Phosphate Ester Dispersant for Universal Media Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispersant compositions are not effective in both aqueous and organic media and have high ecotoxicity, limiting their use with various particulate materials, particularly pigments and nanoparticles, and lack biodegradability.

Innovation Solution

A blend of mono- and di-esters of alkylalkoxylates and phosphoric acid, specifically polyoxyalkylenated mono- and di-phosphate esters with ethoxyl and propoxyl monomers, which are terminated by linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl radicals, providing a stable dispersion in both aqueous and organic media with reduced ecotoxicity and enhanced biodegradability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional surfactant compositions are used, then dispersing capability is achieved, but ecotoxicity increases and biodegradability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveecotoxicityVSAvoiddispersing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using phosphoric acid esters of polyoxyalkylenated compounds with specific structures (containing ethoxyl and propoxyl groups) instead of conventional surfactants. This parameter change maintains dispersing capability while reducing ecotoxicity and improving biodegradability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dispersant composition uses a composite molecular structure combining phosphoric acid ester groups with polyoxyalkylene chains (ethylene oxide and propylene oxide units). This composite structure provides both the dispersing capability through the polyoxyalkylene portion and the reduced ecotoxicity through the phosphoric acid ester backbone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional dispersants are used, then dispersing in one type of media is achieved, but effectiveness in both aqueous and organic media cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemedia compatibilityVSAvoiddispersing effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The phosphoric acid ester of polyoxyalkylenated compound is designed to perform multiple functions: it effectively disperses particulate materials in both aqueous and organic media, providing universal applicability across different media types while maintaining consistent dispersing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The molecular structure contains specific local regions with different properties: the phosphoric acid ester portion interacts with particulate materials while the polyoxyalkylene chains (with specific ethoxyl/propoxyl ratios) provide compatibility with different media types, achieving local optimization for multi-media effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If high-performance dispersants are used, then dispersing capability is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersing capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potential harm of conventional surfactants (high ecotoxicity and poor biodegradability) into benefits by using phosphoric acid esters that are inherently more biodegradable and less toxic, while maintaining or improving dispersing capability through optimized polyoxyalkylene structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 dispersant compositions effectively disperse a wide range of particulate materials in various media, achieving stable dispersions with improved environmental sustainability, suitable for commercial and industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

dispersant compositions that comprise blends of polyoxyalkylenated mono- and di-phosphate esters

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP3233260B1Universal dispersant
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL BV
  • EP3233260B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3233260B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3233260B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A dispersant is provided comprising a blend of mono- and di-phosphate esters, each phosphate group being substituted with either one or two alkyl or alkenyl alkoxylate groups wherein the alkyl or alkenyl portion is a branched alkyl or alkenyl radical comprising 1-30 carbon atoms, the alkoxylate portion comprises ethoxylate monomers and/or propoxylate monomers, and the dispersant further comprises a basic component selected from an amidopropyldimethylamine, a heterocyclic amine, an ammonium ion, and an alkali metal ion. The dispersant is suitable for dispersing a variety of pigments and other particulate matter in either aqueous or organic media.