Nano antibacterial master batch and preparation method thereof
By mixing resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano-antibacterial additives and coupling agents to prepare nano-antibacterial masterbatch, the problems of single structure and insufficient functionality in the existing technology are solved, and the preparation process is simplified. and improved antibacterial effect.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411468911.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-24
AI Technical Summary
The existing nano-anti-bacterial masterbatches are single structure, less functional, poor antibacterial effect, and complex preparation process and high cost.
The use of resin materials, pigments, dispersion, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial auxiliary agent and coupling agent mixes to prepare nano -antibacterial mother grains, and formed pulp through high -speed stirring and high temperature heating. Essence
A nano -antibacterial mother particles with simple and fast, low cost, and high efficiency have been realized. They have a variety of structures and good antibacterial and mildew effects, and they have more functionality.
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Figure CN119350874A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to the field of masterbatch preparation, and in particular to a nano antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof. Background Art
[0002] Nano antibacterial masterbatch is a granular material that is made by evenly dispersing various antibacterial agents in a matrix resin to form a concentrate. In order to enable the antibacterial agents to exert good antibacterial and long-lasting antibacterial properties in antibacterial materials and to ensure stable performance during use, masterbatch technology is generally used to make antibacterial plastics and antibacterial fibers. With the continuous development of science and technology, people have higher and higher requirements for the manufacturing process of nano antibacterial masterbatch.
[0003] The existing nano-antibacterial masterbatch has certain disadvantages when used. First, the existing nano-antibacterial masterbatch has a relatively simple structure when used. During the production process, a single antibacterial material is added to achieve the antibacterial purpose. The antibacterial effect cannot meet the requirements well, which is not conducive to people's use. In addition, the existing nano-antibacterial masterbatch has a simple structure and less functionality when used, which brings certain adverse effects to people's use process. For this reason, we propose a nano-antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof. Summary of the invention
[0004] Technical problem to be solved: In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a nano antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof, which is prepared by mixing resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents. The preparation process is simple and fast, and the preparation cost is low, the preparation efficiency is higher, the structure is more diversified, it has antibacterial and mildew-proof effects, and has more functionality, which can effectively solve the problems in the background technology.
[0005] Technical solution: To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a nano antibacterial masterbatch, including resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent, the share of the resin material is 22-46%, the share of the pigment is 14-26%, the share of the dispersant is 10-16%, the share of the flame retardant is 9-15%, the share of the composite nano antibacterial additive is 9-15%, and the share of the coupling agent is 8-14%.
[0006] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the share of the resin material is 30%, the share of the pigment is 20%, the share of the dispersant is 13%, the share of the flame retardant is 13%, the share of the composite antibacterial additive is 12%, and the share of the coupling agent is 12%.
[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the share of the resin material is 40%, the share of the pigment is 18%, the share of the dispersant is 11%, the share of the flame retardant is 11%, the share of the composite nano antibacterial additive is 10%, and the share of the coupling agent is 10%.
[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial material, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel material, coupling agent and mixture, wherein the share of the natural organic antibacterial material is 30-55%, the share of the nano silver is 12-22%, the share of the nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of the aerogel material is 5-15%, the share of the coupling agent is 8-16%, and the share of the mixture is 10-20%.
[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the share of the natural organic antibacterial material is 35%, the share of the nano silver is 14%, the share of the nano zinc oxide is 14%, the share of the aerogel material is 10%, the share of the coupling agent is 12%, and the share of the mixed agent is 15%.
[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the share of the natural organic antibacterial material is 50%, the share of the nano silver is 12%, the share of the nano zinc oxide is 12%, the share of the aerogel material is 5%, the share of the coupling agent is 8%, and the share of the mixed agent is 13%.
[0011] A method for preparing a nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises the following preparation steps:
[0012] S1: Material preparation: Prepare the materials needed for the preparation of nano antibacterial masterbatch, including resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, and introduce them into designated containers with scales for sealed storage for standby use;
[0013] S2: Preparation of composite nano antibacterial additives: The composite nano antibacterial additives include natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, and the natural organic antibacterial materials are used as the base material, and nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents are mixed for use;
[0014] S3: Mixing of materials: The resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the stirring device in sequence, and proportioned, first introduced into a special proportioning measuring cup, and then introduced into the device through the measuring cup, and then introduced in sequence. After the introduction is completed, high-speed stirring and high-temperature heating are performed to mix into slurry;
[0015] S4: Material cooling molding: The mixed resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the interior of the molding mold, and wait for a period of time to allow the materials to be fully impregnated and cooled;
[0016] S5: Granulation output: The cooled material is introduced into the interior of the granulator, and the granulator is used for mixing and granulation. The material is discharged in granular form, and the preparation of the nano antibacterial masterbatch is completed.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present application, the granulator in the step S5 adopts a composite integrated system, and the system process is raw materials, storage, granulation molding, metering, drying and transportation.
