HEUR Polymer Sediment Control via Chelating Additives
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrophobically modified ethylene oxide urethane polymers (HEURs) prepared with bismuth catalysts experience undesirable precipitation and color formation during heat aging, posing environmental and quality control challenges.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating citric acid, gluconic acid, or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) as sediment abating compounds in the polymer solution, with bismuth salt concentrations from 5 to 1000 ppm and sediment abating compound concentrations from 0.05 to 4 weight percent, to minimize sediment and color formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If bismuth catalyst is used to prepare hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide urethane polymer, then environmental acceptability is improved, but precipitation and sedimentation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sediment abating compounds (citric acid, gluconic acid, or EDTA salts) as intermediary substances that mediate between the bismuth catalyst and the polymer system. These compounds prevent direct harmful interactions that cause precipitation and sedimentation, allowing the environmentally friendly bismuth catalyst to function without generating the unwanted byproducts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the system by adding sediment abating compounds at specific concentrations (0.05-4 weight percent). This parameter change alters the solution chemistry to prevent precipitation and sedimentation, enabling the use of bismuth catalyst while maintaining product stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bismuth catalyst is used to prepare hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide urethane polymer, then environmental acceptability is improved, but color formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sediment abating compounds serve as intermediaries that prevent color formation by blocking the chemical pathways that lead to colored byproducts. These compounds interfere with the catalytic cycle in a way that prevents formation of colored species while allowing the bismuth catalyst to remain effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of bismuth catalyst into a beneficial process by using sediment abating compounds to channel the catalytic activity toward desired polymerization while preventing unwanted side reactions that cause color formation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If sediment abating compound is added to reduce precipitation, then product stability is improved, but solution complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses small amounts of sediment abating compounds (0.05-4 weight percent) that act as temporary, disposable additives. These compounds are present in low concentrations and can be easily removed or degraded, minimizing the permanent complexity of the system while providing stable precipitation prevention.
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 use of these sediment abating compounds effectively reduces sediment and color formation in HEURs during heat aging, ensuring a stable and environmentally friendly polymer solution.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide urethane polymer with water and at least one sediment abating compound, which is citric acid or a salt thereof, gluconic acid or a salt thereof, or a salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid
Implementation Method 2
undesirable color... during heat aging
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a hydrophobically modified alkylene oxide urethane polymer (HEUR), a bismuth salt, and at least one sediment abating compound selected from the group consisting of citric acid or a salt thereof, gluconic acid or a salt thereof, and a salt of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. The composition with the specific sediment abating compounds shows excellent abatement in sediment and color formation in heat age testing of the solution.