Interpenetrating Polymer Network Material for Paper Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The paper industry seeks to enhance paper and paperboard quality, increase process speeds, and reduce manufacturing costs, while existing additives like cationic polyacrylamide do not fully leverage the potential of cellulose-based materials for improved drainage and strength properties.
Innovation Solution
An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material is produced by combining microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with at least one polymer, where the polymerization occurs in situ, creating a network that enhances drainage and strength properties when used as an additive in paper production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cationic polyacrylamide is used as a drainage additive, then drainage rate is improved, but adhesion and absorption properties are insufficient compared to cellulose-based materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with synthetic polymers to create an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). This composite structure integrates the excellent adhesion and absorption properties of cellulose with the drainage-enhancing capabilities of synthetic polymers, resolving the contradiction between drainage rate and adhesion/absorption properties.
2Loss of time
If synthetic polymers are used to improve drainage, then drainage time is reduced, but natural polymer-based strength properties are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges natural cellulose-based polymers with synthetic polymers in an interpenetrating network structure. This combination allows the material to simultaneously achieve rapid drainage performance from the synthetic polymer component and superior strength properties from the natural cellulose component, resolving the contradiction between drainage speed and strength properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple polymer blends are created, then manufacturing is simple, but interpenetrating polymer network properties are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-forming microcrystalline cellulose or microfibrillated cellulose networks before introducing and polymerizing the synthetic polymer monomers. This sequential approach ensures the formation of a true interpenetrating polymer network structure while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing conditions, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and IPN structure formation.
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 IPN material significantly improves drainage time and maintains better adhesion and absorption properties compared to synthetic polymers, offering improved performance as a drainage, wet strength, or dry strength additive in paper production.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing in situ the at least one monomer to form IPN together with the MCC, MFC or mixture thereof
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) material comprising microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), microfib-rillated cellulose (MFC) or a mixture thereof, and at least one polymer forming an IPN together with the MCC, MFC or mixture thereof. The present invention further relates to a process for producing the IPN material, and to use of the IPN material in paper industry.