[0018] Beneficial effects: Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a nano antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof, which have the following beneficial effects: the nano antibacterial masterbatch and the preparation method thereof are prepared by mixing resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, the preparation process is simple and fast, the preparation cost is low, the preparation efficiency is higher, the structure is more diversified, it has antibacterial and mildew-proof effects, and it has more functionality. The materials needed to prepare the nano antibacterial masterbatch include resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, which are respectively introduced into designated containers with scales for sealed storage for standby use; the composite nano antibacterial additives include natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixing agents, and the natural organic antibacterial The material is a base material, and nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel material, coupling agent and mixing agent are mixed for use; resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into a stirring device in sequence for proportioning, first introduced into a special proportioning measuring cup, and then introduced into the device by the measuring cup, in sequence, and after the introduction is completed, high-speed stirring and high-temperature heating are performed to mix into a slurry; the mixed resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into a molding mold, and a period of time is waited to allow the materials to be fully impregnated, and then cooled; the cooled material is introduced into a granulator, and a mixing granulation molding operation is performed by the granulator. The material is granular after discharge, and the nano antibacterial masterbatch is prepared. The entire nano antibacterial masterbatch has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has a better effect than the traditional method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 The present invention is a schematic diagram of the overall process of a nano antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof.
[0020] Figure 2 The present invention is a schematic diagram of a process flow chart for briefly introducing a nano antibacterial masterbatch and a preparation method thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The technical scheme of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following described embodiments are part of embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments, and are only used to illustrate the present invention, and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention. If specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are carried out according to normal conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer is not specified in the reagents or instruments used, they are all conventional products that can be purchased commercially.
[0022] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0023] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0024] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a nano antibacterial masterbatch includes resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent, wherein the share of resin material is 22-46%, the share of pigment is 14-26%, the share of dispersant is 10-16%, the share of flame retardant is 9-15%, the share of composite nano antibacterial additive is 9-15%, and the share of coupling agent is 8-14%.
[0025] The molding is prepared by mixing resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano-antibacterial additives and coupling agents. The preparation process is simple and fast, the preparation cost is low, the preparation efficiency is higher, the structure is more diversified, it has antibacterial and mildew-proof effects, and it has more functionality.
[0026] Further, the share of resin material is 30%, the share of pigment is 20%, the share of dispersant is 13%, the share of flame retardant is 13%, the share of composite antibacterial additive is 12%, and the share of coupling agent is 12%.
[0027] Further, the share of resin material is 40%, the share of pigment is 18%, the share of dispersant is 11%, the share of flame retardant is 11%, the share of composite nano antibacterial additive is 10%, and the share of coupling agent is 10%.
[0028] Furthermore, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, wherein the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 30-55%, the share of nano silver is 12-22%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of aerogel materials is 5-15%, the share of coupling agents is 8-16%, and the share of mixed agents is 10-20%.
[0029] Furthermore, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 35%, the share of nano silver is 14%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 14%, the share of aerogel materials is 10%, the share of coupling agents is 12%, and the share of mixed agents is 15%.
[0030] Further, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 50%, the share of nano silver is 12%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12%, the share of aerogel materials is 5%, the share of coupling agents is 8%, and the share of mixed agents is 13%.
[0031] Embodiment 1:
[0032] A nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises a resin material, a pigment, a dispersant, a flame retardant, a composite nano antibacterial additive and a coupling agent, wherein the resin material accounts for 22-46%, the pigment accounts for 14-26%, the dispersant accounts for 10-16%, the flame retardant accounts for 9-15%, the composite nano antibacterial additive accounts for 9-15%, and the coupling agent accounts for 8-14%.
[0033] Further, the share of resin material is 40%, the share of pigment is 18%, the share of dispersant is 11%, the share of flame retardant is 11%, the share of composite nano antibacterial additive is 10%, and the share of coupling agent is 10%.
[0034] Furthermore, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, wherein the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 30-55%, the share of nano silver is 12-22%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of aerogel materials is 5-15%, the share of coupling agents is 8-16%, and the share of mixed agents is 10-20%.
