Method for manufacturing aramid pulp comprising PVP

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing aramid pulp comprising polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) result in complex processes, significant PVP loss, and poor dewatering properties, making them difficult to integrate into existing para-aramid production while maintaining good retention of PVP.

Innovation Solution

A process involving combining para-aramid short-cut fibers with PVP in an aqueous solution, followed by a refining step to form aramid pulp, which allows for efficient PVP retention and improved dewatering characteristics without the need for complicated spinning processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methods are used to manufacture aramid pulp comprising PVP through complex spinning processes, then PVP-containing yarn can be produced, but the process becomes complicated and difficult to integrate into existing production

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePVP retentionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts PVP from the complex spinning process and applies it directly to aramid short-cut fibers in an aqueous solution. This separates the PVP application step from the fiber production step, eliminating the need for complex blend spinning while maintaining PVP retention in the final pulp product

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-coating PVP onto aramid short-cut fibers before pulping. This preliminary PVP application ensures good retention in the final product without requiring PVP to be present throughout the entire complex spinning process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If PVP is added to existing pulp, then PVP can be incorporated into the pulp, but substantial PVP loss occurs during the refining process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePVP content in pulpVSAvoidPVP loss during refining
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies PVP to the aramid short-cut fibers before the refining process begins. This preliminary application ensures that PVP is already bound to the fiber surface and structure, preventing loss during subsequent refining operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses an aqueous solution as an intermediary medium to apply PVP to the aramid short-cut fibers. This intermediary approach allows for uniform PVP distribution and binding before refining, preventing PVP loss during the mechanical refining process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If aramid pulp is refined to certain fiber length, then pulp quality is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber length controlVSAvoidrefining energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by pre-coating PVP on the aramid short-cut fibers before refining. This pre-treatment modifies the fiber surface properties, allowing for more efficient refining with lower energy consumption while achieving the desired fiber length and pulp quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 process achieves high PVP retention and faster dewatering with reduced energy consumption compared to traditional methods, making it easier to operate and integrate into existing production lines.

Implementation Method 1

PVP has a high solubility in water. It would therefore be expected that a substantial amount of PVP would be lost during the refining process.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolubility: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Para-aramid pulp can be obtained by fibrillating short para-aramid fibers, also known as para-aramid short-cut.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFibrillation:

Data Source

PatentUS11542660B2Method for manufacturing aramid pulp comprising PVP
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 TEIJIN ARAMID BV

AI summary

A process for manufacturing an aramid pulp including polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), the method including the steps of: combining para-aramid short-cut with PVP in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, subjecting the mixture to a refining step to form a para-aramid pulp including PVP. It has been found that the process makes it possible to obtain a PVP pulp with improved dewatering properties and energy consumption in combination with a high PVP retention.