Recovered Water-Absorbent Resin Solubilization With Peroxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for decomposing and solubilizing water-absorbent resin are time-consuming and costly, often resulting in colored polymers when used as raw materials, and can destabilize polymerization processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mixture of recovered water-absorbent resin, water, and a specific amount of peroxide (excluding persulfates) at a pH of 6.5 to 8.5, optionally with a reducing agent and transition metal ions, to facilitate rapid solubilization with minimal coloring and polymer destabilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large amount of decomposer agent is used to shorten solubilization time, then solubilization speed is improved, but the solubilized polymer becomes colored and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pH value to 6.5-8.5 and controlling the decomposer concentration at 0.1-50 parts by mass per 100 parts of water-absorbent resin. This specific parameter range enables rapid solubilization while preventing excessive decomposition that causes coloring, thus resolving the contradiction between solubilization speed and polymer quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a controlled amount of decomposer (0.1-50 parts by mass) rather than excessive amounts, achieving sufficient solubilization without over-decomposition. This partial action approach maintains productivity while avoiding the harmful coloring effect that occurs with excessive decomposer use
2Productivity
If oxidizing water-soluble salt (hydrogen peroxide and persulfate) is used to shorten solubilization time, then solubilization speed is improved, but remaining decomposer increases causing polymerization destabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydrogen peroxide as a decomposer that decomposes completely into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues. This short-lived decomposer achieves rapid solubilization while ensuring polymerization stability in subsequent processes, as the decomposer does not persist to cause destabilization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrogen peroxide, a strong oxidant, to accelerate the solubilization process efficiently. The strong oxidizing power enables rapid decomposition of the water-absorbent resin while the complete decomposition into harmless products maintains subsequent polymerization stability
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional decomposer methods are used, then solubilization can be achieved, but the process requires long time and high cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves rapid and complete solubilization by optimizing key parameters: pH value (6.5-8.5), decomposer amount (0.1-50 parts by mass), and temperature (50-130°C). This parameter optimization enables the process to complete solubilization in significantly reduced time compared to conventional methods, while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or controlled action through staged heating (50-130°C) and controlled pH maintenance during the solubilization process. This controlled periodic action ensures complete decomposition while minimizing total process time, achieving both completeness and speed
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 enables rapid solubilization of water-absorbent resin without excessive decomposer use, producing a stable, less colored polymer suitable for use in water-absorbent resin production.
Implementation Method 1
a method for producing a solubilized polymer by decomposing a recovered water-absorbent resin to produce a solubilized polymer, the method including preparing a mixture by mixing 100 parts by mass of a recovered water-absorbent resin, 66 parts by mass or more and 1900 parts by mass or less of water, and 0.1 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less of a peroxide (excluding persulfates)
Implementation Method 2
the mixture preferably further contains 0.01 parts by mass or more and 50 parts by mass or less of a reducing agent with respect to 100 parts by mass of the recovered water-absorbent resin
Implementation Method 3
the mixture preferably further contains 1.0 × 10^-6 to 1.0 × 10^-2 parts by mass of a transition metal ion with respect to 100 parts by mass of the recovered water-absorbent resin
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a solubilized polymer by decomposing a recovered water-absorbent resin to produce a solubilized polymer, the method including preparing a mixture containing a recovered water-absorbent resin, water, and a peroxide (excluding persulfates), wherein the mixture has a pH of 6.5 or more and 8.5 or less. The present invention also relates to a method for producing a water-absorbent resin, the method including using, as a part of a raw material, a solubilized polymer produced by decomposing a recovered water-absorbent resin. According to the present invention, a means capable of solubilizing (decomposing) a recovered water-absorbent resin in a short time without using a large amount of decomposer.