Superabsorbent Particles with Permeability Enhancing Agent
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superabsorbents face challenges in maintaining both high gel bed permeability and conveying properties, leading to difficulties in free flow and forced feeding, particularly in applications like diaper-forming machines.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent is developed by incorporating a permeability enhancing agent and a cohesion control agent, resulting in a free swell gel bed permeability of at least 15 Darcies and a Hausner ratio between 1.18 and 1.34, enhancing both liquid transport and flowability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent particles are used to achieve high liquid absorption capacity, then the CRC value increases, but the gel bed permeability decreases leading to poor conveying properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the properties of different regions within the superabsorbent particle. The core maintains high absorption capacity while the shell provides controlled permeability and flow characteristics, allowing each region to optimize its function for the overall performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining superabsorbent particles with a coating composition containing permeability enhancing agents and cohesion control agents. This composite structure enables the material to simultaneously achieve high absorption capacity and improved conveying properties through the synergistic effect of the core and shell components
2Quantity of substance
If superabsorbent particles are used to achieve high liquid absorption capacity, then the CRC value increases, but the free flow characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The coating creates a local quality difference between the particle core and surface, where the shell layer modifies flow characteristics without compromising the core's absorption capacity, enabling particles to flow freely while maintaining high liquid uptake ability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters of the superabsorbent particle surface by applying a coating that modifies surface properties such as smoothness, hydrophobicity, and inter-particle friction, thereby improving free flow characteristics while preserving the bulk absorption capacity
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 superabsorbent achieves superior gel bed permeability and conveying properties, ensuring efficient liquid absorption and flow, suitable for applications such as hygiene products and industrial uses.
Implementation Method 1
Superabsorbents are materials that are able to take up and retain several times their weight in water
Implementation Method 2
free swell gel bed permeability of at least 15 Darcies
Implementation Method 3
a cohesion control agent ('CCA')... ensuring efficient liquid absorption and flow
Data Source
AI summary
A superabsorbent having superior permeability and conveying properties comprises a permeability enhancing agent and a cohesion control agent and has a free swell gel bed permeability of at least 15 Darcies and a Hausner ratio in the range of 1.18 to 1.34.