Reactive Surfactant Composition for Emulsion Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surfactants used in emulsion polymerization lead to substantial foaming and reduce the physical properties of films, such as adhesion, water resistance, and heat resistance, and also result in coagulation of polymer particles during the process.
Innovation Solution
A surfactant composition comprising a reactive surfactant with polymerizable double-bond and ionic groups, combined with an ethanol-insoluble nitrogen compound, which improves emulsifiability and stability while reducing coagulations of polymer particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional surfactants (anionic or nonionic) are used in emulsion polymerization, then emulsification of monomers is achieved, but substantial foaming occurs and physical properties of films (adhesion, water resistance, heat resistance) are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the surfactant by introducing a polymerizable double bond group that can react with monomers during polymerization. This structural modification allows the surfactant to become part of the polymer chain, preventing foaming and film property degradation while maintaining emulsification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surfactant molecule combining a hydrophobic group (for monomer solubility), a polymerizable double bond group (for co-polymerization), and a hydrophilic group (for emulsification). This composite structure integrates multiple functions into one molecule, resolving the contradiction between emulsification and foaming control
2Object-generated harmful factors
If reactive surfactants with polymerizable double bonds are used, then foaming is reduced, but coagulation of polymer particles occurs during emulsion polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter balance between the hydrophobic group (for monomer affinity), polymerizable double bond group (for co-polymerization reactivity), and hydrophilic group (for emulsion stability). By carefully adjusting these structural parameters, the surfactant achieves both foaming reduction and prevention of particle coagulation
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive surfactant acts as an intermediary between monomers and polymer particles, with its dual nature (hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups) allowing it to stabilize polymer particles during emulsion polymerization while preventing coagulation through its polymerizable double bond group
3Ease of manufacture
If emulsifiers are used in emulsion polymerization, then monomer emulsification is achieved, but emulsifiers remain in films and reduce physical properties such as adhesion and water resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the emulsifier into the polymer chain during the polymerization process itself. The polymerizable double bond group reacts with monomers to form co-polymer segments, preventing the emulsifier from remaining as a separate substance in the final film and thus preserving film physical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The reactive surfactant performs self-service by simultaneously functioning as both an emulsifier during polymerization and as a component of the final polymer structure. This dual role eliminates the need for separate emulsifier removal steps and ensures the final product has improved physical properties
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 surfactant composition effectively decreases coagulations of polymer particles without impairing emulsifiability or stability, enhancing the properties of the resulting films, including water resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a reactive surfactant having at least one polymerizable double-bond group and at least one ionic group in a molecule
Implementation Method 2
good in the emulsifiability for monomers
Data Source
AI summary
A surfactant composition has good emulsifiability for monomer(s), and can provide a polymer emulsion (herein after simply called “the emulsion”) of good stability while decreasing coagulations of polymer particles in the emulsion. The surfactant composition contains the following components (A) and (B): (A) a reactive surfactant containing at least one polymerizable double-bond group and at least one ionic group in a molecule, and (B) a nitrogen compound insoluble or slightly soluble in ethanol. A weight ratio (A:B) of the component (A) to the component (B) is from 100:0.03 to 100:1.0.