Cellulose Nanofiber Powder Composition for Fast Uniform Redispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Dried cellulose nanofiber powders exhibit variations in redispersion time and poor dispersibility due to hydrogen bond formation during drying, leading to inconsistent properties upon rehydration.
Innovation Solution
Forming a powder with specific particle size, bulk density, and particle size distribution sharpness, along with defined angles of repose and fall, to ensure consistent and efficient redispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If cellulose nanofibers are dried to form a dried product, then packaging, storage, and transportation costs are reduced, but hydrogen bonds form between fibers causing poor redispersion and property variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by controlling particle size and size distribution before drying to prevent hydrogen bond formation. By establishing specific particle size ranges (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 10-50 μm, D90: 50-200 μm) and size distribution sharpness (1.8-2.5) prior to drying, the invention ensures that even after drying and hydrogen bond formation, the powder maintains excellent redispersion properties with minimal gel formation and consistent viscosity restoration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cellulose nanofibers are used as a dispersion with water, then stability is maintained, but the amount of water increases packaging, storage, and transportation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the cellulose nanofiber system from a water-based dispersion state to a dried powder state with specific particle size parameters. By controlling particle size distribution (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 10-50 μm, D90: 50-200 μm) and size distribution sharpness (1.8-2.5), the invention enables the dried powder to redisperse stably in water without requiring excessive water for stabilization, thus reducing packaging, storage, and transportation costs while maintaining compositional stability.
3Productivity
If powder particle size is reduced for better dispersibility, then redispersion efficiency improves, but particle size distribution variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing particle size parameters (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 10-50 μm, D90: 50-200 μm) and size distribution sharpness (1.8-2.5) to achieve the best balance between redispersion efficiency and manufacturing precision. This parameter optimization ensures rapid redispersion without excessive gel formation while maintaining consistent particle size distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different particle size zones within the powder distribution. The controlled size distribution with specific D10, D50, and D90 values creates a hierarchical structure where finer particles (D10) provide rapid initial dispersion, intermediate particles (D50) provide bulk structure, and coarser particles (D90) provide stability, with the size distribution sharpness (1.8-2.5) ensuring consistent local properties throughout the powder.
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 anionically modified cellulose nanofiber powder achieves uniform redispersion with minimal time variation and excellent dispersibility, enhancing handleability and workability.
Implementation Method 1
When an aqueous dispersion of cellulose nanofibers is dried to form a dried solid, hydrogen bonds are formed between fibers of fine cellulose fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A powder containing an anionically modified cellulose nanofiber having an average fiber diameter of 3 nm to 500 nm, in which the powder has a water content of less than or equal to 20% by mass, an average particle size of 1 to 500 μm, a loose bulk density of 0.2 to 0.55 g/cm3, and a particle size distribution sharpness of 1.6 to 2.9.