Cationic GPAM Composition for Low-Volume Paper Chemical Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) compositions are difficult to transport and store in solid form due to rapid crosslinking, necessitating large volumes of aqueous carriers, which increases shipping costs and logistical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cationic GPAM composition comprising a combination of two base polymers with specific molecular weights and weight ratios, allowing for reduced aqueous carrier volumes during storage and transport while maintaining paper strengthening properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If GPAM is dried into solid particulate form, then shipping volume is reduced, but rapid crosslinking occurs which limits utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameters of the base polymers used in GPAM composition. By using a first base polymer with weight average molecular weight of less than 30,000 Da and a second base polymer with weight average molecular weight of at least 30,000 Da in specific weight ratios, the composition achieves reduced crosslinking rate that enables solid particulate form without losing utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite GPAM composition by combining two different base polymers with distinct molecular weight characteristics. This composite approach allows the composition to exhibit both reduced crosslinking behavior (enabling solid form) and maintained strengthening properties (maintaining utility), resolving the contradiction between shipping volume reduction and product reliability.
2Reliability
If GPAM is stored and transported in bulk aqueous fluid carrier, then product stability is maintained, but shipping costs increase due to large volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular weight parameters of the base polymers to achieve a balance between stability and concentration. The specific combination of low molecular weight first base polymer and high molecular weight second base polymer enables the GPAM composition to be formulated at higher concentrations while maintaining stability, thereby reducing the volume of aqueous carrier needed and lowering shipping costs.
3Reliability
If polyacrylamide contains low amounts of cationic monomer, then polymer stability is maintained, but cationic charge contribution is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight distribution parameters of the base polymers rather than increasing cationic monomer content. By using a bimodal distribution with specific weight ratios of low and high molecular weight polymers, the composition achieves enhanced cationic charge contribution and improved paper strengthening properties while maintaining polymer stability through the controlled molecular weight parameters.
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 new GPAM composition enables efficient transportation and storage in smaller volumes, reducing shipping costs and maintaining or enhancing paper strength and stability.
Implementation Method 1
GPAM is typically prepared through a reaction between glyoxal and a polyacrylamide base polymer
Implementation Method 2
GPAMs produced by conventional methods generally cannot be dried into a solid particulate form without inducing significant and rapid crosslinking of the GPAM
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to glyoxalated polyacrylamide (GPAM) compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use thereof, particularly in the paper industry. Moreover, the present disclosure generally pertains to cationic GPAM compositions, methods of preparation and methods of use thereof in papermaking applications and in products such as paper-based products, wherein the cationic GPAM compositions may provide increased wet and/or dry strength to the paper-based products, and wherein such cationic GPAM compositions optionally require a reduced volume of an aqueous carrier for storage or transport compared to a volume of an aqueous carrier needed for conventional GPAMs used in papermaking.