Hollow Particle Production via Segmented Shell Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing hollow particles with plural spaces inside are complex and require resin materials with mechanical strength, limiting the ease of production and potentially leading to shell damage and loss of hollowness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the dispersion of a polymerizable monomer and oil-soluble and water-soluble polymerization initiators in a hydrophobic and aqueous medium, respectively, to form a shell dividing plural spaces within the particle, followed by polymerization and replacement of the hydrophobic solvent with an aqueous medium, allowing for the easy production of hollow particles with controlled hollowness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hollow particles with high hollowness are produced to enhance thermal insulation and lightweight properties, then thermal insulation and lightweight properties are improved, but shell strength decreases and shell damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the internal space of the hollow particle into multiple smaller spaces using partition structures formed by polymerized monomer. This segmentation prevents complete shell collapse even when damage occurs, maintaining both hollowness and structural integrity. The partitioned structure distributes stress across multiple compartments rather than allowing a single failure point to compromise the entire shell.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a shell material with an internal partition structure formed from polymerized monomer. This composite architecture provides both the hollowness needed for thermal insulation and the structural reinforcement required for shell strength, resolving the trade-off between these two properties.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional foaming methods are used to produce hollow particles with plural spaces, then hollow particles can be produced, but production processes become complicated and require resin materials with specific mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical foaming process with a chemical polymerization process. Instead of using foaming agents and complex mechanical equipment to create hollow spaces, the method uses polymerizable monomer that polymerizes in situ to form partitions, creating hollow particles through a simpler chemical reaction that occurs during the formation process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymerizable monomer and polymerization initiator are incorporated into the particle formation process from the beginning, rather than adding them in separate subsequent steps. This preliminary incorporation allows the partition structure to form simultaneously with the shell, simplifying the overall production process and eliminating the need for complex post-processing foaming operations.
3Strength
If dense shells are formed on the surface to maintain structural integrity, then shell strength is improved, but hollowness cannot be obtained in some cases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space is divided into multiple smaller compartments by partition structures formed through polymerization. This segmentation maintains hollowness by preventing the shell from collapsing inward, while the distributed partition structure provides sufficient structural support. The multiple small spaces are easier to maintain than a single large hollow space.
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 method simplifies the production of hollow particles with plural spaces, enhancing their strength and maintaining hollowness, even if the surface is damaged, by forming a dense shell and partitions, thus preventing shell fusion and maintaining thermal insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
applying the oil-soluble polymerization initiator and the water-soluble polymerization initiator at the same time to the polymerizable monomer, and polymerizing the polymerizable monomer
Implementation Method 2
replacing the hydrophobic solvent filled up into the space with the aqueous medium
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for the production of a hollow particle, which can easily produce a hollow particle having plural spaces formed inside. The method for the production of a hollow particle is a method for the production of a hollow particle having plural spaces inside thereof, which comprises dispersing an oil-phase liquid prepared by dissolving or dispersing a polymerizable monomer and an oil-soluble polymerization initiator having polymerization initiation ability for the polymerizable monomer in a hydrophobic solvent, in an aqueous medium containing a water-soluble polymerization initiator having polymerization initiation ability for the polymerizable monomer, to form an oil droplet; and applying the oil-soluble polymerization initiator and the water-soluble polymerization initiator at the same time to the polymerizable monomer, and polymerizing the polymerizable monomer, to form a shell dividing plural spaces in a particle.