Hollow Particles with pH-Controlled Surface for Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow particles obtained by thermally expanding heat-expandable microspheres tend to fuse and adhere to each other or other materials, leading to poor handling properties and dispersibility, and they can excessively adhere to manufacturing facilities.
Innovation Solution
Developing hollow particles with a true specific gravity ranging from 0.02 to 0.1, an aerated bulk density that satisfies a specific formula, and a pH of the aqueous dispersion higher than 7, which allows for improved handling and dispersibility, and incorporating a thermoplastic resin shell with a polymerizable component containing nitrile monomers for enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If hollow particles are used to achieve lightweight property, then weight is reduced, but handling property deteriorates due to scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface properties of hollow particles by controlling the pH of the aqueous dispersion to be higher than 7, which modifies the surface charge and interaction characteristics of the particles, thereby improving handling property while maintaining lightweight property
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by combining hollow particles with specific resin components and controlling the chemical environment (pH > 7), resulting in a composite material system that maintains the lightweight advantage while improving handling characteristics through interparticle interactions
2Weight of moving object
If hollow particles are used to achieve lightweight property, then weight is reduced, but dispersibility deteriorates due to fusion and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the hollow particles by controlling the pH of the aqueous dispersion to be higher than 7, which alters the surface charge and interparticle forces, preventing fusion and adhesion while maintaining lightweight property
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a temporary protective mechanism through pH control during processing, which prevents adhesion during handling and processing but does not require permanent surface modification, effectively treating the adhesion issue as a temporary processing constraint
3Weight of moving object
If hollow particles are used to achieve lightweight property, then weight is reduced, but adhesion to manufacturing facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface properties of hollow particles through pH control (pH > 7), which modifies the interaction between particles and manufacturing facility surfaces, reducing unwanted adhesion while maintaining the lightweight advantage
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 hollow particles exhibit good handling properties and dispersibility, resulting in a uniform and stable composition that maintains lightweight properties, improving the handling and processing of materials.
Implementation Method 1
Hollow particles each including a hollow part are obtained by thermally expanding the heat-expandable microcapsules
Implementation Method 2
heat-expandable microspheres including a thermoplastic resin shell and a blowing agent encapsulated therein
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are lightweight hollow particles having good handling property and dispersibility and applications thereof. The hollow particles include a thermoplastic resin shell and a hollow part surrounded by the shell, have a true specific gravity (d1) ranging from 0.02 to 0.1, and satisfy the condition 1 shown below. The ash content of the hollow particles preferably is 2.5 wt % or less. Also disclosed is a composition containing the hollow particles and a formed product manufactured by forming the composition.Condition 1: The true specific gravity (d1) and an aerated bulk density (d2) of the hollow particles satisfy the following formula (I):Formula (I)58≦100×(d1-d2)/d1≦78.