 0.4% by weight. Regarding this acrylic rubber (F), the reactive group content, ash content, ash component content, gel content, glass transition temperature (Tg), water content, weight average molecular weight, and Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100°C) were measured. The results are shown in Table 2.

Next, 100 parts of acrylic rubber (F) and Compound A of "Composition 2" listed in Table 1 were charged into a Banbury mixer and mixed at 50° C. for 5 minutes (first stage mixing). Each of the mixtures obtained in the first-stage mixing was transferred to a roll at 50° C., and compounding agent B of “Formulation 2” was blended and mixed (second-stage mixing) to obtain a rubber mixture.

The obtained rubber mixture was put into a mold with a length of 15 cm, a width of 15 cm, and a depth of 0.2 cm, and was pressed at 180° C. for 10 minutes while applying a press pressure of 10 MPa to obtain a primary crosslinked product. was further heated in a gear type oven at 180° C. for 2 hours to cause secondary crosslinking, thereby obtaining a sheet-like crosslinked rubber product. Then, a test piece of 3 cm x 2 cm x 0.2 cm was cut out from the obtained sheet-like crosslinked rubber product and evaluated for water resistance and heat resistance, and the results are shown in Table 2.

From Table 2, bonding units derived from acrylic acid esters (A), bonding units derived from methacrylic acid esters and/or bonding units derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters (B), and bonds derived from reactive group-containing monomers. Consisting of the unit (C) and a bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers as necessary, the ash content is 0.2% by weight or less, and the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is 100,000 to 5,000. ,000 of the acrylic rubbers (A) to (E) of the present invention have highly improved water resistance without impairing the heat resistance of the acrylic rubber (F) (Examples 1 to 5). and Comparison with Comparative Example 1).

From Table 2, it can be seen that 50 to 98.9% by weight of bonding units (A) derived from acrylic esters, and 50 to 98.9% by weight of bonding units (B) derived from methacrylic esters and/or ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diesters. 1 to 30% by weight, 0.1 to 10% by weight of bonding units (C) derived from reactive group-containing monomers, and 0 to 20% by weight of bonding units (D) derived from other monomers. The acrylic rubbers (A) to (E) of the present invention have an ash content of 0.2% by weight or less and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 100,000 to 5,000,000. It can be seen that the water resistance of (F) is highly improved without impairing the heat resistance (comparison between Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Example 1).

Furthermore, although not listed in Table 2, Example 6 and Comparative Example 2 are described below.

[Example 6]
Acrylic rubber (G ), and measured the reactive group content, ash content, total ratio of magnesium and phosphorus (Mg+P) in the ash, and ratio of magnesium to phosphorus (Mg/P), and found that each was 0.29%. , 0.186%, 86%, and 0.75. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 1,420,000. In addition, the same procedure as in Example 5 was carried out except that the compounding agent was changed to "Blend 3" to obtain a crosslinked product and the water resistance was evaluated, and the water resistance index was as good as "10".

[Comparative example 2]
Acrylic rubber (H ), and measured the reactive group content, ash content, total ratio of magnesium and phosphorus (Mg+P) in the ash, and ratio of magnesium to phosphorus (Mg/P), and found that each was 0.27%. , 1.598%, 22%, and 0. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 1,520,000. Further, when the compounding agent of "Blend 3" was crosslinked in the same manner as Comparative Example 1 and the water resistance was evaluated, the index was poor at "100". Further, when the heat resistance of the crosslinked product was evaluated, the evaluation was "x".

Claims (8)

A bond unit derived from an acrylic acid ester (A), a bond unit derived from a methacrylic acid ester and/or a bond unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (B), a bond unit derived from a reactive group-containing monomer (C) , and a bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers contained as necessary , which contains ash derived from the emulsifier and/or coagulant during production, and whose ash content is Acrylic rubber containing 0.2% by weight or less and a weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 100,000 to 5,000,000. 50 to 98.9% by weight of bonding units (A) derived from acrylic ester, 1 to 30% by weight of bonding units derived from methacrylic ester and/or bonding units (B) derived from ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester, Claim 1, wherein the bonding unit (C) derived from the reactive group-containing monomer is in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight, and the bonding unit (D) derived from other monomers is in the range of 0 to 20% by weight. Acrylic rubber listed. Acrylic rubber containing phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium and/or sulfur derived from an emulsifier or coagulant, wherein the total amount of the phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium and sulfur relative to the total ash content is 50% by weight or more The acrylic rubber according to claim 1 or 2. The acrylic rubber according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is obtained by emulsion polymerization using a phosphoric acid ester salt or a sulfuric acid ester salt as an emulsifier. The acrylic rubber according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is obtained by coagulating an emulsion-polymerized polymer solution using an alkali metal salt as a coagulant and drying it. The acrylic rubber according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is dried using a screw extruder after solidification. The acrylic rubber according to claim 6, wherein the drying using the screw extruder is performed under reduced pressure. A method for producing the acrylic rubber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising :
Acrylic ester (a), methacrylic ester and/or ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid diester (b), reactive group-containing monomer (c), and other monomers that can be copolymerized as necessary ( an emulsion polymerization step in which the monomer component consisting of d) is emulsified with water and an emulsifier, and then emulsion polymerized in the presence of a polymerization catalyst to obtain an emulsion polymerization solution;
A coagulation step of adding the obtained emulsion polymerization liquid to an aqueous coagulant solution being stirred at a circumferential speed of 0.5 m/s or more to generate a hydrous crumb;
a washing step of washing the generated water-containing crumb with hot water of 40°C or higher ;
A dehydration process in which water is squeezed out from the washed water-containing crumbs,
a drying step of drying the water-containing crumb after dehydration;
A method for producing acrylic rubber, including: