Method for preparing latex composition for dip-forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of anionic emulsifiers in nitrile-based copolymer latex for glove manufacturing leads to excessive foam generation, pinholes, and degraded physical properties, such as stickiness and reduced mechanical stability, while also resulting in wastewater contamination.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing a latex composition for dip forming by combining a monomer mixture of conjugated diene-based and ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomers with an inorganic solvent, an ionic surfactant emulsifier, and starch, where the starch content is between 0.1 to 4.9 parts by weight, to enhance mechanical and polymerization stability, reducing the emulsifier content and minimizing foam generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anionic emulsifier is used at 3 to 5 parts per hundred parts monomer in emulsion polymerization, then polymerization stability and particle size stability are improved, but excessive foam is generated causing pinholes and product quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymerization stabilityVSAvoidfoam generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a foam control agent as an intermediary substance to mediate between the emulsifier and the polymerization system. This agent specifically suppresses foam generation while allowing the emulsifier to maintain its stabilizing function, thus resolving the contradiction between polymerization stability and foam control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the dosage of anionic emulsifier from the conventional 3-5 parts per hundred parts monomer to a reduced range of 1-3 parts, while simultaneously introducing a foam control agent. This parameter change allows maintaining polymerization stability with reduced foam generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If anionic emulsifier is used at 3 to 5 parts per hundred parts monomer in emulsion polymerization, then particle size stability and storage stability are improved, but a large amount of wastewater containing emulsifier is generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidwastewater generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the emulsifier dosage from 3-5 parts to 1-3 parts per hundred parts monomer, directly decreasing the amount of emulsifier that would end up in wastewater while maintaining storage stability through optimized formulation and the addition of foam control agent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If anionic emulsifier is used in nitrile-based copolymer latex, then polymerization stability is improved, but physical properties are degraded due to stickiness and slipping phenomenon

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymerization stabilityVSAvoidmechanical properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the emulsifier concentration to 1-3 parts per hundred parts monomer (reduced from conventional 3-5 parts) and introduces a foam control agent, achieving polymerization stability while minimizing the negative impact on mechanical properties such as tensile strength and elongation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite latex system combining nitrile-based copolymer with optimized emulsifier and foam control agent, where the synergistic interaction between components maintains polymerization stability while improving the mechanical properties and reducing stickiness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach results in a latex composition with improved mechanical stability and polymerization stability, maintaining or enhancing tensile strength and elongation, while reducing emulsifier usage and wastewater generation, thus producing high-quality dip-formed articles like medical and industrial gloves.

Implementation Method 1

a content of the starch is 0.1 to 4.9 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStabilization:

Implementation Method 2

introducing an additive including an inorganic solvent, an emulsifier and starch into the monomer mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 3

preparing a copolymer latex by polymerizing the monomer mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS11970617B2Method for preparing latex composition for dip-forming
Publication Date: 2024.04.30 KOREA KUMHO PETROCHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

An exemplary embodiment provides a method for preparing a latex composition for dip forming, the method including: (a) preparing a monomer mixture including a conjugated diene-based monomer, an ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer; (b) introducing an additive including an inorganic solvent, an emulsifier and starch into the monomer mixture; and (c) preparing a copolymer latex by polymerizing the monomer mixture, wherein a content of the starch is 0.1 to 4.9 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the monomer mixture.