Water-Free ASA Sizing Composition for Paper Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA) water-based compositions for paper sizing face issues such as curl problems during application, complexity in mixing with cationic starch, and limitations in controlling particle size, as well as environmental concerns with vapor deposition methods, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative for surface sizing.
Innovation Solution
A water-free surface sizing composition comprising 40-70 wt% alkenyl succinic anhydride and 30-60 wt% biosolvent (biodiesel and/or limonene) with a viscosity of 25-100 cPs, allowing for spraying onto paper substrates and subsequent heating to enhance water resistance, avoiding the use of petroleum-based solvents and simplifying the application process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ASA water emulsion is applied using a shower, then the application process is simple, but curl problems occur and particle size control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the sizing composition from water-based to oil-based (using vegetable oil or animal fat). This parameter change eliminates the curl problems associated with water-based emulsions while enabling better particle size control through the inherent properties of the oil medium, resolving both the ease of operation and manufacturing precision contradictions
2Reliability
If ASA is vapor deposited on paper surface, then water resistance is improved, but the system becomes complex and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (water) from the sizing composition and replaces it with oil-based carriers. This extraction eliminates the need for complex vapor deposition systems while maintaining effective water resistance, as the oil-based ASA composition can be applied directly in liquid form without generating harmful vapors or requiring complex confinement systems
3Reliability
If cationic starch is mixed with ASA to prevent hydrolysis, then sizing efficiency is improved, but the mixing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces oil-based carriers (vegetable oil or animal fat) as intermediaries to dissolve and protect ASA from hydrolysis. This intermediary approach replaces the need for complex mixing processes with cationic starch, as the oil medium naturally stabilizes ASA and prevents premature reaction, simplifying the overall process while maintaining sizing efficiency
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 water-free composition effectively increases the hydrophobicity of paper substrates, reducing water penetration and curl issues, while being environmentally friendly and easier to apply, with improved homogeneity and reduced flammability risks, as demonstrated by Cobb 2min values and flash point considerations.
Implementation Method 1
The reaction between ASAs and cellulose can be represented as follows: The formation of covalent bonds between the cellulose and the ASA translates into an efficient sizing
Implementation Method 2
A water-free surface sizing composition comprising from 40 wt% to 70 wt% of at least one alkenyl succinic anhydride and from 30 wt% to 60 wt% of at least one biosolvent selected from biodiesel and/or limonene, wherein the composition has a viscosity of from 25 cPs to 100 cPs, for adjusting a viscosity of the composition to allow spraying thereof on a paper surface
Implementation Method 3
A water-free surface sizing composition comprising from 40 wt% to 70 wt% of at least one alkenyl succinic anhydride and from 30 wt% to 60 wt% of at least one biosolvent selected from biodiesel and/or limonene
Data Source
AI summary
Water-free compositions suitable for application as a surface size to a cellulosic substrate, and methods of applying the water-free compositions to the surface of a cellulosic substrate.