Attrition-Resistant Superabsorbent Polymer via Aerogel Coating

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional superabsorbent polymers used in diaper production suffer from attrition, leading to deterioration of physical properties due to strong pressure and physical impact during the manufacturing process, resulting in reduced performance and longevity.

Innovation Solution

An attrition-resistant superabsorbent polymer is developed by incorporating porous superhydrophobic aerogel particles, citric acid, and propylene glycol, which enhances the polymer's resistance to agglomeration and attrition, maintaining superior absorbency and physical properties over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional superabsorbent polymers are subjected to strong pressure and physical impact during diaper production, then the manufacturing process can be completed, but the physical properties of the polymer are significantly deteriorated due to attrition

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediaper production processVSAvoidphysical properties of superabsorbent polymer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining superabsorbent polymer particles with inorganic particles (such as silica, alumina, or titania) having specific surface areas of 50-500 m²/g. This composite structure provides a protective effect where the inorganic particles form a rigid shell around the polymer particles, preventing attrition and physical property deterioration during diaper manufacturing processes while maintaining the high absorbency of the polymer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes porous inorganic particles with specific surface areas of 50-500 m²/g as a protective coating or core structure. These porous materials provide both mechanical strength to resist attrition and maintain structural integrity during compression and air transfer, while their high surface area ensures sufficient contact for absorbency function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Ease of operation

If the superabsorbent polymer particles are made smaller to improve processability, then they can be better integrated into diapers, but they become more susceptible to attrition and physical property deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessability in diaper preparationVSAvoidattrition resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining superabsorbent polymer particles with inorganic particles (such as silica, alumina, or titania) having specific surface areas of 50-500 m²/g. This composite structure provides a protective effect where the inorganic particles form a rigid shell around the polymer particles, preventing attrition and physical property deterioration during diaper manufacturing processes while maintaining the high absorbency of the polymer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-coating superabsorbent polymer particles with inorganic particles before they undergo processing. This protective layer is applied in advance to cushion the polymer particles against mechanical stress, compression, and air transfer forces that occur during diaper manufacturing, thereby preventing physical property deterioration before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If the superabsorbent polymer is compressed during production, then it can be integrated into the diaper structure, but the compression causes physical impact that deteriorates the polymer's physical properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration into diaper structureVSAvoidphysical properties of superabsorbent polymer

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining superabsorbent polymer particles with inorganic particles (such as silica, alumina, or titania) having specific surface areas of 50-500 m²/g. This composite structure provides a protective effect where the inorganic particles form a rigid shell around the polymer particles, preventing attrition and physical property deterioration during diaper manufacturing processes while maintaining the high absorbency of the polymer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-coating superabsorbent polymer particles with inorganic particles before they undergo processing. This protective layer is applied in advance to cushion the polymer particles against mechanical stress, compression, and air transfer forces that occur during diaper manufacturing, thereby preventing physical property deterioration before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3321314B1Crush resistant highly absorbent resin, and method and composition for preparing same

Publication Date: 2023.06.28 LG CHEM LTD

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to an attrition-resistant superabsorbent polymer comprising a superabsorbent polymer; water; and at least three selected from the group consisting of particles having i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m2/g and ii) a porosity of 50% or more, a multivalent metal salt, an organic acid and a polyhydric alcohol, and a preparation method thereof.