[0035] Further, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 50%, the share of nano silver is 12%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12%, the share of aerogel materials is 5%, the share of coupling agents is 8%, and the share of mixed agents is 13%.
[0036] Embodiment 2:
[0037] A nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises a resin material, a pigment, a dispersant, a flame retardant, a composite nano antibacterial additive and a coupling agent, wherein the resin material accounts for 22-46%, the pigment accounts for 14-26%, the dispersant accounts for 10-16%, the flame retardant accounts for 9-15%, the composite nano antibacterial additive accounts for 9-15%, and the coupling agent accounts for 8-14%.
[0038] Further, the share of resin material is 30%, the share of pigment is 20%, the share of dispersant is 13%, the share of flame retardant is 13%, the share of composite antibacterial additive is 12%, and the share of coupling agent is 12%.
[0039] Furthermore, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, wherein the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 30-55%, the share of nano silver is 12-22%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of aerogel materials is 5-15%, the share of coupling agents is 8-16%, and the share of mixed agents is 10-20%.
[0040] Furthermore, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 35%, the share of nano silver is 14%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 14%, the share of aerogel materials is 10%, the share of coupling agents is 12%, and the share of mixed agents is 15%.
[0041] Embodiment 3:
[0042] A nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises a resin material, a pigment, a dispersant, a flame retardant, a composite nano antibacterial additive and a coupling agent, wherein the resin material accounts for 22-46%, the pigment accounts for 14-26%, the dispersant accounts for 10-16%, the flame retardant accounts for 9-15%, the composite nano antibacterial additive accounts for 9-15%, and the coupling agent accounts for 8-14%.
[0043] Further, the share of resin material is 40%, the share of pigment is 18%, the share of dispersant is 11%, the share of flame retardant is 11%, the share of composite nano antibacterial additive is 10%, and the share of coupling agent is 10%.
[0044] Furthermore, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, wherein the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 30-55%, the share of nano silver is 12-22%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of aerogel materials is 5-15%, the share of coupling agents is 8-16%, and the share of mixed agents is 10-20%.
[0045] Furthermore, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 35%, the share of nano silver is 14%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 14%, the share of aerogel materials is 10%, the share of coupling agents is 12%, and the share of mixed agents is 15%.
[0046] Embodiment 4:
[0047] A nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises a resin material, a pigment, a dispersant, a flame retardant, a composite nano antibacterial additive and a coupling agent, wherein the resin material accounts for 22-46%, the pigment accounts for 14-26%, the dispersant accounts for 10-16%, the flame retardant accounts for 9-15%, the composite nano antibacterial additive accounts for 9-15%, and the coupling agent accounts for 8-14%.
[0048] Further, the share of resin material is 30%, the share of pigment is 20%, the share of dispersant is 13%, the share of flame retardant is 13%, the share of composite antibacterial additive is 12%, and the share of coupling agent is 12%.
[0049] Furthermore, the composite nano antibacterial additive includes natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, wherein the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 30-55%, the share of nano silver is 12-22%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12-24%, the share of aerogel materials is 5-15%, the share of coupling agents is 8-16%, and the share of mixed agents is 10-20%.
[0050] Further, the share of natural organic antibacterial materials is 50%, the share of nano silver is 12%, the share of nano zinc oxide is 12%, the share of aerogel materials is 5%, the share of coupling agents is 8%, and the share of mixed agents is 13%.
[0051] A method for preparing a nano antibacterial masterbatch comprises the following preparation steps:
[0052] S1: Material preparation: Prepare the materials needed for the preparation of nano antibacterial masterbatch, including resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, and introduce them into designated containers with scales for sealed storage for standby use;
[0053] S2: Preparation of composite nano antibacterial additives: The composite nano antibacterial additives include natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, and the natural organic antibacterial materials are used as the base material, and nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents are mixed for use;
[0054] S3: Mixing of materials: The resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the stirring device in sequence, and proportioned, first introduced into a special proportioning measuring cup, and then introduced into the device through the measuring cup, and then introduced in sequence. After the introduction is completed, high-speed stirring and high-temperature heating are performed to mix into slurry;
[0055] S4: Material cooling molding: The mixed resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the interior of the molding mold, and wait for a period of time to allow the materials to be fully impregnated and cooled;
[0056] S5: Granulation output: The cooled material is introduced into the interior of the granulator, and the granulator is used for mixing and granulation. The material is discharged in granular form, and the preparation of the nano antibacterial masterbatch is completed.
[0057] Furthermore, in step S5, the granulator adopts a composite integrated system, and the system process is raw materials, storage, granulation molding, metering, drying and transportation.
