Ionic Liquid Extractant for UHMWPE Membrane Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current extractants for ultra-high molecular weight PE fibers and membranes, such as dichloromethane and tetrachloroethylene, pose safety and environmental concerns due to toxicity, flammability, and poor stability, leading to issues like volatilization and temperature inconsistencies, which affect the quality and properties of the membranes.
Innovation Solution
An ionic liquid-based extractant comprising imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, betaine, imidazolium acetate, imidazolium dicyanamide, imidazolium ethyl sulfate, and bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide salts is used, which enhances solubility and stability, allowing for safe and efficient extraction with a simple preparation method and low apparatus requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dichloromethane or tetrachloroethylene are used as extractants, then extraction efficiency is improved, but safety and environmental properties deteriorate due to toxicity and flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extractant by using ionic liquids with specific compositions (imidazolium salts combined with various anions) instead of traditional organic solvents. This parameter change maintains extraction efficiency while eliminating toxicity and flammability hazards associated with dichloromethane and tetrachloroethylene.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite ionic liquid systems combining cationic imidazolium salts with various anionic components (BF4-, CF3SO3-, DCA-, etc.) to create extractants that integrate multiple beneficial properties: high extraction efficiency, non-flammability, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness, thereby resolving the contradiction between productivity and safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water seal tank is used to prevent extractant volatilization, then safety is improved, but water stains and surface quality issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts ionic liquids with extremely low vapor pressure that effectively eliminate volatilization concerns, making the water seal tank unnecessary. This disposable-like approach to volatility control (the extractant simply doesn't挥发) prevents both safety issues and surface quality problems simultaneously.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water circulation heating is used to prevent roller frosting, then safety is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of the problem by eliminating the need for water seal tanks and associated heating systems. Since ionic liquids have negligible vapor pressure, they don't cause roller frosting, thereby removing the need for water circulation heating and its associated temperature uniformity issues.
4Productivity
If organic solvents are used as extractants, then extraction efficiency is improved, but stability deteriorates leading to high loss rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical stability parameters by using ionic liquids with strong ionic bonds between cations and anions, which are inherently more stable than molecular organic solvents. This compositional parameter change maintains extraction efficiency while dramatically improving stability and reducing loss rates.
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 ionic liquid extractant provides a safe, environmentally friendly, and stable extraction process with improved solubility and recyclability of white oil, ensuring high-quality membrane production and reducing the risk of fires and health hazards.
Implementation Method 1
an ionic liquid-based extractant comprising imidazolium tetrafluoroborate, betaine, imidazolium acetate, imidazolium dicyanamide, imidazolium ethyl sulfate, and bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)imide salts is used, which enhances solubility and stability
Implementation Method 2
when the oil content in the extractant reaches 10-20%, making the upper liquid overflow and standing the mixture; and thereafter separating the extract and white oil for recycle use
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an extractant for ultra-high molecular weight PE fibers and membranes, and methods of preparing and applying the same, relating to the technical field of polyethylene preparation. An extractant for ultra-high molecular weight PE fibers and membranes comprises an ionic liquid, which is one or more of an imidazolium tetrafluoroborate salt, a betaine salt, an imidazolium acetate salt, an imidazolium dicyanamide salt, an imidazolium ethyl sulfate salt, an imidazolium bis (fluorosulfonyl) imide salt and a bis((trifluoromethyl) sulfonyl) imide salt. The extractant of the present invention is characterized by a reasonable and scientific formula, high dispersibility and stability, a good degreasing effect on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers and membranes and excellent effects of subsequent separation and recycle of white oil, and has the advantages of convenient preparation of raw materials, simple process steps, low requirements for apparatuses, high operability, and suitable for industrial production.