Recycled Superabsorbent Polymer in Cementitious Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disposal of used absorbent articles poses environmental challenges due to their composition and the lack of economically viable recycling options, particularly for superabsorbent polymers (SAP) which are a key component.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating recycled superabsorbent polymer (RSAP) into cementitious compositions, which acts as a functional additive or internal curing agent, thereby repurposing the RSAP and enhancing the strength and performance of the cementitious composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If used absorbent articles are disposed of in landfills, then waste management is simplified, but environmental pollution increases and valuable materials are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaste disposal simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent recovers superabsorbent polymer (SAP) from used absorbent articles through a recycling process that separates SAP particles from other materials. The recovered SAP is then processed to remove contaminants and restore its absorbent properties, creating a closed-loop system where waste material is transformed into a valuable resource for new absorbent article production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The recycling process involves changing the physical and chemical parameters of the used SAP particles through washing, drying, and thermal treatment. These parameter changes remove contaminants and restore the SAP's functional properties, enabling its reuse in new absorbent articles while preventing environmental pollution from landfill disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If SAP is separated and recycled from used absorbent articles, then material recovery is achieved, but the separation and processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial recoveryVSAvoidseparation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recycling system is divided into distinct functional segments: a separation unit that isolates SAP particles from other absorbent article materials, a washing unit that removes contaminants, a drying unit that restores moisture content, and a quality control unit that verifies SAP performance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall process efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs intermediate processing steps including buffer zones between separation and washing, and quality control checkpoints that mediate between different process stages. These intermediaries ensure smooth material flow, maintain SAP particle integrity, and enable process optimization without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If recycled SAP is used in new absorbent articles, then environmental sustainability improves, but the purity and performance consistency of the recycled material must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidmaterial performance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The recycling system incorporates feedback mechanisms through quality control testing that measures SAP particle size distribution, absorbency capacity, and contaminant levels. This feedback information is used to adjust processing parameters in real-time, ensuring that recycled SAP meets specified performance criteria before being incorporated into new absorbent articles, thereby maintaining reliability and consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 use of RSAP in cementitious compositions achieves high performance concrete properties, provides a sustainable solution for waste management, and creates a viable market for recycled materials.

Implementation Method 1

The absorbent core typically comprises superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles that absorb and store the liquid bodily exudates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

Use of RSAP in the cementitious composition repurposes the RSAP into a highly functional additive or internal curing agent for increasing the strength of the cementitious composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwelling: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS12252441B2Cementitious compositions comprising recycled superabsorbent polymer

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A cementitious composition including recycled superabsorbent polymer (RSAP) and a cementitious material. The RSAP has a purity level of at least 85 percent by weight of the RSAP. Also provided is a cementitious composition where the RSAP has substantially low levels of one or more residual drug entities. Also provided is a method for the construction of a self-sealing cement sheath, the method comprising: supplying a self-sealing slurry of a cementitious composition including cementitious material, an aqueous fluid, and RSAP into an underground geological formation, and allowing the self-sealing slurry of the cementitious composition to cure, thereby forming the self-sealing cement sheath. The RSAP is capable of swelling in the presence of fluid to seal any cracks formed in the self-sealing slurry during curing.