Redispersible Nanoparticles via Surface Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing redispersible nanoparticles are complex and solvent-intensive, often requiring high shearing forces that do not ensure complete breakdown of agglomerates, especially when transitioning from aqueous to organic media.
Innovation Solution
The use of surface modifiers with functional groups like thiols, sulfides, or polysulfides during free-radical polymerization in the presence of organic monomers, allowing for the production of nanoparticles that can be easily redispersed in various solvents, including organic hydrophobic solvents, with a two-stage coating process to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If high shearing forces are applied to break up agglomerates, then particle dispersion is improved, but complete breakdown is not ensured and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surface modifiers as intermediary substances that mediate between the nanoparticle surface and the solvent system. These modifiers adsorb onto the nanoparticle surface and provide steric or electrostatic stabilization, preventing agglomeration without requiring high shearing forces. This resolves the contradiction by achieving stable dispersion through chemical modification rather than mechanical force alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface properties of nanoparticles by controlling the size and distribution of surface defects. By optimizing particle size parameters and surface defect density, the material achieves enhanced dispersion stability through intrinsic surface effects rather than extraneous mechanical processing. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between dispersion stability and process simplicity.
2Productivity
If solvent exchange is performed quickly, then production time is reduced, but particle agglomeration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface modifiers to the nanoparticle surface before the solvent exchange process. This preliminary modification creates a protective interface that prevents agglomeration during rapid solvent transition. By preparing the particle surface in advance with stabilizing modifications, the system can undergo quick solvent exchange without sacrificing particle stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Surface modifiers act as intermediary substances that remain on the particle surface during rapid solvent exchange. These modifiers provide continuous stabilization throughout the transition from aqueous to organic media, enabling fast production times while maintaining particle stability. The intermediary nature of these modifiers allows them to function during the rapid change without causing agglomeration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If large quantities of intermediary solvents are used, then particle dispersion is improved, but solvent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for large quantities of intermediary solvents by using surface modifiers that provide stabilization through molecular-level effects rather than bulk solvent effects. The surface modifiers adsorb onto particles and provide steric or electrostatic repulsion, eliminating the need for excessive solvent usage. This extraction of the solvent requirement resolves the contradiction between dispersion stability and solvent consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanism of stabilization from bulk solvent-based to surface-based stabilization. By modifying the particle surface properties through controlled deposition of surface modifiers, the system achieves effective dispersion with minimal solvent quantity. This parameter change in the stabilization mechanism resolves the contradiction by reducing solvent consumption while maintaining particle dispersion stability.
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 approach enables the production of nanoparticles that can be efficiently redispersed in any medium with minimal yield loss, achieving a stable and effective polymer shell around the core particles, improving their dispersibility and performance in applications such as paints and plastics.
Implementation Method 1
free-radical polymerization in the presence of organic monomers, wherein the in step a) Applied surface modifiers with at least one functional group selected from the group comprising thiols, sulfides, disulfides or polysulfides acts as a free-radical chain transfer agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to redispersible nanoparticles, to processes for their production and to their use in formulations, coatings, paints and plastics.