Self-binding pigment particles via high solids content polysaccharide binder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processes for producing self-binding mineral pigment particles are limited to low solids content suspensions, requiring energy-intensive concentration steps and leading to binder loss and agglomerate formation, while also relying on fossil-based binders that contribute to CO2 pollution.
Innovation Solution
A process that prepares self-binding pigment particles by mixing an aqueous mineral pigment suspension with a polymeric binder, specifically modified polysaccharides with a degree of carboxylation between 0.4 to 2.0 and intrinsic viscosity between 300 to 500 ml/g, to achieve a high solids content suspension of 45 to 80 wt.%, which is then ground to produce particles with a significant fraction smaller than 1 μm, eliminating the need for concentration and reducing fossil-based binder usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If low solids content suspensions are used for preparing self-binding pigment particles, then the grinding process can be performed, but energy-intensive concentration steps are required and binder loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solids content parameter from conventional low levels (typically 10-30 wt.%) to high levels (45-80 wt.%) by optimizing the binder composition and grinding process. This parameter change eliminates the need for subsequent concentration steps, directly resolving the energy consumption issue while maintaining particle quality
2Quantity of substance
If low solids content suspensions are used for preparing self-binding pigment particles, then the grinding process can be performed, but binder loss and agglomerate formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: solids content (45-80 wt.%), binder type (modified polysaccharides with specific degree of carboxylation 0.4-2.0 and intrinsic viscosity 300-500 ml/g), and grinding conditions. These parameter changes work together to prevent binder loss and agglomerate formation while achieving high solids content processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite binder systems consisting of modified polysaccharides (such as carboxymethylcellulose) with specific molecular characteristics. These composite materials provide both the necessary binding strength and rheological properties to maintain high solids content without agglomeration, directly addressing the binder loss problem
3Reliability
If fossil-based binders are used for preparing self-binding pigment particles, then the binding function is achieved, but CO2 pollution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the binder from fossil-based polymers to renewable polysaccharide-based materials. Specifically, it uses modified polysaccharides with controlled degree of carboxylation (0.4-2.0) and intrinsic viscosity (300-500 ml/g) to maintain binding functionality while eliminating the harmful CO2 pollution associated with fossil fuel consumption
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 process allows for efficient production of self-binding pigment particles with improved binder adsorption and reduced agglomerate formation, avoiding the need for concentration steps and minimizing CO2 pollution by using a high solids content suspension, resulting in enhanced mechanical stability and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of dispersant, however, inter alia affects the adsorption of the binder to the particles during the co-grinding
Implementation Method 2
grinding refers to an operation leading to a reduction in the particle size; the mineral materials in the self-binding pigment particles have a smaller diameter than the initial mineral material used to produce them
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for preparing self-binding pigment particles comprising the following steps: a) providing an aqueous mineral pigment material suspension; b) providing at least one polymeric binder, wherein the binder comprises at least one modified polysaccharide having a degree of carboxylation in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 and having an intrinsic viscosity in the range of >300 to 500 ml/g, c) mixing the binder of step b) with the aqueous mineral pigment material suspension of step a) and adjusting the solids content of the obtained suspension so that it is >45 to 95 wt.-%, preferably from 45 to 80 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the suspension, and d) grinding the aqueous mineral material suspension of step c).