Superabsorbent Polymer Particle Shape for Faster Liquid Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing the absorption properties of super absorbent polymers, such as those used in hygiene products, often degrade physical properties and increase fine powder content due to the use of foaming agents, necessitating a technology that improves absorption without these agents.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting factor values F1 and F2, representing the relationship between centrifuge retention capacity, aspect ratio, convexity, and circularity, to predetermined ranges in polyacrylic acid-based super absorbent polymers, thereby improving absorption rate and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a foaming agent is included in the monomer composition to form a porous structure and widen the surface area of the super absorbent polymer, then the absorption rate is improved, but the overall physical properties (surface tension, permeability, volume density) are degraded and fine powder generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foaming agent from the monomer composition entirely, extracting the harmful element that causes physical property degradation and fine powder generation while seeking alternative methods to achieve the desired porous structure and absorption performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compositional parameters by eliminating the foaming agent and adjusting the monomer composition to achieve porous structure formation through alternative mechanisms that do not compromise physical properties or generate excessive fine powder
2Volume of moving object
If the content of pulps is reduced or eliminated to provide thinner hygiene products, then the thickness is reduced, but the super absorbent polymer particles must be contained in higher proportions which requires improved absorption performance and quick vortex time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle shape parameters (circularity, convexity, aspect ratio) to enhance absorption performance and vortex time, allowing high proportions of SAP in pulpless structures to function effectively
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 adjusted polymers exhibit enhanced absorption rate and performance, reducing fine powder content and maintaining physical properties, ensuring effective liquid absorption in hygiene products without using foaming agents.
Implementation Method 1
a super absorbent polymer exhibiting improvement in absorption rate and absorption performance
Implementation Method 2
A super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a synthetic polymer material which has the ability capable of absorbing moisture 500 times to 1,000 times its own weight
Data Source
AI summary
A super absorbent polymer may exhibit improved absorption rate and absorption performance. The super absorbent polymer may be a polyacrylic acid or salt thereof-based super absorbent polymer. The superabsorbent polymer may have a value F1 from 0.55 to 0.65 calculated by Equation 1: F1=K1(0.5)×[{(A(CRC)0.1×C(Convexity)×D(Circularity)0.5)}/(B(Aspect ratio)0.3)]. The superabsorbent polymer may have a value F2 from 0.65 to 0.75 calculated by Equation 2: F2=K2×[(B0.2)/{(A0.1×C×D0.5)}]. The variables included in Equations 1 and 2 are described in detail in the disclosure.