Recycled Superabsorbent Polymer Purification for Uniform Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recycling of used superabsorbent polymers from diverse sanitary articles results in non-uniform performance due to the presence of impurities, making it difficult to achieve consistent absorption performance in sanitary products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving inactivation with an acidic solution, followed by oxidizing agent treatment under acidic conditions, and drying to produce a highly pure recycled superabsorbent polymer, which is then used as a raw material in superabsorbent polymer production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If used superabsorbent polymers from diverse sanitary articles are collectively recycled using conventional methods, then recycling efficiency is improved, but the uniformity of absorption performance deteriorates due to diverse impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically adjusting chemical treatment parameters including pH levels (acidic to neutral), oxidation-reduction states (oxidizing then reducing), and ionic concentrations (divalent metal salts followed by alkali metal salts) to transform diverse impurity profiles into a standardized pure product suitable for uniform absorption performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a multi-stage purification process that selectively removes different types of impurities at different stages: organic impurities are removed through oxidation, inorganic impurities are removed through ion exchange with divalent and alkali metal salts, achieving high purity recovery while maintaining productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If recycled superabsorbent polymers are used directly in sanitary articles, then resource utilization is improved, but the reliability of absorption performance deteriorates due to non-uniform impurity content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary purification actions before the recycled polymer can be used in sanitary articles. The multi-step treatment process (oxidation, ion exchange with divalent metals, ion exchange with alkali metals, drying) is completed in advance to ensure the recycled polymer meets the reliability standards required for absorption performance consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical separation methods with chemical treatment mechanisms including oxidation reactions, ion exchange reactions, and phase changes (drying) to achieve thorough purification that ensures reliable and consistent absorption performance in the recycled polymer
3Manufacturing precision
If advanced purification methods are applied to remove all impurities, then product purity is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the purification process into distinct functional stages: oxidation stage for organic impurities, divalent metal salt stage for certain inorganic impurities, alkali metal salt stage for remaining inorganic impurities, and drying stage. This segmentation allows each step to target specific impurity types efficiently, achieving high purity while managing process complexity through systematic division of labor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs reagents with multiple functions: oxidizing agents that simultaneously oxidize organic impurities and prepare the polymer structure for subsequent ion exchange; divalent metal salts that remove impurities while preparing the polymer for final purification with alkali metals. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of different chemical systems needed, managing complexity while achieving high purity
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 effectively removes impurities, ensuring the recycled superabsorbent polymer can be used to produce high-quality superabsorbent polymers with uniform performance.
Implementation Method 1
an inactivation step of inactivating the used superabsorbent polymer with an acidic solution
Implementation Method 2
an oxidizing agent treatment step of treating the used superabsorbent polymer inactivated with the acidic solution with an oxidizing agent under an acidic condition
Implementation Method 3
a drying step of drying the used superabsorbent polymer treated with the oxidizing agent
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a method that is for producing a recycled superabsorbent absorbent polymer and that allows a spent superabsorbent polymer derived from a used sanitary article to be effectively used in a product which uses a superabsorbent polymer as a raw material. This method is for producing from a used superabsorbent polymer obtained from a used sanitary article a recycled superabsorbent polymer that is a raw material for production of a superabsorbent polymer. This method comprises: a deactivation step (S30) for deactivating a used superabsorbent polymer using an acidic solution; an oxidant treatment step (S31) for treating the used superabsorbent polymer deactivated using the acidic solution using an oxidant under acidic conditions; and a drying step (S33) for drying the used superabsorbent polymer treated using the oxidant to generate a recycled superabsorbent polymer.