Oxidized Polyethylene Wax via Organometallic Catalyst
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing oxidized polyethylene wax often result in cross-linking during the oxidation process, leading to increased viscosity, poor emulsifiability, and clarity issues in the wax emulsion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the oxidation of a mixture of polyethylene wax with a specific molecular weight range and a low molecular weight polyethylene wax, controlled viscosity, and acid number, using a controlled oxidation process with oxygen and optional catalysts, to reduce cross-linking and enhance emulsifiability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxidation is carried out on polyethylene wax using conventional methods, then the wax is converted to polar oxidized wax, but cross-linking occurs leading to increased viscosity and gel-like product formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an organometallic catalyst as an intermediary substance to mediate the oxidation process. The catalyst enables selective oxidation of polyethylene wax to carboxylic acid groups without causing harmful cross-linking reactions, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving oxidation and preventing viscosity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the oxidation process by introducing specific organometallic catalysts and controlling reaction conditions (temperature, oxygen supply, catalyst concentration). These parameter changes enable the oxidation to proceed selectively without leading to cross-linking and gel formation.
2Quantity of substance
If oxidation process conditions are not appropriately controlled, then the oxidation reaction proceeds, but cross-linked by-products form causing poor emulsifiability and clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements process control through monitoring and adjusting oxidation conditions based on product characteristics. By controlling catalyst concentration, temperature, and oxygen supply, the process maintains optimal conditions to achieve desired oxidation extent while preventing cross-linking and ensuring good emulsifiability and clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent precisely controls multiple process parameters including catalyst concentration (0.1-5 wt%), temperature (50-200°C), and oxygen supply rate to achieve the desired balance between oxidation extent and product quality, preventing cross-linked by-product formation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inorganic or organic acids are added to prevent cross-linking, then cross-linking is reduced, but the process complexity increases and additional stabilization steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional acid additives and stabilization steps by using organometallic catalysts that inherently prevent cross-linking during oxidation. This simplifies the process by removing the need for separate acid addition and alkali carbonate/amine stabilization steps required in conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the oxidation system by using organometallic catalysts instead of conventional acid-based methods. This parameter change in the oxidation mechanism inherently prevents cross-linking without requiring additional process steps or additives.
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 method effectively reduces cross-linking, achieving a wax with improved emulsifiability and clarity, allowing for the production of oxidized polyethylene wax with a suitable acid number for easy emulsification and stable properties.
Implementation Method 1
carried out with the use of an organometallic catalyst
Implementation Method 2
oxidizing a mixture of a polyethylene wax having a number average molecular weight of more than 1000 to 4000 g/mol and a low molecular weight polyethylene wax having a number average molecular weight of 100 to 1000 g/mol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an oxidized polyethylene wax comprising oxidizing a mixture of a polyethylene wax having a number average molecular weight of more than 1000 to 4000 g/mol, preferably 1000 to 3000 g/mol, even more preferred 1200 to 2500 g/mol according to gel permeation chromatography and a low molecular weight polyethylene wax having a number average molecular weight of 100 to 1000 g/mol, preferably 100 to 900 g/mol, even more preferred 200 to 800 g/mol according to gel permeation chromatography, an oxidized polyethylene wax obtainable this way and use thereof in a wax emulsion or as a coating agent/lubricant.