Dimerized Rosin Catalyst Removal via Sulfonated Surfactants

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dimerizing rosin require strong catalysts and subsequent costly washing and catalyst removal steps, increasing process complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

The use of carboxylated sulfonic acids, such as sulfosuccinic acid or 4-sulfosalicylic acid, as catalysts at extremely low levels to produce dimerized rosin, eliminating the need for catalyst removal and allowing their optional neutralization for application in water-based dispersions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If strong inorganic acids or sulfonated polymers are used as catalysts for dimerization of rosin, then the dimerization reaction proceeds effectively, but costly washing and catalyst removal steps are required, increasing process complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimerization reaction effectivenessVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the problematic catalyst removal step by using a catalyst system that does not require separation. The sulfonated surfactant catalyst remains active at low levels and does not contaminate the final product, eliminating the need for washing and removal operations that complicate the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sulfonated surfactant serves multiple functions: it acts as the dimerization catalyst, provides surfactant properties for water-based dispersion, and eliminates the need for separate catalyst removal. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall process while maintaining effective dimerization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If strong inorganic acids or sulfonated polymers are used as catalysts for dimerization of rosin, then the dimerization reaction proceeds effectively, but the washing and catalyst removal steps increase production cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimerization reaction effectivenessVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the expensive catalyst removal operations by using a sulfonated surfactant catalyst that does not require separation. This extraction of the problematic removal steps directly reduces production costs while maintaining effective dimerization through the sustainable catalyst system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Power

If conventional catalysts are used requiring washing and removal steps, then catalyst activity can be high, but the process time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidprocess time
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sulfonated surfactant catalyst enables continuous operation without interruption for catalyst removal. The catalyst remains active throughout the dimerization process and continues to function in the final water-based dispersion, eliminating downtime associated with washing and removal steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This approach simplifies the process by maintaining catalyst activity within the product, enabling efficient production of dimerized rosin for use as a tackifier or ink resin without the need for costly washing steps, while allowing for stable water-based dispersions through dual-role sulfonated surfactants.

Implementation Method 1

The present invention relates to a method to prepare dimerized rosins dispersible in water in presence of extremely low level of dimerization acid catalyst... based on carboxylated sulfonic acids as catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

The method of the invention to produce dimerized rosin, for subsequent application in water based dispersions such as water based tackifiers, is based on sulphonated surfactants as catalyst

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 3

The catalyst can be left in the final product or optionally neutralized with alkali such as potassium hydroxide or amines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 4

Production of water based dispersions such as water based tackifiers does require surfactants to aid the emulsification process and stabilize the final dispersion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsification: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS9012601B2Waterbased dimerized rosins and the process to make them
Publication Date: 2015.04.21 LAWTER INC

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method to prepare dimerized rosins dispersible in water in presence of extremely low level of dimerization acid catalyst. The present invention relates also to its use as a tackifier resin, solid or in water, and ink resin, and an adhesive composition and ink composition comprising the rosin resin.