Superabsorbent Polymer Composition with Chelating Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superabsorbent polymer compositions for hygienic goods, such as adult diapers, face challenges in achieving improved antimicrobial and deodorizing properties without compromising basic absorption performance or increasing unit costs.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent polymer composition comprising crosslinked polymer particles with neutralized water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers, a chelating agent like EDTA or its alkali metal salt, and a mixture of organic acid and silicate-based salt, which synergistically inhibit bacterial growth and odor-causing bacteria, maintaining absorption performance and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If various deodorizing or antimicrobial functional components are introduced into a superabsorbent polymer composition, then antimicrobial and deodorizing properties are improved, but stability and basic absorption performance deteriorate and unit cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the superabsorbent polymer by neutralizing carboxyl groups with specific ratios of alkaline earth metal hydroxides (0.5-3 mmol/g) and introducing chelating agents (0.1-5 wt%). This parameter modification enables the polymer to acquire antimicrobial and deodorizing properties while preserving its absorption performance and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system by combining superabsorbent polymer particles with multiple functional components: chelating agents (EDTA or alkali metal salts), alkaline earth metal hydroxides (Ca(OH)2, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2), and organic acids. This composite structure provides synergistic effects that deliver antimicrobial and deodorizing functions without compromising the base polymer's absorption capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If various deodorizing or antimicrobial functional components are introduced into a superabsorbent polymer composition, then antimicrobial and deodorizing properties are improved, but unit cost increases too much
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs cost-effective materials such as EDTA (a widely available chelating agent) and common alkaline earth metal hydroxides (Ca(OH)2, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2) that can be obtained at relatively low costs. These materials are applied in optimized ratios to achieve the desired antimicrobial and deodorizing effects without requiring expensive specialized additives, thereby controlling unit cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameters of functional components to achieve cost efficiency. By controlling the neutralization ratio (0.5-3 mmol/g) and chelating agent content (0.1-5 wt%), the formulation achieves effective antimicrobial and deodorizing performance with minimal amounts of expensive additives, balancing performance and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If neutralization ratio of carboxyl groups is increased to improve antimicrobial property, then deodorizing effect is enhanced, but absorption performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention precisely controls the neutralization ratio parameter at 0.5-3 mmol/g, which is sufficient to generate antimicrobial and deodorizing effects through the formation of metal carboxylate complexes and chelating agent interactions, while leaving enough unneutralized carboxyl groups (70-90% remaining) to maintain the polymer's hydrophilicity and water absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates local functional zones on the polymer particles where chelating agents and metal hydroxides are concentrated, providing localized antimicrobial and deodorizing activity. This localized functionalization allows the bulk polymer structure to retain its original absorption properties while specific regions provide the desired hygienic functions.
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 composition exhibits enhanced antimicrobial and deodorizing properties in hygienic goods without deteriorating absorption capabilities, achieving effective odor control and economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a chelating agent including EDTA or an alkali metal salt thereof
Implementation Method 2
a mixture of organic acid and a silicate-based salt. The composition exhibits enhanced antimicrobial and deodorizing properties through the synergistic effect of raw materials
Implementation Method 3
superabsorbent polymer particles comprising crosslinked polymer of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers including acid groups, of which at least a part are neutralized
Implementation Method 4
crosslinked polymer of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers
Data Source
AI summary
A superabsorbent polymer composition includes superabsorbent polymer particles, a chelating agent and a mixture of an organic acid and a silicate-based salt. The superabsorbent polymer particles include crosslinked polymer of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers including acid groups, of which at least a part are neutralized, and the chelating agent includes EDTA or an alkali metal salt thereof, exhibiting improved antimicrobial and deodorizing properties without deterioration of the superabsorbent polymer properties such as centrifugal retention capacity.