Super Absorbent Polymer Segmentation for Balanced Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Super absorbent polymers face a trade-off in improving absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorption rate, where enhancing one characteristic often compromises the other, limiting their overall performance.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of hydrogel polymers with different absorption rates but similar centrifuge retention capacities, followed by mixing, drying, pulverizing, and surface-crosslinking to achieve a balanced improvement in absorption properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the structure of the super absorbent polymer is improved in density, then the absorbency under pressure can be improved, but the absorption rate decreases due to a decrease in the surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the super absorbent polymer into two distinct types: first-type SAP particles with high density and high absorbency under pressure, and second-type SAP particles with lower density and high surface area for fast absorption. By segmenting the product into these two functional types and combining them, the contradiction between absorbency under pressure and absorption rate is resolved.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite super absorbent polymer product by combining first-type SAP particles (optimized for absorbency under pressure) and second-type SAP particles (optimized for absorption rate). This composite approach allows both contradictory properties to coexist in the final product, achieving high absorbency under pressure while maintaining fast absorption rate.
2Speed
If the surface area of the super absorbent polymer increases, then the absorption rate increases, but the absorption characteristics decreases as a whole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the super absorbent polymer into two functional types: second-type SAP particles with high surface area for fast absorption, and first-type SAP particles with optimized overall absorption characteristics. This segmentation allows each type to excel at its specific function while the combination achieves balanced overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining second-type SAP particles (providing fast absorption rate through high surface area) with first-type SAP particles (providing excellent overall absorption characteristics). The composite structure enables the final product to achieve both fast absorption rate and excellent absorption characteristics simultaneously.
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 method results in a super absorbent polymer with enhanced absorption rates and centrifuge retention capacity, exceeding the arithmetic average of individual hydrogel polymers, suitable for various applications including sanitary products.
Implementation Method 1
Super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a synthetic polymer material capable of absorbing moisture from about 500 to about 1,000 times its own weight
Implementation Method 2
forming a first hydrogel polymer containing a crosslinked polymer of acrylic acid or its salt, and having a first centrifuge retention capacity (CRC; g/g) for a physiological saline solution
Implementation Method 3
drying the polymer mixture
Implementation Method 4
surface-crosslinking the pulverized polymer mixture
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for a super absorbent polymer. The method for preparing a super absorbent polymer according to the present invention makes it possible to provide a super absorbent polymer in which characteristics such as a centrifuge retention capacity and an absorption rate are improved in a balanced manner.