Oxidized Polyethylene Wax Emulsion for Stable Textile Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polyethylene wax emulsions derived from HDPE manufacturing processes suffer from poor stability and homogeneity, and insufficient transmittance to visible light, making them unsuitable for coating applications.
Innovation Solution
A polyethylene wax emulsion comprising 5-35 wt% oxidized polyethylene wax with an acid number of 29-35 KOH/g, 2-12 wt% non-ionic surfactant, 0.5-1.5 wt% KOH and/or NaOH, 1.0-3.5 wt% ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol, and 50-90 wt% water, which enhances stability, homogeneity, and transmittance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyethylene wax emulsion is used for coating textiles, then the coating function is achieved, but the emulsion suffers from poor stability and homogeneity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polyethylene wax by controlling its oxidation level (acid number 29-35 KOH/g) and molecular weight distribution (PDI ≤ 100). These parameter changes transform the wax properties to achieve both stability and homogeneity in the emulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite emulsion system combining oxidized polyethylene wax with specific surfactants (non-ionic type), KOH/NaOH, and glycols. This composite formulation synergistically improves both stability and homogeneity, overcoming the limitations of pure polyethylene wax emulsions.
2Reliability
If modified polyethylene wax (oxidized) is used in emulsion, then stability is improved, but transmittance to visible light becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the oxidation parameter (acid number) within 29-35 KOH/g, which is high enough to ensure stability through carboxylic acid group formation but controlled enough to maintain light transmittance. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between stability improvement and light transmission preservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies only specific portions of the polyethylene wax molecules through oxidation, creating local carboxylic acid groups that provide stability while leaving the bulk polymer structure intact to maintain optical properties. This localized modification approach preserves overall transmittance.
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 emulsion achieves high stability, homogeneity, and increased transmittance to visible light, enabling effective use in coating textiles and other applications like leather and fur finishing.
Implementation Method 1
a) 5 to 35 wt% oxidized polyethylene wax having an acid number of 29 to 35 KOH/g
Implementation Method 2
b) 2 to 12 wt% non-ionic surfactant
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an emulsion, comprising: a) 5 to 35 wt% oxidized polyeth-ylene wax having an acid number of 20 to 35 KOH/g measured according to ASTM D 1386; b) 2 to 12 wt% non-ionic surfactant; c) 0.5 to 1.5 wt% KOH; d) 1.0 to 3.5 wt% ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol; and e) 50 to 90 wt% water; and use thereof for coating a textile.