Fluff Pulp Treatment with Multivalent Cationic Metal and Amine Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluff pulp sheet manufacturing processes face challenges such as fiber entanglement, reduced core formation, poor penetration and absorption, microbial growth, pitch control, and increased operational risks, along with high fiberization energy and sheet breaking issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multivalent cationic metal ion, such as Al³⁺, B³⁺, or Cu²⁺, and an amine-containing anti-static agent like COCO alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride into the pulp to improve fiber singulation, reduce fiberization energy, and enhance absorbency and surfactant retention, while maintaining good Mullen values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluff pulp sheet manufacturing processes are used, then production can proceed with standard equipment and methods, but fiber entanglement occurs, fiberization energy increases, and sheet breaking issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the pulp slurry through controlled addition of multivalent cationic metal ions (Al³⁺, B³⁺, or Cu²⁺) and amine-containing anti-static agents. This chemical parameter modification reduces fiber entanglement and fiberization energy, enabling higher production speeds with lower energy consumption in the fiberization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multivalent cationic metal ions and amine-containing anti-static agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the pulp fibers and the fiberization process. These intermediaries modify fiber surface properties and reduce inter-fiber entanglement, thereby reducing the energy required for fiberization while maintaining production efficiency.
2Reliability
If conventional manufacturing processes are used, then standard production methods can be maintained, but sheet breaking issues increase operational risk and reduce production reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the pulp slurry by adding multivalent cationic metal ions and amine-containing anti-static agents in controlled amounts. This parameter change improves sheet integrity and reduces sheet breaking during production, thereby increasing operational reliability and reducing harmful sheet breaking events.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by adding multivalent cationic metal ions and amine-containing anti-static agents to the pulp slurry before the sheet formation and fiberization processes. This preliminary chemical treatment prepares the fibers in advance to resist entanglement and sheet breaking, preventing operational failures before they occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional processes are used, then existing manufacturing capabilities can be utilized, but absorption properties and surfactant retention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves absorption properties by changing the chemical composition parameters of the pulp slurry through controlled addition of multivalent cationic metal ions and amine-containing anti-static agents. This parameter modification enhances the pulp's absorption capacity and surfactant retention without requiring complex manufacturing process changes, maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If conventional processes are used, then standard production methods can be applied, but microbial growth and pitch control issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves process stability by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the pulp slurry through addition of multivalent cationic metal ions and amine-containing anti-static agents. These chemical parameter changes create an environment that inhibits microbial growth and improves pitch control, thereby enhancing overall process stability without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 solution results in reduced fiberization energy, improved shred quality, enhanced absorption properties, inhibited microbial growth, and reduced operational risks, allowing for higher production speeds with fewer sheet breaks and maintaining good Mullen values.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the multivalent cationic metal ion, salt thereof, or combination thereof with a composition comprising fluff pulp fibers and water at a first pH, to form a first mixture; contacting at least one amine-containing anti-static agent with the first mixture and raising the pH to a second pH, which is higher than the first pH, to form a fluff pulp mixture
Implementation Method 2
contacting at least one amine-containing anti-static agent with the first mixture and raising the pH to a second pH, which is higher than the first pH, to form a fluff pulp mixture
Data Source
Figure 1A~1L
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluff pulp or other pulp, comprises a multivalent cationic metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al+3, B+3, Mn+2, Cu+2, Cu+3, Zn+2, Sn+2, Sn+4, water-soluble salt thereof, or combination thereof; an amine-containing anti- static agent; and pulp. Methods of making and using the pulp, as well as articles therefrom, are provided.