Anionic Water-Soluble Polymer Oligomer Reduction via Dilution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anionic water-soluble polymers based on acrylamide and acrylic acid face challenges in solubility and performance due to the formation of detrimental oligomers during polymerization.
Innovation Solution
Diluting acrylic acid and bioacrylamide with specific ratios of water before mixing, followed by partial or total neutralization and polymerization, significantly reduces oligomer formation, resulting in improved solubility and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If acrylic acid and bioacrylamide are mixed in concentrated form before polymerization, then polymerization efficiency is improved, but oligomer formation increases which deteriorates polymer quality and solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by diluting acrylic acid and bioacrylamide with water before mixing and polymerization. This pre-dilution step prevents oligomer formation during the subsequent polymerization process, thereby improving polymer quality and solubility while maintaining acceptable polymerization efficiency through optimized monomer concentrations in the diluted state.
2Speed
If acrylic acid is used without dilution, then monomer concentration is high improving polymerization rate, but oligomer formation deteriorates solubility and polymer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the concentration parameter of acrylic acid and bioacrylamide through dilution with water. By adjusting the water content to specific ranges (acrylic acid:water mass ratio of 95:5 to 70:30, and bioacrylamide:water mass ratio of 60:40 to 10:90), the patent optimizes both polymerization rate and solubility, preventing oligomer formation while maintaining acceptable polymerization speed.
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 process produces anionic water-soluble polymers with enhanced solubility and performance, as evidenced by lower Filter Ratio values and increased Net Water Release in flocculation tests, indicating better homogeneity and action.
Implementation Method 1
Diluting acrylic acid and bioacrylamide with specific ratios of water before mixing, followed by partial or total neutralization and polymerization, significantly reduces oligomer formation
Implementation Method 2
Neutralizing partially or totally the acid function of acrylic acid
Implementation Method 3
Polymerizing the resulting mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Process for the production of anionic water-soluble polymer obtained by the polymerization of acrylic acid and acrylamide obtained by biocatalysed reaction, said process comprising the steps of preparing a diluted solution of acrylic acid by mixing acrylic acid and water wherein the mass ratio between acrylic acid and water is comprised between 95:5 and 70:30, preparing a diluted solution of bioacrylamide and water wherein the mass ratio between bioacrylamide and water is comprised between 60:40 and 10:90, mixing said diluted solution of acrylic acid with said diluted solution of bioacrylamide, neutralizing partially or totally the acid function of acrylic acid and polymerizing the resulting mixture.