Small-Particle Cellulose Processing for Stable Suspensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for converting lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose are capital intensive, time-consuming, and require harsh toxic chemicals, lacking environmentally friendly and efficient processes for producing small particle size cellulose particles with specific properties.
Innovation Solution
The production of small particle size cellulose particles with a d75 of less than about 8 microns, d50 of 0.4 to 5 microns, aspect ratio of 1 to 1.5, and non-spherical shape is achieved through sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical fluid treatment of cellulosic substrates, followed by organic solvent processing to form compositions with increased viscosity and suspension stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional methods are used to convert lignocellulosic biomass into cellulose, then cellulose can be produced, but the process is capital intensive, time-consuming, and requires harsh toxic chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the processing fluid from conventional harsh chemicals to sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical water, which enables cellulose production without toxic chemicals while maintaining effective biomass conversion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing systems with a fluid-based chemical processing system using sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical water, simplifying the manufacturing process while eliminating the need for harsh toxic chemicals
2Reliability
If cellulose particles are produced with small particle size (d75 < 8 microns), then suspension stability and viscosity enhancement are improved, but the manufacturing precision and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls particle size by adjusting processing parameters such as fluid temperature, pressure, and residence time in the sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical water treatment, achieving consistent small particle sizes (d75 < 8 microns) with good suspension stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements particle size monitoring and process adjustment mechanisms to maintain consistent particle size distribution, ensuring both small particle dimensions and high suspension stability through continuous process optimization
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 produces cellulose particles that significantly enhance viscosity and suspension stability, enabling their use in various applications such as thickened compositions, emulsions, suspensions, food products, and subterranean treatments, while being environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
The production of small particle size cellulose particles with a d75 of less than about 8 microns, d50 of 0.4 to 5 microns, aspect ratio of 1 to 1.5, and non-spherical shape is achieved through sub-critical, near-critical, or supercritical fluid treatment of cellulosic substrates
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to compositions comprising cellulose particles and methods for making and using same. This invention also relates to compositions comprising a fluid and particles comprising cellulose. Thus, disclosed herein are methods of manufacture, isolation, purification, and handling of cellulose particles. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles as additives in leavened or leavenable food products, or in an emulsion or emulsifiable product, or as a suspension aid, or in a thickened composition, or in a meat or meat analog product, or in a personal care formulation, or in a beauty formulation, or in a cosmetic formulation, or in a skin care formulation. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles in subterranean treatment compositions. Also disclosed are uses for cellulose particles in metal working compositions, cutting compositions, and stamping compositions. Also disclosed herein are resuspendable particles comprising cellulose. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.