Nanoporous Superabsorbent Particles for Rapid Fluid Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superabsorbent materials exhibit slow initial absorption rates when coming into contact with fluids, necessitating a material with faster absorption capabilities without compromising total absorbent capacity.
Innovation Solution
Development of superabsorbent particles with a median size of 50 to 2,000 micrometers and a porous network containing nanopores of 10 to 500 nanometers, formed through a composition of superabsorbent polymer and solvent system, phase inversion, and surface crosslinking, resulting in enhanced absorption rates and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional superabsorbent materials are used, then total absorbent capacity is maintained, but initial absorption rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous network structure with nanopores (10-500 nm) within the superabsorbent particles. This porous structure increases the surface area and creates channels for rapid fluid penetration, directly addressing the slow initial absorption rate of conventional materials while preserving total absorbent capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an internal three-dimensional porous network within the particles, transforming the structure from a dense solid form to a hierarchical porous form. This dimensional transformation provides multiple pathways for fluid access, enabling faster absorption kinetics without sacrificing the bulk absorbent capacity.
2Speed
If particle size is reduced to increase surface area, then absorption rate improves, but handling and flow properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the particle interior into a network of nanopores, creating a hierarchical structure where the external particle maintains larger size for good handling, while the internal nanoporous structure provides high surface area for rapid absorption. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between particle size and absorption rate.
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 superabsorbent particles demonstrate a Vortex Time of 80 seconds or less and a free swell gel bed permeability of 5 darcys or more, maintaining high absorption rates and total absorbent capacity.
Implementation Method 1
contain a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers
Implementation Method 2
contacting the composition with a non-solvent system to initiate formation of the porous network through phase inversion
Data Source
AI summary
Superabsorbent particles have a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers and contain a porous network that includes a plurality of nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers, wherein the superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) of 5 darcys or more, of 10 darcys or more, of 20 darcys or more, of 30 darcys or more, of 60 darcys or more, or of 90 darcys or more. A method for forming such superabsorbent particles includes forming a composition that contains a superabsorbent polymer and a solvent system; contacting the composition with a non-solvent system to initiate formation of the porous network through phase inversion; removing non-solvent from the composition; and surface crosslinking the superabsorbent particles.