Super Absorbent Polymer Surface Crosslinking and Pulverization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing super absorbent polymers fail to achieve a balance between high water absorption capacity, absorption rate, and liquid permeability, which are essential for modern applications such as thin diapers, where previous techniques either prioritize one property over the others.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the crosslinking of water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomers, followed by pulverization under specific shear and compression indices, and subsequent surface modification to create a super absorbent polymer with enhanced centrifuge retention capacity, absorbency under pressure, saline flow conductivity, and absorption rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hydrogel is pulverized to produce powder or particle form, then the super absorbent polymer can be used in various applications, but the physical properties such as water absorption capacity and absorption rate are significantly affected and often deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting surface crosslinking on the hydrogel particles before pulverization. This pre-treatment creates a protective crosslinked layer on the particle surfaces that prevents excessive damage during subsequent mechanical processing, thereby preserving the water absorption capacity while enabling the polymer to be processed into various particle forms for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the crosslinking degree and particle size distribution through adjusted pulverization conditions. By optimizing parameters such as crosslinking agent concentration, pulverization speed, and particle size classification, the patent achieves a balance between maintaining high water absorption capacity and producing particles suitable for various commercial applications.
2Speed
If internal crosslinking agents are used in high amounts (0.2 mol% or more) and perforation diameter is adjusted, then liquid permeability and absorption rate are improved, but water absorption capacity is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differential crosslinking - a crosslinked layer on the particle surface with different properties from the internal structure. The surface crosslinked layer provides controlled porosity for rapid liquid penetration and high absorption rate, while the internal structure maintains high water absorption capacity. This spatial variation in crosslinking density resolves the contradiction between fast absorption and high capacity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the super absorbent polymer is highly crosslinked to improve structural stability, then shape retention is improved, but absorption rate and liquid permeability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality through spatially differentiated crosslinking density - high crosslinking density at the particle surface for structural stability and shape retention, and lower crosslinking density in the particle interior for maintaining high absorption rate and liquid permeability. This gradient structure allows simultaneous achievement of shape stability and rapid absorption.
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 improved water absorption capacity, absorption rate, and liquid permeability, meeting the requirements for advanced sanitary materials like ultrathin diapers.
Implementation Method 1
a base polymer powder containing a first crosslinked polymer of a water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomer
Implementation Method 2
crosslinking of water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomers
Implementation Method 3
a surface-crosslinked layer containing a second crosslinked polymer formed on the base polymer powder in which the first crosslinked polymer is additionally crosslinked via a surface crosslinking agent
Implementation Method 4
exhibiting excellent water absorption capacity
Implementation Method 5
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 6
The pulverization of the hydrogel is a process required for producing a super absorbent polymer in the form of a powder or a particle
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer which is excellent in various physical properties required for a super absorbent polymer, while exhibiting excellent water absorption capacity, absorption rate and liquid permeability, and a method for preparing the same.