Biodegradable Thermoplastic Polymer Particles via Underwater Granulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for thermoplastic polymer particles that are highly biodegradable and suitable for use in both plastic injection and rotomolding processes, as well as in cosmetic formulations for exfoliation, while also being environmentally friendly and having controlled shape and size.
Innovation Solution
The development of thermoplastic polymer particles obtained through an underwater granulation process using a composition of hydroxyalkanoate homopolymers or copolymers with a plasticizer, which results in spherical particles with a homogeneous size, high biodegradability, and improved control over particle size and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional micronization process is used to obtain small irregular particles, then particle size is reduced, but particle shape becomes irregular and biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the processing parameters by using underwater granulation instead of micronization, controlling particle size through extrusion diameter and granulation time while achieving spherical shape and improved biodegradability through specific process conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of water from liquid to ice during freezing, where extruded polymer droplets are rapidly frozen in underwater granulation, forming spherical particles with controlled size and improved biodegradable properties
2Manufacturing precision
If underwater granulation process is used to obtain spherical particles with homogeneous size, then particle uniformity is improved, but biodegradability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite material approach by combining biodegradable polymers (PLA, PHA, PBAT) in specific ratios, where the composite formulation maintains spherical particle morphology from underwater granulation while ensuring high biodegradability through material composition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes material parameters by selecting specific biodegradable polymer types and their compositions, adjusting the extrusion temperature, water temperature, and granulation parameters to achieve both particle uniformity and biodegradability
3Object-generated harmful factors
If hydroxyalkanoate polymers are used to improve biodegradability, then environmental friendliness is enhanced, but particle shape control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes processing parameters by optimizing extrusion temperature, water temperature, and granulation time specific to hydroxyalkanoate polymers, achieving spherical particle shape while maintaining biodegradability through parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses water as an intermediary medium in underwater granulation, where the water phase facilitates rapid cooling and spherical shape formation of hydroxyalkanoate polymer particles without compromising their biodegradable nature
4Shape
If plasticizer is added to improve particle shape control, then particle morphology is enhanced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes material composition parameters by adding plasticizers in controlled amounts to the polymer formulation, improving particle morphology and biodegradability while managing process complexity through standardized formulation approaches
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 enables the production of biodegradable thermoplastic polymer particles that can be used in both industrial processes and cosmetic applications, offering improved biodegradability and control over particle characteristics, addressing the limitations of existing materials.
Implementation Method 1
The particles are almost immediately contacted with a stream of a pressurized fluid which is unreactive and immiscible with the extruded material so that the plastic particles are rapidly cooled and solidified.
Implementation Method 2
The particles are almost immediately contacted with a stream of a pressurized fluid which is unreactive and immiscible with the extruded material so that the plastic particles are rapidly cooled and solidified.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Cosmetic composition comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium thermoplastic polymer particles obtained by a process comprising the following steps: a) preparation of a composition comprising: - at least one thermoplastic polymer chosen from the group consisting of homopolymers of hydroxyalkanoates, copolymers of hydroxyalkanoates and their mixtures; and - at least one plasticizer; and b) obtaining thermoplastic polymer particles from the composition prepared in a) by an underwater granulation process.