Acrylic Polymer Particles Electrostatic Buildup Inhibition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Particles of acrylic polymer obtained by existing methods suffer from electrostatic buildup, leading to low fluidity and solubility issues, particularly when dissolved in organic solvents like toluene, which affects their handling and application in coating and ink compositions.
Innovation Solution
The development of acrylic polymer particles with a specific composition containing units derived from methyl methacrylate and (meth)acrylic acid alkyl esters, along with controlled sodium element amounts and particle diameters, combined with a washing process using sodium-containing solutions, to inhibit electrostatic buildup and enhance fluidity and solubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If particles of acrylic polymer are produced by conventional suspension polymerization method, then production cost is reduced, but electrostatic buildup occurs leading to poor fluidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the acrylic polymer particles by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxyl groups at 0.1-10 mmol/g and hydroxyl groups at 0.1-10 mmol/g) to alter the surface properties. This modifies the electrostatic characteristics without changing the fundamental production method, thereby maintaining low production cost while improving fluidity through suppressed electrostatic buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrolytes as an intermediary substance during the washing process. The electrolyte solution (containing salts like NaCl, Na2SO4, or NaHCO3 at 0.1-10 g/L) acts as a mediator to neutralize electrostatic charges on the particle surfaces during washing, preventing electrostatic buildup without requiring expensive anti-static additives or equipment modifications.
2Device complexity
If conventional drying methods are used after suspension polymerization, then production process is simplified, but electrostatic buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating electrolyte treatment during the washing step before drying. This preliminary introduction of electrolytes prevents electrostatic buildup from occurring in the first place during subsequent drying operations, eliminating the need for complex post-drying anti-static treatments or specialized drying equipment.
3Reliability
If particles are washed with pure water, then purity is maintained, but electrostatic buildup inhibition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the washing parameter from pure water to an electrolyte-containing aqueous solution. This modification introduces ions (Na+, Cl-, SO4 2-, HCO3 -) at controlled concentrations (0.1-10 g/L) that suppress electrostatic charges on particle surfaces while maintaining the washing function and overall purity of the polymer particles.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The approach results in particles with excellent fluidity and solubility, reducing the risk of clogging and improving handling, while maintaining purity and enhancing the performance of coating and ink compositions.
Implementation Method 1
the particles having electrostatic buildup inhibition rate of 90 to 99.9%
Data Source
AI summary
Particles of an acrylic polymer comprising a constituent unit (A) derived from methyl methacrylate and a constituent unit (B) derived from a (meth)acrylic acid alkyl ester in which the alkyl group has 2 to 8 carbon atoms, wherein the particles having electrostatic buildup inhibition rate of 90 to 99.9° as obtained by a specific method.