Superabsorbent Polymer Surface Crosslinking with Ionic Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing superabsorbent polymers face challenges in controlling the penetration depth of surface crosslinkers, leading to excessive water absorption and agglomeration, which complicates effective crosslinking and increases costs due to the use of large amounts of alcohol.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of ionic liquids instead of monohydric alcohols in the surface crosslinking solution, combined with water and specific surface crosslinkers, to control the penetration depth and facilitate uniform surface crosslinking of hydrogel polymers, thereby reducing water absorption and improving physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If alcohol is used to control the penetration depth of surface crosslinker, then the crosslinking process can be performed, but a large amount of alcohol is consumed and additional drying treatment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the crosslinking solution by replacing alcohol with ionic liquids. This substitution maintains the ability to control crosslinker penetration depth while eliminating the need for large amounts of alcohol and subsequent drying treatments, directly resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and substance loss
Solution Approach 2:
Ionic liquids serve as an intermediary substance that performs the dual function of controlling crosslinker penetration depth and preventing gel agglomeration, while being more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than alcohol. This intermediary replaces the problematic alcohol component in the crosslinking process
2Loss of substance
If the use amount of alcohol is lowered, then cost is reduced, but water may be excessively absorbed in the polymer making effective crosslinking difficult due to gel agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
Ionic liquids act as an intermediary that prevents gel agglomeration and maintains crosslinking effectiveness without requiring large amounts of alcohol. The ionic liquid molecules interact with the polymer chains to prevent unwanted aggregation while allowing controlled crosslinking to proceed, thus maintaining reliability with reduced substance consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing ionic liquids with specific properties (charge, size, hydrophilicity) that prevent gel agglomeration. This parameter change allows the system to maintain effective crosslinking without relying on high alcohol concentrations, resolving the contradiction between substance loss and process reliability
3Reliability
If surface crosslinking is performed to improve absorption capacity, then desired performance is achieved, but the process becomes complex requiring control of crosslinker penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the process by changing the chemical parameters of the crosslinking solution (using ionic liquids with controlled properties). This parameter change enables effective surface crosslinking with simpler process control, as the ionic liquid naturally regulates crosslinker penetration without requiring complex additional controls
Solution Approach 2:
Ionic liquids serve as a mediating substance that simplifies the crosslinking process by automatically controlling crosslinker distribution and penetration depth. This intermediary function reduces process complexity while maintaining reliable absorption capacity, as the ionic liquid self-regulates the crosslinking behavior
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 approach allows for the preparation of superabsorbent polymers with excellent physical properties by controlling the swelling of gel and reducing the use of alcohol, resulting in cost savings and improved absorption capabilities without agglomeration issues.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the penetration depth of a surface crosslinker, and for this, it is general that the penetration depth of a surface crosslinker is controlled using alcohol and water
Implementation Method 2
spraying a surface crosslinking solution comprising a surface crosslinker, water and ionic liquid having a liquid state at 15 to 40 °C to the pulverized polymer to crosslink the surface of the pulverized polymer
Implementation Method 3
there was a problem in that in case the use amount of alcohol is too lowered, water may be excessively absorbed in the polymer, thus making effective crosslinking difficult due to the agglomeration of gel
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer. The method for preparing superabsorbent polymer according to one aspect of the invention comprises obtaining hydrogel polymer during the process of preparing superabsorbent polymer, and then, spraying a surface crosslinking solution comprising a surface crosslinker, alcohol, and ionic liquid to crosslink the surface of the pulverized polymer. The method for preparing superabsorbent polymer may use ionic liquid without using lower alcohol, or if lower alcohol is used together, may minimize the amount, and thus, reduce cost and additional drying treatment, and may control swelling of gel to prepare superabsorbent polymer with excellent product properties.