Fibril Filler Reinforced Superabsorbent Composite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superabsorbent materials (SAMs) in absorbent products face challenges with low elastic modulus, leading to poor performance under load and retention capacity, particularly in personal hygiene applications, where they tend to crush and release liquid due to lack of reinforcement in both solid and gel states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fibril filler with a tube-like structure during the synthesis of superabsorbent materials to enhance the elastic modulus and distribute it uniformly throughout the composite, thereby reinforcing the SAM structure in both solid and gel states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent materials are used in personal hygiene products, then absorbency is improved, but elastic modulus is low causing poor performance under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines superabsorbent polymer particles with a fibrillar matrix material to create a composite structure. The fibrillar matrix provides mechanical strength and elastic modulus while the superabsorbent particles maintain high absorbency capacity. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating two materials with complementary properties.
2Reliability
If superabsorbent materials absorb liquid, then retention capacity is improved, but material crushes and releases liquid under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrillar matrix acts as a reinforcing skeleton that maintains structural integrity under stress, preventing the superabsorbent particles from crushing. This composite structure ensures that absorbed liquid is retained even when the product is subjected to mechanical stress during wear.
3Strength
If fibril filler is incorporated during synthesis, then elastic modulus is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrillar matrix and superabsorbent monomers are combined before polymerization occurs. This preliminary mixing allows the fibrils to be uniformly distributed throughout the forming gel structure, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to post-synthesis incorporation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The in-situ formation of the composite during polymerization creates a integrated structure where the fibrillar matrix and superabsorbent phase are formed together, reducing the need for separate processing steps and simplifying manufacturing.
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 fibril filler significantly improves the absorbency under load and centrifuge retention capacity of the absorbent composites, providing higher mechanical properties and maintaining liquid retention even under stress, enhancing the overall performance of absorbent products.
Implementation Method 1
the fibril filler reinforces the SAM structure in both solid and gel states
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a fibril filler with a tube-like structure during the synthesis of superabsorbent materials to enhance the elastic modulus and distribute it uniformly throughout the composite
Implementation Method 3
Super absorbent materials (SAMs) are three-dimensional networks that can absorb and retain water (or other aqueous media) and physiological fluids such as urine and blood more than hundreds times of their own dry weight
Implementation Method 4
SAMs are three-dimensional networks that can absorb and retain water (or other aqueous media) and physiological fluids such as urine and blood more than hundreds times of their own dry weight, typically depending on the ionic concentration of the aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are absorbent composites containing a superabsorbent material and a fibril filler substantially distributed throughout the superabsorbent material. Also described herein are methods of producing absorbent composites containing a superabsorbent material and a fibril filler substantially distributed throughout the superabsorbent material. Compositions and methods described herein are useful in a variety of absorbent products.