Lubricated Polyamide via In-Process Lubricant Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for introducing lubricants into thermoplastic polyamides are complex and costly, involving additional steps such as depositing lubricants on granules or remelting polymers, which complicates the polymer preparation process.
Innovation Solution
Introducing a mixture of paraffin, fatty acid, and fatty acid metal salt as a lubricant into the polymerization process in the molten state, allowing for the production of lubricated polyamide granules without additional lubrication steps, thereby simplifying the process and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lubricant is deposited on polymer granules after polymerization, then the polymer can be lubricated, but the process becomes complex and costly with additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polymerization process and lubricant incorporation into a single integrated operation. The lubricant is introduced during the polymerization reaction itself, merging two previously separate steps (polymerization and lubrication) into one continuous process, thereby eliminating the need for separate lubricant deposition equipment and operations
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant is introduced into the polymerization reaction mixture before the polymerization is complete, allowing the lubricant to be incorporated into the polymer matrix during the reaction itself. This preliminary incorporation eliminates the need for subsequent lubricant deposition steps on finished granules
2Reliability
If lubricant is introduced during formulation by remelting polymer granules, then the polymer can be lubricated, but the process becomes complex involving remelting steps
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is incorporated during the polymerization reaction itself, which is a preliminary action that occurs before the polymer needs to be remelted for formulation. This eliminates the need for subsequent remelting steps specifically for lubricant incorporation, as the lubricant is already present in the polymer matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lubricant incorporation step with the polymerization reaction, so that both the polymer formation and lubricant incorporation occur simultaneously in one process, rather than requiring separate polymerization and subsequent lubrication steps
3Reliability
If lubricant is deposited on granules, then the polymer can be lubricated, but additional cost is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines polymerization and lubricant incorporation into one process, eliminating the need for separate lubricant deposition equipment and operations. This integration reduces capital expenditure on additional equipment and operational costs associated with separate lubrication steps
Solution Approach 2:
The polymerization process itself serves the dual function of polymer formation and lubricant incorporation. The system essentially lubricates itself during the polymerization reaction, eliminating the need for external lubricant deposition operations and associated costs
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 enables the production of lubricated polyamide granules that can be directly formulated and shaped without extra lubrication steps, maintaining process flexibility and reducing the risk of polymerization interference, while also allowing for the production of various polymer grades in the same unit.
Implementation Method 1
Polyamides are handled in the molten state during these shaping and formulations, which is not always easy. In fact, the polyamides can have a high viscosity in the molten state, and they can adhere in part to the surfaces of the installations into which they are introduced, which is problematic. To remedy this, it is known to add a lubricant to the polymer, in particular to the polyamide.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide. The invention relates specifically to a method for preparing a lubricated thermoplastic polymer, in particular a lubricated polyamide, according to which a mixture of lubricants is added to the molten polymer during the polymer polymerisation process.