Superabsorbent Polymer Absorption Rate and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing superabsorbent polymers face challenges in simultaneously improving absorption rate, centrifuge retention capacity, and absorbency under pressure, often resulting in trade-offs between these physical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the polymerization and crosslinking of acrylic acid-based monomers, followed by coarsely pulverizing the water-containing gel polymer while mixing it with a powder of superabsorbent polymer and a metal sulfate, which enhances the binding force and surface area, thereby improving absorption rate without compromising centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the surface area of the superabsorbent polymer is increased by regranulating fine particles to form non-uniform porous particles, then the absorption rate is improved, but the centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure become relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by forming a porous structure on the particle surface through controlled foaming during the polymerization process. This creates uniform pores that increase surface area for faster absorption while maintaining the structural integrity needed for centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, resolving the trade-off between absorption rate and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by controlling particle size distribution within a specific range (0.5-2.0 mm) and adjusting the foaming agent concentration and polymerization conditions to create optimal pore structure. These parameter adjustments enable simultaneous improvement of absorption rate and maintenance of centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure
2Area of stationary object
If a foaming agent is used to form a porous structure on the particle surface, then the surface area is increased, but the absorption rate is not greatly increased due to insufficient porous structure formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent effectively applies porous materials by incorporating a foaming agent during polymerization to create a uniform porous structure on particle surfaces. The pores have controlled size and distribution, significantly increasing effective surface area and enabling much faster absorption rates, thus resolving the insufficiency of previous foaming methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining the superabsorbent polymer with a foaming agent during the polymerization process. This composite approach generates a porous composite structure that provides both increased surface area and enhanced absorption kinetics, overcoming the limitation of insufficient porous structure formation
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 method effectively increases the absorption rate of superabsorbent polymers while maintaining or improving their centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, achieving a stable and enhanced performance.
Implementation Method 1
polymerizing and crosslinking a monomer composition having acrylic acid-based monomers having acidic groups which are at least partially neutralized, in the presence of a polymerization initiator and a first crosslinking agent, to form a water-containing gel polymer
Implementation Method 2
coarsely pulverizing the water-containing gel polymer while mixing the water-containing gel polymer with a metal sulfate and a powder of the superabsorbent polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer is provided. The method of preparing the superabsorbent polymer according to the present disclosure is able to provide the superabsorbent polymer having an improved absorption rate while having superior centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) and absorbency under pressure (AUP).