Boronic Acid Polymer Papermaking Additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current papermaking processes face challenges in effectively introducing RDF additives due to limited residence time and shear effects, leading to suboptimal retention, drainage, and formation properties, with existing solutions either reducing performance or increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a polymer with a boronic acid moiety, specifically an acrylamide-containing polymer, is introduced as an RDF additive to enhance retention, drainage, and formation properties in the papermaking process, which can be added at various stages and points within the papermaking equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If RDF additives are added before the headbox to allow mixing, then retention and drainage properties improve, but the residence time is limited to 2-10 seconds causing improper mixing and local overdose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the RDF additive with starch in a separate mixing zone before introducing the mixture into the main furnish flow. This pre-mixing step ensures uniform distribution of the additive, preventing local overdose while eliminating the need for long residence times in the main flow. The pre-formed mixture is then introduced at multiple points to achieve uniform distribution without requiring extended mixing time.
2Productivity
If mixing is performed rapidly to minimize deactivation, then polymer adsorption and shear effects are reduced, but proper mixing of 1:1000 ratio is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mixing process into multiple stages: (1) pre-mixing the RDF additive with starch in a separate zone at a 1:1000 ratio, (2) introducing this pre-mixed mixture at multiple discrete points along the furnish flow, and (3) allowing natural dispersion in the main flow. This segmented approach enables precise dosage control and uniform distribution without requiring rapid high-speed mixing of the entire 1:1000 ratio mixture.
3Ease of operation
If RDF additives are dosed before the headbox pump, then flocs are broken up and mixing is improved, but retention and drainage responses are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses starch as an intermediary carrier substance. The RDF additive is first mixed with starch to form a pre-mixture, which then serves as the vehicle for introducing the additive into the furnish. This intermediary approach protects the RDF additive from immediate shear breakdown by the pump while still achieving uniform distribution. The starch carrier helps maintain the additive's effectiveness until it reaches the desired location in the furnish flow.
4Stability of the object's composition
If long residence time is allowed for reflocculation, then floc structure is maintained, but control of RDF chemistry becomes more challenging and sheet property control decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing the RDF additive with starch before introduction into the furnish. This pre-mixing step ensures uniform distribution and stable floc formation from the outset, eliminating the need for long reflocculation residence times. The pre-formed mixture maintains its structure during transport and introduces controlled chemistry directly at the injection points, simplifying overall process control.
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 improves retention and drainage performance while maintaining or enhancing other paper properties, such as strength, without the need for costly hardware modifications or sacrificing other sheet properties.
Implementation Method 1
boronic acid moiety... ionic interactions between oppositely charged chemicals and furnish components
Implementation Method 2
ionic interactions between oppositely charged chemicals and furnish components... polymer adsorption
Data Source
AI summary
Papermaking additives that include various polymers and/or micropolymers are disclosed. The micropolymers may have a network structure that can be created by crosslinking or other means. The micropolymer may be an acrylamide based polymer having a boronic acid moiety. The weight average molecular weight of the micropolymer may be greater than 1,000,000.