Superabsorbent Polymer Hierarchical Bubble Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing superabsorbent polymers struggle to achieve a high absorption rate while maintaining basic absorption performance, particularly in pulpless diapers, due to unstable bubble formation and difficulty in controlling pore size during the foaming process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-step foaming process using a foam stabilizer is employed to generate hierarchical bubble distributions, which are then stabilized and processed to form a superabsorbent polymer with improved absorption properties and rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a foaming agent is used to generate bubbles in order to improve specific surface area, then absorption performance is improved, but bubble stability deteriorates and bubble size control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A foam stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the foaming agent and the polymerization system. The foam stabilizer mediates the interaction between gas bubbles and the polymerizing monomer, preventing bubble collapse and enabling stable bubble formation throughout the polymerization process. This resolves the contradiction by providing both bubble stability and controllable bubble size through the stabilizing effect of the foam stabilizer on the foaming agent-generated bubbles.
2Productivity
If pulp content is reduced in sanitary materials, then material thickness is reduced, but absorption rate requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a porous polymer structure with controlled pore size distribution through the foam stabilizer mechanism. The porous structure increases the specific surface area of the superabsorbent polymer, enabling faster liquid penetration and absorption. This resolves the contradiction by providing a high surface area to volume ratio that maintains rapid absorption rates even when pulp content is reduced, as the porous polymer structure compensates for the reduced pulp quantity.
3Quantity of substance
If bubbles are generated easily, then specific surface area is improved, but bubble size control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the foaming system by introducing a foam stabilizer that modifies bubble surface properties. The foam stabilizer alters surface tension and interfacial characteristics, enabling easy bubble generation while simultaneously controlling bubble size through the stabilizing effect. This resolves the contradiction by using parameter changes in the foaming system to achieve both high bubble generation efficiency and precise bubble size control.
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 specific surface area of the superabsorbent polymer, significantly enhancing its absorption rate and performance, as demonstrated by the formation of a hierarchical pore structure and improved centrifuge retention capacity and absorption rate.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-step foaming process using a foam stabilizer is performed to form a hierarchical bubble distribution
Implementation Method 2
forming a water-containing gel polymer by crosslinking-polymerizing the second foamed mixture
Implementation Method 3
performing a first foaming of a mixture which is obtained by mixing the monomer composition with a first foaming agent and a foam stabilizer
Implementation Method 4
a foaming agent is used in a polymerization step to generate bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer. More particularly, provided is a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, in which a multi-step foaming process using a foam stabilizer is performed to form a hierarchical bubble distribution in the superabsorbent polymer to be prepared, thereby preparing the superabsorbent polymer having excellent absorption rate and absorption performance.