Inorganic Pigment Surface Treatment with Polyol Esters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inorganic pigments, particularly in finely divided powder form, exhibit poor flow characteristics and dustiness, making them difficult to disperse evenly in polymer compositions, which increases the time and energy required for dispersion and affects manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
Treatment of particulate inorganic pigments with a trimethylolpropane ester improves their dispersibility and flow properties by depositing the ester on the pigment surfaces, enhancing their interaction with polymer compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If inorganic pigments are formed into finely divided powders to improve dispersibility, then the pigment can be more evenly distributed in base compositions, but the pigment exhibits poor flow characteristics and increased dustiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of pigment particles through coating with hydrophobic materials and surfactants. This changes the physical and chemical parameters of the particle surface, transforming the pigment from hydrophilic to hydrophobic character, which improves both flow characteristics and dispersibility in non-polar solvents and polymers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures by coating pigment particles with multiple layers including hydrophobic materials (such as silanes, metal oxides) and surfactants. This composite approach combines the opacity and color properties of the inorganic pigment with the flow-enhancing and dispersibility-improving properties of the coating materials
2Manufacturing precision
If inorganic pigments are formed into finely divided powders to improve dispersibility, then the pigment can be more evenly distributed in base compositions, but the pigment becomes dusty and difficult to bag and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameters of pigment particles by applying hydrophobic coatings, which reduces interparticle friction and prevents dust formation during handling and transport while maintaining fine particle size for good dispersibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies thin film coatings of hydrophobic materials and surfactants on pigment particles that act as protective shells, reducing dustiness and improving flow characteristics without affecting the underlying pigment's optical and coloring properties
3Ease of operation
If inorganic pigments are treated with surface coatings to improve flow characteristics, then the pigment becomes easier to handle and transport, but the complexity of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating pigment particles with hydrophobic materials and surfactants during the pigment manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring separate post-processing steps. This integrates the flow improvement function into the base manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multi-functional coating materials that simultaneously improve flow characteristics, reduce dustiness, enhance dispersibility in non-polar media, and provide hydrophobicity. This single coating system addresses multiple problems at once, reducing overall process complexity
4Productivity
If inorganic pigments are treated with surface coatings to improve dispersibility in polymer compositions, then the dispersion time and energy requirements are reduced, but the complexity of the treatment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equipping pigment particles with hydrophobic surface coatings and surfactant layers before incorporation into polymer compositions. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for extensive mixing and dispersing operations during polymer processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite pigment particles with layered coatings that provide both hydrophobicity and surfactant functionality. This composite structure enables the pigment to self-disperse in non-polar polymer matrices without requiring complex treatment processes or additional dispersing agents
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 treated pigments demonstrate improved bulk density, processability, and reduced grit content, allowing for more efficient dispersion in polymer compositions with lower energy and time requirements, leading to enhanced performance in end-use applications.
Implementation Method 1
a trimethylolpropane ester deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles
Data Source
AI summary
A treated, particulate inorganic pigment is provided. The treated, particulate inorganic pigment comprises a plurality of pigment particles, and a polyol ester deposited on the surfaces of the pigment particles. A method of forming a treated, particulate inorganic pigment and a polymer composition are also provided.