[0058] Working principle: Prepare the materials needed for the preparation of nano antibacterial masterbatch, including resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, and introduce them into designated containers with scales for sealed storage for standby use; composite nano antibacterial additives include natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, and natural organic antibacterial materials are used as the base material, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents are mixed for use; resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano The antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the stirring device in sequence for proportioning, first introduced into a special proportioning measuring cup, and then introduced into the device through the measuring cup, in sequence. After the introduction is completed, high-speed stirring and high-temperature heating are performed to mix into a slurry; the mixed resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the molding mold, and a period of time is waited to allow the materials to be fully impregnated and cooled; the cooled material is introduced into the granulator, and the granulator is used for mixing and granulating molding operations. The material is granular after discharge, and the preparation of the nano antibacterial masterbatch is completed.
[0059] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second (number one, number two), etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "including one..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the elements.
[0060] The above shows and describes the basic principles and main features of the present invention and the advantages of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by the above embodiments, and the above embodiments and descriptions are only for explaining the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, and these changes and improvements all fall within the scope of the present invention to be protected.
Claims
1. A nano antibacterial masterbatch, comprising a resin material, a pigment, a dispersant, a flame retardant, a composite nano antibacterial additive and a coupling agent, characterized in that: The proportion of the resin material is 22-46%, the proportion of the pigment is 14-26%, the proportion of the dispersant is 10-16%, the proportion of the flame retardant is 9-15%, the proportion of the composite nano antibacterial additive is 9-15%, and the proportion of the coupling agent is 8-14%.
2. The nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proportion of the resin material is 30%, the proportion of the pigment is 20%, the proportion of the dispersant is 13%, the proportion of the flame retardant is 13%, the proportion of the composite antibacterial auxiliary agent is 12%, and the proportion of the coupling agent is 12%.
3. The nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proportion of the resin material is 40%, the proportion of the pigment is 18%, the proportion of the dispersant is 11%, the proportion of the flame retardant is 11%, the proportion of the composite nano antibacterial additive is 10%, and the proportion of the coupling agent is 10%.
4. The nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The composite nano antibacterial additive comprises natural organic antibacterial material, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel material, coupling agent and mixture, wherein the natural organic antibacterial material accounts for 30-55%, the nano silver accounts for 12-22%, the nano zinc oxide accounts for 12-24%, the aerogel material accounts for 5-15%, the coupling agent accounts for 8-16%, and the mixture accounts for 10-20%.
5. The nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The proportion of the natural organic antibacterial material is 35%, the proportion of the nano silver is 14%, the proportion of the nano zinc oxide is 14%, the proportion of the aerogel material is 10%, the proportion of the coupling agent is 12%, and the proportion of the mixed agent is 15%.
6. The nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 4, characterized in that: The proportion of the natural organic antibacterial material is 50%, the proportion of the nano silver is 12%, the proportion of the nano zinc oxide is 12%, the proportion of the aerogel material is 5%, the proportion of the coupling agent is 8%, and the proportion of the mixed agent is 13%.
7. A method for preparing a nano antibacterial masterbatch, characterized in that: The method comprises the following preparation steps: S1: Material preparation: Prepare the materials needed for the preparation of nano antibacterial masterbatch, including resin materials, pigments, dispersants, flame retardants, composite nano antibacterial additives and coupling agents, and introduce them into designated containers with scales for sealed storage for standby use; S2: Preparation of composite nano antibacterial additives: The composite nano antibacterial additives include natural organic antibacterial materials, nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents, and the natural organic antibacterial materials are used as the base material, and nano silver, nano zinc oxide, aerogel materials, coupling agents and mixed agents are mixed for use; S3: Mixing of materials: The resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the stirring device in sequence, and proportioned, first introduced into a special proportioning measuring cup, and then introduced into the device through the measuring cup, and then introduced in sequence. After the introduction is completed, high-speed stirring and high-temperature heating are performed to mix into slurry; S4: Material cooling molding: The mixed resin material, pigment, dispersant, flame retardant, composite nano antibacterial additive and coupling agent are introduced into the interior of the molding mold, and wait for a period of time to allow the materials to be fully impregnated and cooled; S5: Granulation output: The cooled material is introduced into the interior of the granulator, and the granulator is used for mixing and granulation. The material is discharged in granular form, and the preparation of the nano antibacterial masterbatch is completed.
8. The method for preparing a nano antibacterial masterbatch according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the step S5, the granulator adopts a composite integrated system, and the system process includes raw materials, storage, granulation molding, metering, drying and transportation.