Super Absorbent Polymer Drying Process for Fine Particle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing super absorbent polymers often generate large quantities of fine particles during the drying process, which deteriorate the properties of the final product and require additional hydration equipment or additives, making them economically unfeasible and leading to property degradation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving crosslinking polymerization of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers, followed by micronization in the presence of a surfactant, and moving-type drying at 100° C. to 250° C. to produce base resin powder with a moisture content of 10 wt % to 30 wt %, thereby inhibiting fine particle generation and achieving excellent vortex time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If hydrogel polymer is dried and ground to resin particles, then particle size is reduced to desired diameter, but fine particles are generated in large quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the moisture content parameter from conventional low levels to specifically 5-20%, which prevents fine particle generation during grinding while achieving the desired particle size reduction. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between size reduction and fine particle generation.
2Quantity of substance
If additional hydration process equipment is installed, then moisture content can be increased, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural moisture retention capability of the hydrogel polymer itself, controlling the drying process to maintain 5-20% moisture content without requiring additional hydration equipment. The system serves itself by leveraging the inherent properties of the material rather than adding complex external equipment.
3Quantity of substance
If water is used alone for hydration, then moisture content increases, but residues are generated and properties are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from adding water to controlling moisture retention during drying. By optimizing the drying conditions to maintain 5-20% moisture content, the patent achieves the desired moisture level without introducing residues or degrading material properties.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If additives are used to prevent residue generation, then fine particle generation is reduced, but the finally aimed properties are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves fine particle reduction through parameter optimization (moisture content control at 5-20%) rather than using additives. This approach maintains the excellent absorption properties of the super absorbent polymer while preventing fine particle generation during the grinding process.
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 allows for the preparation of super absorbent polymers with high moisture content without additional hydration equipment, reducing fine particle content and enhancing absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, while maintaining low extractable contents and improved vortex time.
Implementation Method 1
preparation of base resin powder having relatively high moisture content
Implementation Method 2
super absorbent polymer particles are inevitably included in multilayers
Implementation Method 3
super absorbent polymer is synthetic polymer material that can absorb moisture of 500 to 1000 times of self-weight
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a method for preparing super absorbent polymer and super absorbent polymer. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for preparing super absorbent polymer that can inhibit generation of fine particles during the preparation process, and simultaneously, realize excellent vortex time, by controlling the process conditions of a drying step to prepare base resin powder having relatively high moisture content, and super absorbent polymer.