Super Absorbent Polymer Surface Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing super absorbent polymers do not achieve optimal absorption rates and retainency, limiting their effectiveness in applications such as hygiene products and construction materials.
Innovation Solution
A super absorbent polymer is developed by incorporating a crosslinked polymer with internally crosslinked acrylic acid-based monomers and (meth)acrylated polyalkylene glycol, which forms a surface modified layer, enhancing absorption and retention capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional super absorbent polymers are used, then basic absorption function is provided, but absorption rate and retainency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a crosslinked polymer base material and a surface modified layer containing (meth)acrylated polyalkylene glycol. This composite structure combines the bulk absorption capacity of the crosslinked polymer with the surface hydrophilicity and water retention properties of the polyalkylene glycol derivative, thereby simultaneously improving both absorption capacity and absorption rate/retainency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality modification by creating a distinct surface modified layer with different chemical composition and properties than the bulk polymer. The surface layer is specifically engineered with (meth)acrylated polyalkylene glycol to provide enhanced surface hydrophilicity and water interaction, while the internal crosslinked structure maintains structural integrity and bulk absorption capacity. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between bulk absorption and surface absorption rate
2Stability of the object's composition
If internal crosslinking is increased to improve structural stability, then gel strength improves, but absorption rate may decrease due to reduced chain mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer structure into two distinct functional zones: an internally crosslinked base polymer providing structural stability, and a surface modified layer with (meth)acrylated polyalkylene glycol providing rapid water interaction. This segmentation allows the bulk structure to maintain stability through crosslinking while the surface layer maintains chain mobility for fast absorption kinetics, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and absorption rate
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 polymer exhibits improved absorption rates and retainency, achieving better physical properties and performance in applications like hygiene products and construction materials.
Implementation Method 1
a surface modified layer may be formed on the surface of the crosslinked polymer by crosslinking
Implementation Method 2
The super absorbent polymer... exhibiting more improved absorbency and retention capacity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a super absorbent polymer. According to the present invention, provided is a super absorbent polymer which includes (meth)acrylated polyalkylene glycol on an internally crosslinked polymer inside a surface modified layer, thereby exhibiting more improved absorbency and retention capacity.