Semicrystalline Polymer Crystallization Agglomeration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing polymer agglomeration during crystallization are either expensive, require long process times, or alter the polymer composition, failing to effectively lower the tendency of polymers to agglomerate before crystallization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a semicrystalline polymer that includes forming a polymer melt, solidifying and cooling the particles, followed by a treatment step of shaking the particles below the polymer's glass transition temperature to reduce agglomeration, allowing for continuous crystallization with lower back-mixing ratios and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If prior drying for several hours is performed to reduce agglomeration tendency, then the tendency of PET to agglomerate decreases, but the process time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a brief shaking treatment of particles at temperatures below the glass transition temperature before crystallization. This pre-treatment modifies the particle surface properties and reduces agglomeration tendency during subsequent crystallization, eliminating the need for lengthy prior drying processes while achieving the desired reduction in agglomeration.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If treatment with swelling agents is performed to reduce agglomeration tendency, then the tendency of PET to agglomerate decreases, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive swelling agents with a simple mechanical shaking treatment that uses no additional chemicals. The shaking process briefly agitates particles at controlled temperatures to achieve the desired effect, then stops, avoiding both the high cost and long processing times associated with chemical swelling agent treatments.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If coating materials are used to reduce agglomeration tendency, then the tendency to agglomerate decreases, but the polymer composition is altered which is not acceptable for every application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by using the polymer particles themselves as the active element in reducing agglomeration. By shaking the particles at temperatures below their glass transition temperature, the process utilizes the inherent physical properties of the polymer to modify surface characteristics and reduce adhesion, without introducing any foreign coating materials that would alter the polymer composition.
4Ease of manufacture
If pelletizing is combined with immediate crystallization at crystallization temperature, then the process is simplified, but the tendency of pellets to agglomerate prior to crystallization cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inserts a preliminary shaking treatment step between pelletizing and crystallization. This intermediate step performs the crucial function of reducing agglomeration tendency by treating particles at temperatures below the glass transition temperature, while maintaining overall process simplicity by integrating seamlessly into the existing pelletizing-crystallization sequence without requiring major process reconfiguration.
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
This approach significantly reduces the polymer's tendency to agglomerate, decreasing the necessary residence time and energy consumption in crystallization processes, while maintaining the polymer's composition integrity.
Implementation Method 1
forming of particles and solidification of the polymer melt
Implementation Method 2
treatment comprising shaking at a temperature which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer
Implementation Method 3
crystallization of the particles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a semicrystalline polymer, said method comprising the following steps: producing a polymer melt from a crystallizable polymer; shaping particles and solidifying the polymer melt, the step of shaping the particles being carried out before or after solidification; cooling the particles; treating the particles to reduce their tendency to agglomerate; crystallizing the particles. The invention is characterized in that the treatment is carried out by shaking at a temperature T1 which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer plus 10° C., i.e. T1<Tg+10° C.