Polymer Blend Solvent Separation for Closed-Loop Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Polymer blends, particularly those containing polyamides and polyurethanes or polyureas, are difficult to recycle due to the inability of conventional solvents to selectively separate these components, leading to contamination and reduced recyclability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a specific solvent system with distinct solvents that selectively dissolve each polymer, followed by physical separation techniques like filtration and decanting, along with optional washing and drying steps, to achieve a purified polymer blend.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional polar organic solvents are used to separate polymer blends, then separation capability is improved, but cost increases, toxicity increases, explosion hazard increases, and energy consumption increases due to high boiling point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by replacing conventional polar organic solvents with a specific solvent composition comprising water (5-50 wt%), alcohol (30-60 wt%), and ketone (10-40 wt%). This parameter change achieves effective separation of polyamide and polyurethane/polyurea while eliminating the toxicity and explosion hazards associated with conventional solvents like DMF, NMP, and DMSO.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a solvent system based on common, inexpensive substances (water, alcohol, ketone) that can be easily obtained and disposed of safely. These solvents are far cheaper than conventional polar organic solvents and do not require special handling, storage, or disposal procedures, thereby reducing both cost and environmental harm.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional polar organic solvents are used to separate polymer blends, then separation capability is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase due to safety requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a solvent system based on common, inexpensive substances (water, alcohol, ketone) that can be easily obtained and disposed of safely. These solvents are far cheaper than conventional polar organic solvents and do not require special handling, storage, or disposal procedures, thereby reducing both cost and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by replacing conventional polar organic solvents with a specific solvent composition comprising water (5-50 wt%), alcohol (30-60 wt%), and ketone (10-40 wt%). This parameter change achieves effective separation of polyamide and polyurethane/polyurea while eliminating the toxicity and explosion hazards associated with conventional solvents like DMF, NMP, and DMSO.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional polar organic solvents are used to separate polymer blends, then separation capability is improved, but energy consumption increases due to high boiling point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the solvent system by replacing high-boiling-point conventional solvents with a mixture of water, alcohol, and ketone that have much lower boiling points. This enables energy-efficient solvent removal through evaporation or distillation, significantly reducing the energy consumption required for the separation process.
4Strength
If polyamide and polyurethane are blended together, then fiber strength is improved, but recyclability deteriorates due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the differential solubility of polyamide and polyurethane/polyurea in the specific solvent system to achieve separation. By treating the blended fibers with the solvent composition comprising water, alcohol, and ketone, one polymer dissolves while the other remains intact, enabling effective separation and recovery of each component for recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by replacing conventional polar organic solvents with a specific solvent composition comprising water (5-50 wt%), alcohol (30-60 wt%), and ketone (10-40 wt%). This parameter change achieves effective separation of polyamide and polyurethane/polyurea while eliminating the toxicity and explosion hazards associated with conventional solvents like DMF, NMP, and DMSO.
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 separates and recycles polymer blends, enhancing the reusability and workability of the resulting polymers, allowing for a closed recycling loop and improved polymer products.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the solubility of the polymer PM1 in the solvent S1 (g/L) is lower than the solubility of the polymer PM2 in the solvent S1 (g/L)
Implementation Method 2
the polymer blend PB1 and the solvent S1 are at least once heated to a temperature T1, preferably for a/the time t1
Implementation Method 3
the polymer blend PB1 and the solvent S1 are at least once stirred and/or sonicated
Implementation Method 4
the polymer blend PB1 and the solvent S1 are at least once stirred and/or sonicated
Data Source
AI summary
Herein a specific method for the treatment of a polymer blend is described. The obtained material can be converted to obtain specific materials and products.