Polymer Particle Granulation via Supercritical Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High molecular weight polymers with crystallinity have poor affinity with compressible fluids, requiring high-temperature heating to mix, which degrades their physical properties and can lead to nozzle clogging during granulation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving ring-opening-polymerization of a ring-opening-polymerizable monomer after contact with a first compressible fluid, followed by granulation using a second compressible fluid, where the first fluid is carbon dioxide and the second fluid is nitrogen, reducing the need for high-temperature heating and preventing physical property degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If high-temperature heating is applied to mix polymer with compressible fluid, then mixing affinity is improved, but physical properties of polymer are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the compressible fluid from gaseous to supercritical by adjusting temperature and pressure parameters. This creates a fluid state with properties intermediate between gas and liquid, enabling good mixing affinity with the polymer without requiring high-temperature heating that would degrade the polymer's physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining the polymer with the supercritical compressible fluid. This composite state allows the fluid to penetrate and mix with the polymer effectively while maintaining the polymer's integrity and physical properties, avoiding the need for excessive heating.
2Ease of manufacture
If high-temperature heating is applied to reduce polymer viscosity, then mixability with compressible fluid is improved, but nozzle clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the compressible fluid to achieve a supercritical state, which provides optimal viscosity and flow characteristics. This allows the fluid to carry the polymer through the nozzle smoothly without clogging, while still achieving good mixability through the unique properties of the supercritical state.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercritical compressible fluid acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates the mixing and transport of the polymer. Its intermediate properties between gas and liquid states enable it to penetrate the polymer effectively while maintaining low viscosity for smooth nozzle flow, preventing clogging.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymer is heated to high temperature for mixing, then affinity with compressible fluid increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the state of the compressible fluid to supercritical by optimizing temperature and pressure parameters. This creates a state with high density and diffusivity that enhances affinity with the polymer without requiring excessive heating, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining good mixing affinity.
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 method allows for the production of polymer particles with preserved physical properties by reducing the heat applied to the polymer, preventing degradation and avoiding nozzle clogging, while maintaining efficient granulation.
Implementation Method 1
ring-opening-polymerizing a ring-opening-polymerizable monomer after bringing the ring-opening-polymerizable monomer into contact with a first compressible fluid; and granulating a polymer obtained in the ring-opening-polymerizing by jetting the polymer and the first compressible fluid
Implementation Method 2
When the molecular weight of the polymer is high or when the polymer has crystallinity, the polymer has poor affinity with the compressible fluid, and cannot mix well with the compressible fluid. This makes it necessary to mix the polymer with the compressible fluid after heating the polymer to a high temperature to reduce its viscosity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A particle manufacturing method of the present invention includes: ring-opening-polymerizing a ring-opening-polymerizable monomer after bringing the ring-opening-polymerizable monomer into contact with a first compressible fluid; and granulating a polymer obtained in the ring-opening-polymerizing by jetting the polymer and the first compressible fluid.