Lecithin-Based Inverse Emulsion System for Biodegradable Polymers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water-in-oil emulsifiers, such as sorbitan monooleate, fail to meet environmental standards for offshore use in the North Sea due to low biodegradability and bioaccumulation concerns, necessitating the development of an environmentally friendly oil phase system for water-in-oil emulsion polymerization.
Innovation Solution
An environmentally friendly oil phase system comprising an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent and lecithin, combined with polyoxyethylene derivatives of sorbitan esters as non-ionic surfactants, which are at least 60% biodegradable and recognized as safe for use, facilitating the creation of inverse emulsion polymers that meet stringent environmental criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional w/o emulsifiers such as sorbitan monooleate are used, then emulsion polymerization can be achieved, but the system fails environmental standards due to low biodegradability and bioaccumulation concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the emulsifier system by replacing conventional sorbitan monooleate with lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) and aliphatic hydrocarbons. This substitution maintains emulsion polymerization functionality while achieving >60% biodegradability and reducing bioaccumulation potential, thus resolving the environmental harm issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable emulsifiers that break down rapidly in the environment (short-living) compared to persistent conventional emulsifiers. Lecithin and aliphatic hydrocarbons are selected specifically for their rapid biodegradation, effectively making the system environmentally disposable and eliminating long-term environmental harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lecithin is used as an emulsifier, then environmental friendliness is improved, but emulsion stability and polymerization performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite emulsifier system combining lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) with aliphatic hydrocarbons and nonionic surfactants. This composite approach leverages the environmental benefits of lecithin while the aliphatic hydrocarbons and surfactants provide the necessary emulsion stability and polymerization performance, resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional oil phase system where lecithin provides environmental friendliness and biodegradability, aliphatic hydrocarbons provide solubility and stability, and nonionic surfactants provide emulsification. Each component performs multiple functions, ensuring both environmental compliance and emulsion stability simultaneously.
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 system produces biodegradable and non-toxic inverse emulsion polymers suitable for various industrial applications, including friction reduction, acid gelling, and hydrate inhibition, while minimizing environmental impact, as demonstrated by the examples provided.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous monomer solution is emulsified within an inert hydrocarbon phase containing surfactants that promote water-in-oil ('w/o') emulsions
Implementation Method 2
The resulting droplets are polymerized yielding polymer particles that are dispersed throughout the hydrocarbon phase and stabilized by surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
A water-in-oil emulsion composition and method of production is disclosed. The composition may comprise a monomer phase, an organic phase, at least one initiator, and an inverting phase. The monomer phase may further comprise at least one monomer, water, ammonium chloride, sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate, tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate, and at least one water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The organic phase may further comprise at least one hydrophobic solvent, lecithin, and a polyoxyethylene derivative of a sorbitan ester. The at least one monomer may be selected from the group consisting of an acrylic monomer, an acrylamide monomer, and combinations thereof.