Low Polymerization Degree Cellulose Ether Depolymerization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing low polymerization degree cellulose ether through acid depolymerization of high polymerization degree cellulose ether result in yellowing and poor storage stability, with issues such as by-product generation, inefficient production processes, and remaining diluents, as well as instability under UV irradiation.

Innovation Solution

Depolymerizing high polymerization degree cellulose ether with an acid and applying UV radiation during or after depolymerization, followed by neutralization, to produce a low polymerization degree cellulose ether with reduced yellowing and improved storage stability without additional additives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If acid depolymerization is used to produce low polymerization degree cellulose ether, then the polymerization degree is reduced and coating is facilitated, but the product turns yellow and loses storage stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating facilitationVSAvoidstorage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding ultraviolet absorbers (such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or organic UV absorbers) to the cellulose ether mixture before or during the acid depolymerization process. This preliminary protection prevents yellowing from occurring during the depolymerization and subsequent storage, allowing the product to maintain its white appearance and stability without requiring post-treatment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sulfur dioxide gas is used to suppress yellowing, then the yellowing is reduced, but sulfur-containing by-products are generated making it unsuitable for pharmaceutical applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyellowing suppressionVSAvoidsulfur-containing by-products
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ultraviolet absorbers as intermediary substances that absorb UV radiation and convert it to harmless heat energy, preventing the UV-induced yellowing of cellulose ether. These absorbers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or organic compounds) act as mediators between the UV environment and the cellulose ether, protecting the product without generating harmful sulfur-containing by-products, thus maintaining pharmaceutical suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If ultraviolet irradiation is applied to improve whiteness, then the appearance is improved, but the cellulose ether turns yellow during long-term storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhiteness improvementVSAvoidlong-term storage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating ultraviolet absorbers into the cellulose ether formulation before storage. This preliminary protection mechanism prevents yellowing during long-term storage by continuously absorbing UV radiation that penetrates the stored material, maintaining the white appearance over extended periods without requiring re-irradiation or additional treatments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If depolymerization is carried out in a diluent such as alcohol, then yellowing is suppressed, but a separation step is required reducing production efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveyellowing suppressionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses ultraviolet absorbers as intermediary protective agents that can be added directly to the depolymerization system without requiring diluents like alcohol. This approach suppresses yellowing while avoiding the need for additional separation steps, as the absorbers remain integrated in the final product or can be easily removed through standard filtration, thereby maintaining high production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method effectively reduces yellowing and maintains the appearance of low polymerization degree cellulose ether during long-term storage, enhancing its stability and production efficiency by controlling viscosity and pH.

Implementation Method 1

wherein ultraviolet is applied in the step of depolymerizing or between the steps of depolymerizing and neutralizing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltraviolet radiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

depolymerizing a high polymerization degree cellulose ether with an acid to obtain a low polymerization degree cellulose ether mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcid depolymerization: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

neutralizing the acid present in the low polymerization degree cellulose ether mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS10906992B2Method for producing low polymerization degree cellulose ether
Publication Date: 2021.02.02 SHIN ETSU CHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided a method for producing a low polymerization degree cellulose ether having a less yellowish appearance and having excellent long-term storage stability through depolymerization of a high polymerization degree cellulose ether with an acid and without requiring an additive other than the acid. More specifically, there is provided a method for producing a low polymerization degree cellulose ether, including a step of depolymerizing a high polymerization degree cellulose ether with an acid to obtain a low polymerization degree cellulose ether mixture and a step of neutralizing the acid present in the low polymerization degree cellulose ether mixture, wherein ultraviolet is applied in the step of depolymerizing or between the steps of depolymerizing and neutralizing.