Super Absorbent Polymer Hydration Method for Crushing Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The preparation of super absorbent polymers often results in physical properties being deteriorated due to crushing during transfer and the production of giant particles and nonuniformity of water content during the hydration step.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of super absorbent polymer particles with a base polymer powder and a surface cross-linked layer, mixed with water and an additive containing a carboxylic acid of an aliphatic hydrocarbon to control water content and prevent crushing and aggregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If super absorbent polymer is transferred in fine powder form, then it can be easily processed and packaged, but physical collision and crushing occur during transfer, deteriorating physical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the super absorbent polymer from dry fine powder to hydrated form with controlled water content (1-10% by weight). This parameter change reduces particle brittleness and prevents crushing during transfer while maintaining processability through controlled hydration.
2Strength
If hydration step is performed to control water content and suppress crushing, then physical properties are improved, but giant particles are produced and water content uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cooling of the super absorbent polymer to 0-40°C before hydration. This preliminary action controls the hydration rate and prevents rapid aggregation that would cause giant particle formation, thereby maintaining water content uniformity while improving physical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydrating agent (water or aqueous solution) as an intermediary substance to gradually hydrate the super absorbent polymer. This controlled intermediary approach prevents direct rapid water contact that would cause uneven hydration and giant particle formation.
3Quantity of substance
If sufficient mixing of super absorbent polymer powders and water is not achieved, then hydration is incomplete, but polymer powders compact together forming giant particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cooling before hydration to control the hydration kinetics. This preliminary action ensures that water is gradually absorbed throughout the polymer matrix rather than causing surface compaction and giant particle formation, achieving both adequate hydration and uniform particle size.
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 suppresses crushing during transfer and the formation of giant particles, maintaining excellent physical properties and productivity of the super absorbent polymer.
Implementation Method 1
a hydration step of controlling the water content by adding a small amount of water while cooling the super absorbent polymer
Implementation Method 2
mixing the super absorbent polymer particles with water and an additive including a carboxylic acid of an aliphatic hydrocarbon
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a super absorbent polymer is directed to appropriate control of the water content of the super absorbent polymer by hydration to suppress crushing during transfer. The method also provides suppression of deterioration of physical properties of the super absorbent polymer such as production of giant particles and nonuniformity of water content during a hydration step.