Gradient Anionic Polymer for Paper Dry Strength and Drainage

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper-making technologies face challenges in achieving high dry strength and maintaining satisfactory drainage properties due to the use of high molecular weight polymers in solid form, which require complex dissolution processes and can lead to machinery issues and reduced productivity.

Innovation Solution

A novel anionic water-soluble polymer is synthesized through a sequential polymerization method using anionic and nonionic monomers with a structuring system, avoiding the use of crosslinking agents, to create a gradient polymer that maintains liquid form and enhances dry strength and drainage properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high molecular weight polymers are used in solid form to improve dry strength, then dry strength is improved, but drainage properties deteriorate and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the polymer to achieve optimal dry strength while maintaining drainage properties. Specifically, it uses polymers with molecular weights between 1,000,000 and 25,000,000 daltons, which provides sufficient strength improvement without excessive viscosity that would harm drainage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different polymer characteristics to different functional requirements: the polymer provides high molecular weight for strength improvement while being supplied in liquid form (not solid) to maintain drainage properties. This separates the conflicting requirements of strength enhancement and drainage maintenance into distinct manageable aspects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If high molecular weight polymers are used in solid form to improve dry strength, then dry strength is improved, but device complexity and maintenance increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of the polymer from solid to liquid form while maintaining high molecular weight. This eliminates the need for complex dissolution systems, powder handling equipment, and preliminary dissolution steps, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the problematic solid form requirement from the high molecular weight polymer concept. By using liquid form polymers, it removes the need for on-site powder dilution systems and complex dissolution infrastructure, keeping only the essential polymer addition function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If high molecular weight polymers are used to improve dry strength, then dry strength is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the viscosity parameter associated with high molecular weight polymers by using liquid form formulations. This reduces the energy required for pumping, mixing, and handling compared to solid powder systems that require dissolution equipment and higher energy input for processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If anionic polymers are used to improve dry strength through association with cationic polymers, then dry strength is improved, but drainage properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the anionic polymer to fall within 1,000,000 and 25,000,000 daltons. This specific range allows the polymer to effectively associate with cationic polymers for dry strength improvement while maintaining sufficiently low viscosity to preserve drainage properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite approach by associating anionic polymers with cationic polymers in controlled proportions. The anionic polymer component provides strength enhancement through association while the controlled molecular weight ensures the mixture maintains adequate drainage characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 anionic water-soluble polymer improves dry strength and drainage properties, reducing the need for high polymer quantities and simplifying installation, while minimizing environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Implementation Method 1

these polymers can be attached directly on the anionic cellulose and give it a cationic charge so that, in association with anionic polymers, attachment of the latter on the cellulosic fibers occurs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A novel anionic water-soluble polymer is synthesized through a sequential polymerization method using anionic and nonionic monomers with a structuring system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentEP4476269B1Novel polymer and method for the preparation thereof
Publication Date: 2025.07.02
  • EP4476269B1 patent drawing
  • EP4476269B1 patent drawing
  • EP4476269B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel anionic water-soluble polymer, to the method for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof, notably in the paper field.