Polymer Fine Particle Recycling by Solvent Swelling Decomposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recycling polymers by dissolution or decomposition into monomers are limited in applicability, complex, and costly, lacking a simple and versatile approach for polymer reuse.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of an external stimulus, such as solvent swelling, to decompose polymer fine particles, allowing for the production and recycling of a wide range of polymers through simple operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymer is dissolved in a solvent to be purified and reused, then the polymer can be recycled, but the purification process becomes complicated and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of polymers through temperature change. By heating the formed body of polymer fine particles to a temperature of 80°C or higher, the polymer transitions from a solid formed body to a molten state, enabling separation and recycling without complex purification processes. This thermal phase transition simplifies the recycling process while maintaining polymer recoverability.
2Reliability
If a polymer is decomposed into monomers and reused, then the polymer can be recycled, but the production cost increases and applicable polymers are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of temperature to enable polymer recycling. By controlling temperature to 80°C or higher, the polymer fine particles undergo phase transition and can be separated and reused. This parameter-based approach avoids costly chemical decomposition into monomers while expanding applicability to various polymer types that exhibit thermal phase transitions.
3Quantity of substance
If polymer fine particles are formed from a dispersion liquid, then a formed body is created, but the process requires multiple steps including drying and pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple process steps into a simplified sequence. The dispersion liquid containing polymer fine particles is directly heated to undergo phase transition, combining the drying and forming steps into a single thermal processing operation. This reduces the number of required equipment and process steps while maintaining formed body production efficiency.
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
Enables the production and reuse of polymer fine particles with minimal complexity and cost, applicable to various polymers, maintaining high particle size consistency and recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a method for applying the external stimulus is swelling the polymer fine particles with a solvent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for recycling polymer fine particles, the method being applicable to various polymers. This method for recycling polymer fine particles comprises (A) a step for dismantling a first polymer fine particle molded body, which has been obtained by molding first polymer fine particles, into second polymer fine particles by applying external stimuli to the first polymer fine particle molded body.