Super Absorbent Polymer Shape Control for Fast Uptake and Low Fines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing super absorbent polymers used in sanitary products face challenges in achieving high absorption rates and retention capacity without generating fine powder, as methods involving foaming agents often reduce surface tension and liquid permeability.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the circularity and aspect ratio of super absorbent polymer particles to specific values, specifically targeting an average circularity of 0.90 or less and an aspect ratio of 0.70 or more, enhances absorption rate and retention capacity while minimizing fine powder generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a foaming agent is added to the monomer composition to form a porous structure and increase surface area, then the absorption rate is improved, but the surface tension and liquid permeability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the polymer particles by controlling circularity (0.85-0.95) and aspect ratio (0.65-0.80) to optimize absorption performance. This parameter optimization allows achieving high absorption rate without compromising liquid permeability, as the specific shape characteristics improve liquid distribution while maintaining porosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining porous interior with controlled exterior shape. The porous structure (30-70% porosity) provides high absorption rate, while the controlled particle shape (circularity 0.85-0.95, aspect ratio 0.65-0.80) maintains liquid permeability and surface tension properties.
2Length of stationary object
If the content of pulp is reduced or no pulp is used to provide thinner sanitary goods, then the thickness is reduced, but the absorption performance and water retention capacity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle shape parameters (circularity 0.85-0.95, aspect ratio 0.65-0.80) to enhance absorption performance. This allows using higher proportions of super absorbent polymer with fewer pulp fibers, achieving thin thickness while maintaining or improving absorption performance and water retention capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous super absorbent polymer particles with controlled porosity (30-70%) to increase surface area and absorption capacity. This enables high absorption performance in thinner structures by concentrating absorbent material efficiency without relying on pulp content.
3Speed
If the circularity and aspect ratio are optimized to improve absorption rate, then the absorption performance is improved, but fine powder generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle shape parameters within specific ranges (circularity 0.85-0.95, aspect ratio 0.65-0.80) to balance absorption rate with fine powder generation. This parameter optimization creates particles that maintain structural integrity during processing while achieving high absorption performance, reducing excessive fine powder generation.
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 optimized particle shape improves absorption rate and retention capacity, maintaining excellent balance in water retention and absorbency under pressure, with reduced fine powder content and improved liquid permeability.
Implementation Method 1
the super absorbent polymer needs to exhibit basically not only high absorption performance but also a high absorption rate
Implementation Method 2
A super absorbent polymer (SAP) is a synthetic polymer material that has the function to absorb moisture of an amount of 500 to 1,000 times the weight of the synthetic polymer material itself
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a super absorbent polymer exhibiting an improved absorption rate and improved absorption performance.