Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Nanofibers Opacifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current opacifiers like titanium dioxide are expensive and have environmentally unfriendly manufacturing processes, necessitating a cost-effective alternative with excellent opacifying properties for applications such as paints and papers.
Innovation Solution
The use of precipitated calcium carbonate particles in the form of nano fibers or nanochain-like agglomerates, which can replace up to 60% of titanium dioxide without compromising opacity, offering improved opacifying properties while maintaining a matte finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If titanium dioxide is used as an opacifier to achieve high opacity, then the opacifying properties are improved, but the cost increases and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive titanium dioxide with a cheaper alternative material (calcium carbonate or barium sulfate) that can provide sufficient opacifying properties for the application, reducing material cost while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the particle size parameters of the calcium carbonate or barium sulfate to optimize their opacifying efficiency, using specific size ranges (0.5-5 μm) to achieve comparable light scattering properties to titanium dioxide at lower cost
2Ease of manufacture
If precipitated calcium carbonate particles are used to reduce cost, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but opacity may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses precipitated calcium carbonate particles with specific morphologies (spheroidal, rod-like, or plate-like) that segment light scattering pathways effectively, maintaining opacity while using lower-cost material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may combine calcium carbonate or barium sulfate with other fillers or modifiers to create composite particle systems that enhance light scattering efficiency and maintain opacity comparable to titanium dioxide formulations
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 precipitated calcium carbonate particles provide enhanced opacity and cost-effectiveness, allowing for the substitution of titanium dioxide in paints and papers without decreasing the opacity of the final product, thus addressing the need for a more economical and environmentally friendly opacifier.
Implementation Method 1
the resulting coating of said suspension provides opaque properties or has a specific light scattering coefficient S
Data Source
AI summary
Dry precipitated calcium carbonate and a slurry of precipitated calcium carbonate (“PCC”) particles at least partially in the form elongated entities, especially of nanofibers or nanochain like agglomerates constituted by at least two interconnected primary particles, and preferably, with a content of scalenohedron particles, is provided having opacifying properties. The slurry may be produced on site of its use and, due to its high concentration of CaCO3, may be applied directly after its manufacture.