Hydrophilic Thickener Using Sucrose Allyl Ether Crosslinker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydrophilic thickeners prepared by precipitation polymerization face challenges in controlling particle size, shape, crosslinking degree, and molecular weight, limiting their thickening properties and adaptability to various applications due to solvent solubility issues.

Innovation Solution

A hydrophilic thickener is developed using a water-soluble sucrose allyl ether as a crosslinking agent with an etherification degree of 2.2 to 4.0, allowing for precise control of particle properties through suspension polymerization, enabling excellent thickening even at low concentrations and adjusting viscosity for diverse applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precipitation polymerization method using organic solvent is used, then polymer particles can be obtained, but the properties of polymer particles are highly affected by solubility of polymer to organic solvent making it very difficult to control the properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of polymer particle propertiesVSAvoiddifficulty in controlling properties due to solvent solubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the polymerization system from organic solvent-based precipitation polymerization to water-based suspension polymerization. This parameter change enables precise control of polymer particle properties (particle size, shape, crosslinking degree, molecular weight) by adjusting suspension polymerization conditions such as stirring speed, monomer concentration, and crosslinking agent amount, without being constrained by polymer solubility in organic solvents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional carboxyl-group-containing hydrophilic polymer is used, then thickening property can be achieved, but there are many limits in optimizing performance for various applications with different desired characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickening propertyVSAvoidlimit in optimizing performance for various applications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces dynamic adjustability to the polymer particle system by enabling continuous optimization of multiple parameters (particle size, shape, crosslinking degree, molecular weight) through suspension polymerization. This allows the thickening performance to be dynamically adapted to different application requirements, transforming a static polymer system into a versatile platform that can be customized for specific needs in cosmetics, toiletries, and other industries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If polymer particles are used as hydrophilic thickener, then thickening property is closely associated with size and shape of polymer particles and crosslinking degree and molecular weight, but these properties are difficult to control precisely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickening propertyVSAvoidcontrol of particle size, shape, crosslinking degree, and molecular weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension polymerization process provides inherent feedback control mechanisms where stirring speed, monomer concentration, and crosslinking agent amount directly influence and can be adjusted to achieve desired polymer particle properties. The process allows for real-time control and optimization of particle characteristics during polymerization, ensuring precise manufacturing of particles with specific size, shape, crosslinking degree, and molecular weight for consistent thickening performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 hydrophilic thickener exhibits a high thickening effect at low concentrations and adjustable viscosity, enhancing its suitability for various industrial applications, such as cosmetics and toiletries, with improved workability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a carboxyvinyl polymer is a polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer containing a carboxyl group and a vinyl group such as an acrylic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

the hydrophilic polymer has been very properly used as a thickener, a dispersing agent, or an emulsion stabilizing agent, which is useful in various fields of industry including cosmetics and toiletries. The carboxyvinyl polymer may be cross-linked by an oil-soluble crosslinking agent such as pentaerythritol triallyl ether

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP2676977B1Hydrophilic thickening agent and method of producing same
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEM CO LTD

AI summary

Provide is a cross-linked polymer which is a polymer of a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomer, the cross-linked polymer being cross-linked by a water-soluble crosslinking agent. An aqueous liquid with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0 consisting of water and 1.0% by mass of the cross-linked polymer has an equilibrium compliance at 25 °C of 5.2×10-4 to 1.0×10-1 (1/Pa), while an aqueous liquid with a pH of 6.8 to 7.0 consisting of water and 0.2% by mass of a corresponding cross-linked polymer has a viscosity at 25 °C of 200 mPa·s or more.