Core-Shell Superabsorbent Polymer for Faster Absorption and Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superabsorbent polymers face issues with gelation and absorption properties, leading to increased costs and safety concerns, and additional materials, and the physical properties of the superabsorbent polymer, which are not sufficiently addressed by existing technologies, and the existing technologies, and effectively addresses the need to improve the absorption properties and permeability of the polymer, which are not effectively solved by existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent polymer with a cross-linking core structure and a shell layer containing microcrystalline cellulose, formed through a free radical polymerization step and a surface-treating step with a surface-treating agent, enhancing absorption rate and permeability without increasing raw material safety concerns or costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the usage amount of superabsorbent polymer is increased to reduce hydrophilic fibers, then absorption capacity is improved, but gel blocking occurs and absorption rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a shell layer with different properties than the core. The shell layer contains microcrystalline cellulose and has a different crosslinking density, creating a gradient structure where the core provides high absorption capacity while the shell maintains permeability and prevents gel blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining superabsorbent polymer with microcrystalline cellulose in a core-shell structure. This composite approach allows the inner core to provide high absorption capacity while the outer shell with cellulose maintains structural integrity and permeability, preventing gel blocking.
2Speed
If conventional surface-treating methods are applied to prevent gel blocking, then absorption rate is improved, but raw material safety concerns and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microcrystalline cellulose, a natural and safe material, as the surface-treating agent instead of synthetic chemicals. This approach maintains raw material safety while achieving the desired absorption rate improvement, aligning with the principle of using safer, more environmentally friendly materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of surface treatment by using microcrystalline cellulose with specific particle sizes (5-50 μm) and concentrations (0.1-5% by weight). This parameter optimization allows effective prevention of gel blocking while maintaining material safety and controlling costs.
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 superabsorbent polymer maintains excellent absorption properties and permeability, effectively preventing gel blocking and improving performance in thinner hygiene products.
Implementation Method 1
a free radical polymerization step and a surface-treating step
Implementation Method 2
A superabsorbent polymer is a polymer material that can absorb and retain 50 times to 500 times or more its original mass in a liquid
Implementation Method 3
the shell layer includes microcrystalline cellulose... increasing the absorption rate and permeability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer and a method of making the same. The superabsorbent polymer includes a cross-linking core structure and a shell layer. The shell layer encloses the cross-linking core structure completely, and the shell layer includes microcrystalline cellulose. The superabsorbent polymer has not only good absorption properties but also excellent absorption rate as well as permeability, and can be applied to thinner hygiene products.