Anionic Dispersion Polymerization Using Isothiocyanate Stabilizers

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in the production of high molecular weight water-soluble polymers is the difficulty in dissolving them in water for use as flocculants and retention aids in paper manufacturing, with existing methods often leading to polymer degradation and the introduction of hydrocarbon liquids, which can be detrimental.

Innovation Solution

Introducing an organic isothiocyanate into the anionic dispersion polymerization process allows for controlled polymerization reaction speed and stabilization, resulting in anionic, high molecular weight water-soluble polymers suitable for paper manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high molecular weight water-soluble polymers are produced to improve flocculation and retention performance, then the polymer's effectiveness as a flocculant increases, but the difficulty of dissolving the polymer in water increases and mechanical dissolution degrades the polymer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflocculation effectivenessVSAvoiddissolution difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the polymer in a dispersed state during the polymerization process itself, rather than attempting to dissolve the polymer afterward. The dispersion polymerization method creates a stable aqueous dispersion of high molecular weight polymer particles that can be directly applied without requiring subsequent dissolution steps, thus preventing shear degradation while maintaining flocculation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If water-in-oil emulsion polymerization is used to produce rapidly dissolving high molecular weight polymers, then the polymer dissolution speed improves, but hydrocarbon liquids are introduced into the system which can be detrimental

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer dissolution speedVSAvoidhydrocarbon contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the traditional water-in-oil emulsion approach into an oil-in-water reverse emulsion system. By inverting the continuous and dispersed phases, the method eliminates the need for substantial quantities of hydrocarbon liquid while maintaining the benefits of emulsion polymerization. The hydrophobic monomer forms the dispersed phase in an aqueous continuous phase, producing a stable dispersion without harmful hydrocarbon contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional water-in-oil emulsion configuration to create an oil-in-water reverse emulsion. Instead of having water droplets dispersed in a hydrocarbon continuous phase, the system uses hydrophobic monomer droplets dispersed in an aqueous continuous phase containing the stabilizer. This inversion eliminates hydrocarbon contamination while achieving rapid dissolution and high molecular weight polymer production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If hydrophobically modified monomers are incorporated to improve polymer stability, then the polymer becomes more stable in dispersion form, but the polymer loses water solubility which is desirable for paper manufacturing applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersion stabilityVSAvoidwater solubility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using a block copolymer stabilizer with distinct functional regions: a hydrophobic block that anchors to the polymer particle surface providing stability, and a hydrophilic block that extends into the aqueous phase providing solubility. This localized functional differentiation allows the polymer dispersion to simultaneously achieve both stability and water solubility, with the stabilizer's different segments performing different functions at different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This approach enables the production of stable, high molecular weight polymers that effectively act as flocculants and retention aids, improving dewatering and retention in paper production while avoiding the drawbacks of hydrocarbon contamination.

Implementation Method 1

Introducing an organic isothiocyanate into the anionic dispersion polymerization process allows for controlled polymerization reaction speed and stabilization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

anionic dispersion polymerization process, wherein the polymerization is improved by an organic isothiocyanate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

preparation of an anionic, high molecular weight water soluble dispersion polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP2627678B1Anionic dispersion polymerization process

Publication Date: 2020.04.22 KEMIRA OY

AI summary

The invention provides an anionic dispersion polymerization process, wherein the polymerization is improved by an organic isothiocyanate, such as methyl isothiocyanate.