Superabsorbent Polymer with Cuprous Oxide Surface Crosslinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superabsorbent polymers used in hygienic products like diapers struggle to maintain absorption properties while providing effective antibacterial activity without harming humans or the environment, as they often rely on additives that kill bacteria rather than inhibit their proliferation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving crosslinking polymerization of water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers with internal and surface crosslinking agents, incorporating cuprous oxide as an antibacterial agent within specific weight ratios to form a superabsorbent polymer that inhibits bacterial proliferation while maintaining or improving absorption properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antibacterial additives are introduced to kill bacteria, then antibacterial activity is improved, but harm to human body and environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanism parameter from bactericidal (killing) to bacteriostatic (inhibiting proliferation), achieving antibacterial activity through controlled inhibition rather than destruction, thereby reducing harm to human body and environment while maintaining effective antibacterial performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cuprous oxide, a naturally occurring compound with inherent antibacterial properties, replacing complex synthetic antibacterial additives. This natural substance provides effective antibacterial activity through its ability to inhibit bacterial proliferation rather than kill bacteria, reducing environmental and health concerns associated with harsh chemical additives
2Reliability
If antibacterial materials are added to superabsorbent polymer, then antibacterial activity is improved, but absorption properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies antibacterial cuprous oxide specifically to the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles rather than throughout the bulk material. This localized application provides antibacterial activity where it is most needed (at the interface with bodily fluids) while preserving the bulk polymer's absorption capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining superabsorbent polymer with cuprous oxide coating. This composite material integrates the high absorption capability of the polymer with the antibacterial properties of cuprous oxide, achieving both functions simultaneously without significant compromise to either property
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 resulting superabsorbent polymer exhibits excellent antibacterial activity, inhibiting bacterial proliferation by up to 99.98% and maintaining or enhancing absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, making it suitable for hygienic applications without adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
The cuprous oxide is included in the content of 0.001 to 2.5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the base polymer powder... exhibits excellent antibacterial activity, inhibiting bacterial proliferation by up to 99.98%
Implementation Method 2
Super absorbent polymer (SAP) is synthetic polymer material that has hydrophilic (COOH, COO−Na+) functional groups and can absorb moisture of 500 to 1000 times of self-weight
Implementation Method 3
conducting crosslinking polymerization of water soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers having acid groups of which at least a part are neutralized, in the presence of an internal crosslinking agent, to form hydrogel polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing superabsorbent polymer that has antibacterial activity, in which the basic properties of superabsorbent polymer are maintained or improved, and may exhibits excellent bacterial proliferation inhibition effect, and superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby. The preparation method of superabsorbent polymer comprises the steps of: forming base polymer powder using hydogel polymer comprising crosslinked polymer, and then, surface crosslinking the base polymer powder using a surface crosslinking solution comprising a surface crosslinking agent and cuprous oxide, wherein the cuprous oxide is included in the content of 0.001 to 2.5 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of the base polymer powder.