Superabsorbent Polymer Moisture Control via Porous Microparticle Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing superabsorbent polymers face challenges with high moisture content leading to increased surface stickiness and agglomeration, poor processability, and low productivity, while porous superhydrophobic particles in ultrafine powder form are difficult to handle and transport due to high volume and scattering issues.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the addition of a water dispersion containing microparticles with a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m²/g and porosity of 50% or more, ranging from 2 nm to 50 µm, which are superhydrophobic with a water contact angle of 125° or more, to a hydrous gel polymer, along with a surface crosslinking agent to enhance processability and storage capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If water is added to the superabsorbent polymer to increase moisture content, then the anti-static and plasticizer functions are improved, but the surface stickiness increases causing agglomeration and poor processability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture contentVSAvoidprocessability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a water dispersion solution containing microparticles as an intermediary substance. This dispersion solution allows water to be present in the superabsorbent polymer without causing direct particle-to-particle contact and agglomeration. The microparticles act as spacers that maintain particle separation while enabling the beneficial effects of moisture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes microparticles with high porosity (50% or more) to create a porous structure that can accommodate water within the particle matrix. This porous structure allows water to be held within the microparticles themselves rather than on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles, reducing surface stickiness while maintaining high moisture content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Quantity of substance

If porous superhydrophobic particles in ultrafine powder form are used to achieve high moisture content and processability, then the absorption performance is improved, but the handling and transport become difficult due to high volume and scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture contentVSAvoidhandling and transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the microparticles: particle size of 2 nm to 50 µm, BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m²/g, and porosity of 50% or more. These optimized parameters balance the competing requirements of high moisture absorption capability with reduced volume and improved handling characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system by dispersing microparticles within a water dispersion medium. This composite water dispersion solution combines the benefits of porous microparticles (high surface area, porosity) with the handling advantages of a liquid dispersion format, eliminating the need to handle ultrafine powder directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the surface stickiness of the superabsorbent polymer is increased by water absorption, then the anti-static function is improved, but the agglomeration occurs leading to low productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-static functionVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The microparticles in the water dispersion solution serve as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between superabsorbent polymer particles. This eliminates the agglomeration pathway while still allowing the polymer to exhibit anti-static properties through controlled water interaction with the microparticle-coated surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach results in superabsorbent polymers with high moisture content, improved processability, attrition resistance, and anti-caking properties, reducing agglomeration and dust generation, and facilitating easier storage and transport.

Implementation Method 1

particles having i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m 2/g and ii) a porosity of 50% or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

particles having i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m 2/g

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

superhydrophobic particles in ultrafine powder form may be used

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobicity: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3243843B1Method for preparing superabsorbent polymer treated with water dispersion solution containing microparticles

Publication Date: 2022.01.12 LG CHEM LTD

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AI summary

Disclosed are a method of preparing a superabsorbent polymer, including adding a superabsorbent polymer with a water dispersion solution containing particles having i) a BET specific surface area of 300 to 1500 m2/g and ii) a porosity of 50% or more, and a superabsorbent polymer prepared by the method.