Calcium Carbonate Surface Charge Control via Polymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing precipitated calcium carbonate for the paper industry lack control over crystal structure and shape, particularly through the carbonation process, making it difficult to achieve desired properties and applications.

Innovation Solution

A process involving a carbonic acid saturation process and simultaneous high-molecule polymerization, using monomers like calcium hydroxide, acrylic acid, acrylamide, and [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride, with steps including solution preparation, gas removal, pH adjustment, and polymerization initiation with carbon dioxide, to produce calcium carbonate with controlled size and shape, and surface charge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional carbonation process is used to produce precipitated calcium carbonate, then production is simple and fast, but crystal structure and shape cannot be controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal structure and shape controlVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding a high molecular compound to the calcium hydroxide solution before the carbonation process begins. This high molecular compound pre-organizes the crystal lattice structure during the precipitation process, thereby controlling the final crystal shape and structure of the calcium carbonate product. The high molecular compound is introduced in advance to guide crystal formation rather than attempting to modify crystals after formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the chemical environment during carbonation through the addition of high molecular compounds with specific functional groups. By changing the molecular parameters (type, concentration, and structure of high molecular compounds), the patent achieves control over crystal morphology while maintaining the carbonation process efficiency. Different high molecular compounds produce different crystal shapes, allowing precise control of crystal parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If ground calcium carbonate is used as filler, then it is easy to produce, but it lacks functionality and homogeneous particle size

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidproduction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite materials by forming calcium carbonate crystals with controlled morphologies (spheres, cubes, needles, plates) through the interaction between calcium hydroxide and high molecular compounds during precipitation. This composite approach combines the simplicity of chemical precipitation with the functional benefits of controlled crystal structure, achieving both ease of manufacture and enhanced functionality for paper industry applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Manufacturing precision

If high molecular compound is added during carbonation, then crystal shape can be controlled, but reaction time and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrystal shape controlVSAvoidreaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by ensuring that the high molecular compound remains active throughout the entire carbonation process. The compound continuously guides crystal formation from nucleation to growth, maintaining control over crystal shape throughout the reaction. This continuous action allows the process to proceed efficiently without requiring additional processing steps or extended reaction times for crystal modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method allows for the production of calcium carbonate with controlled crystal structure and shape, enabling its effective application as a filler and agglomerating agent in paper production, enhancing its functionality and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

Carbonation Process: Ca(OH)2+CO2(gas)→CaCO3+H2O

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbonation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a carbonic acid saturation process and a simultaneous reaction of a high molecule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIn situ polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS8859663B2Calcium carbonate having a surface charge, the preparing process thereof and filler for producing a paper using the same
Publication Date: 2014.10.14 HANKUK PAPER MFG
  • US8859663B2 patent drawing
  • US8859663B2 patent drawing
  • US8859663B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, the preparing process thereof and filler for producing a paper using the same. The present invention provides the process of preparing a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, characterized in that it comprises the following steps of: preparing a solution mixture of one or more monomer selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, acrylic acid, acrylamide, or [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride; removing dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the said solution by injecting nitrogen (N2) gas; adjusting pH of the said solution; and inducing a reaction by adding polymerization initiator of a high molecule while injecting carbon dioxide to the said mixture.