Concentrating Polymer Silica Dispersion via Creaming Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concentrating dispersions of organic polymer particles and silicon dioxide particles face issues such as particle agglomeration, clogged filter pores, and foaming during concentration, which hinder effective separation and result in undesired dilution, especially when using electrolytes, freezing, or centrifugation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a creaming agent to separate an aqueous dispersion into a serum phase and a concentrated phase, where the creaming agent is chosen to influence the distribution of organic and inorganic components, allowing for increased concentration of polymer and silicon dioxide particles without agglomeration, and achieving higher particle concentrations than separate concentration and mixing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional concentration methods (electrolytes, freezing, centrifugation) are used on aqueous dispersions of organic polymer particles and silicon dioxide particles, then the dispersion can be concentrated, but particle agglomeration occurs and filter pores become clogged
Solution Approach 1:
A creaming agent is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate the separation of the aqueous dispersion into serum phase and concentrated phase. The creaming agent mediates the interaction between organic polymer particles and silicon dioxide particles, enabling concentration without direct particle-particle contact that would cause agglomeration. This intermediary mechanism allows effective separation while maintaining particle size distribution stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If commercially available adhesive dispersion is mixed with commercially available silicon dioxide dispersion, then the desired combination is achieved, but undesired dilution of the resulting mixture occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The creaming concentration process is performed as a preliminary action before final mixing and application. By concentrating the adhesive dispersion and silicon dioxide dispersion separately or in combination before final formulation, the desired solids content and particle concentration are achieved in advance, preventing dilution issues that would occur with direct mixing of commercial dispersions.
3Quantity of substance
If creaming agent is used to separate dispersion into serum phase and concentrated phase, then higher particle concentrations are achieved without agglomeration, but additional separation step is required
Solution Approach 1:
The creaming agent induces parameter changes in the dispersion system, specifically altering the interfacial properties and phase separation characteristics. By changing the chemical parameters (adding creaming agent) rather than relying solely on physical separation methods, the process achieves efficient phase separation with a single well-defined step, balancing the added process complexity with significant improvements in concentration efficiency and particle stability.
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 concentrates polymer and silicon dioxide dispersions without particle agglomeration, maintaining the particle size distribution and achieving higher concentrations than traditional methods, with the composition of the creamed mixtures influenced by the choice of creaming agent, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of organic and inorganic particles.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the dispersion of step a) with a creaming agent to yield an aqueous serum phase and an aqueous concentrated phase
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method of concentrating an aqueous dispersion comprising organic polymer particles and silicon dioxide particles comprising the steps of: a) providing an aqueous dispersion comprising organic polymer particles and silicon dioxide particles, the dispersion having an initial content of organic polymers and an initial content of silicon dioxide; b) contacting the dispersion of step a) with a creaming agent to yield an aqueous serum phase and an aqueous concentrated phase, and c) separating the serum phase from the concentrated phase. The invention further relates to a concentrated aqueous silicon dioxide dispersion which is obtained by a method according to the invention and to the use of such a dispersion as an adhesive.