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 nanopores of 10 to 500 nanometers, featuring a high porosity and specific surface area, which enables rapid fluid absorption characterized by a Vortex Time of 80 seconds or less and sustained high Absorption Rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional superabsorbent materials are used, then total absorbent capacity is maintained, but initial absorption rate is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating a nanoporous structure within the superabsorbent particles, where pores with average cross-sectional dimensions of 10 to 500 nanometers are formed throughout the particle matrix. This porous structure provides numerous pathways for rapid fluid penetration and absorption, dramatically increasing the initial absorption rate while maintaining total absorbent capacity through the high surface area to volume ratio created by the nanopores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical and chemical parameters of the superabsorbent material, specifically controlling the particle size (50 to 2,000 micrometers median size) and pore dimensions (10 to 500 nanometers). These parameter optimizations enable the material to achieve fast absorption rates with a Vortex Time of 80 seconds or less while preserving high absorbent capacity through careful control of these critical parameters.
2Productivity
If nanopores are introduced to increase absorption rate, then initial absorption rate improves, but particle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating a nanoporous structure within the superabsorbent particles, where pores with average cross-sectional dimensions of 10 to 500 nanometers are formed throughout the particle matrix. This porous structure provides numerous pathways for rapid fluid penetration and absorption, dramatically increasing the initial absorption rate while maintaining total absorbent capacity through the high surface area to volume ratio created by the nanopores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the nanoporous structure during the manufacturing process before the material is put into service. The nanopores are created through controlled polymerization or post-synthesis treatment, establishing the absorption pathways in advance. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex in-service modifications and ensures consistent high absorption performance.
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 particles demonstrate enhanced absorption rates while maintaining high absorbent capacity and retention, with Vortex Time of 80 seconds or less and Absorption Rates exceeding 300 g/g/ks, along with improved Centrifuge Retention Capacity and Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability.
Implementation Method 1
nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers... enables rapid fluid absorption
Implementation Method 2
high porosity and specific surface area... Absorption Rates exceeding 300 g/g/ks
Data Source
AI summary
Superabsorbent particles having a median size of from about 50 to about 2,000 micrometers and containing nanopores having an average cross-sectional dimension of from about 10 to about 500 nanometers are provided. The superabsorbent particles exhibit a Vortex Time of about 80 seconds or less.