Ionomer-Polyolefin Blend Aqueous Dispersion via Thermal Self-Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming aqueous dispersions of ionomer-polyolefin blends require high-pressure and high-shear conditions, making them energy-intensive and potentially hazardous, whereas current techniques fail to achieve efficient dispersion under mild conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a blend composition of an ionomer with ethylene and alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester copolymers, mixed with water under low shear conditions at temperatures between 80°C to 100°C, allowing for self-dispersion without the need for additional dispersants or reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure and high-shear conditions are used to form aqueous dispersions of ionomer-polyolefin blends, then dispersion efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and process safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to enable dispersion at lower shear conditions. By heating water to 80-100°C, the ionomer-polyolefin blend achieves self-dispersion without requiring high-shear mixing, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining dispersion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The ionomer-polyolefin blend composition is formulated to self-disperse in hot water without requiring additional dispersants or reagents. The blend automatically forms stable aqueous dispersions through the ionomer's hydrophilic groups interacting with water, eliminating the need for external dispersing agents
2Productivity
If high-pressure and high-shear conditions are used to form aqueous dispersions of ionomer-polyolefin blends, then dispersion efficiency is improved, but process safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating conditions from high-pressure/high-shear to low-pressure/low-shear by utilizing elevated temperature (80-100°C). This parameter change eliminates the need for pressure vessels and high-shear equipment, significantly improving process safety while maintaining dispersion efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The blend composition is designed to self-disperse in hot water without requiring additional dispersants or reagents. The ionomer's hydrophilic groups automatically facilitate dispersion, eliminating the need for external dispersing agents and complex processing equipment
3Productivity
If traditional dispersion methods are used, then dispersion capability is achieved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ionomer-polyolefin blend is formulated to self-disperse in hot water without requiring additional dispersants, reagents, or complex processing equipment. The blend automatically forms stable aqueous dispersions when contacted with water at 80-100°C, simplifying the entire dispersion process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature as the primary driving force for dispersion. By heating water to 80-100°C, the process enables self-dispersion of the ionomer-polyolefin blend without requiring high-shear mixing equipment, pressure vessels, or complex multi-step procedures
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 simplifies the dispersion process, reduces energy consumption, and ensures safer operation by achieving stable aqueous dispersions at atmospheric pressure, maintaining the physical properties of the ionomers while enhancing process safety.
Implementation Method 1
A method involving a blend composition of an ionomer with ethylene and alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester copolymers, mixed with water under low shear conditions at temperatures between 80°C to 100°C, allowing for self-dispersion
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method to form an aqueous dispersion comprising a blend composition comprising or consisting essentially of about 75 to about 99.9 weight % of an ionomer composition and about 0.1 to about 25 weight % of an ethylene acrylate ester copolymer composition, a grafted polyolefin composition or a combination thereof, the method comprising mixing the solid blend composition with water heated to a temperature from about 80 to about 100° C.