Superabsorbent Polymer Surface Coating for Antibacterial Deodorizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water-absorbent resins used in applications like diapers lack effective antibacterial and deodorizing abilities without compromising their water absorption capacity, and existing methods often result in particle leakage or health hazards during production.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent polymer is developed with internal crosslinking structures and a surface-crosslinked region, coated with silicon-containing inorganic salt particles, specifically alumina and silicon oxide, to achieve both antibacterial and deodorizing properties while maintaining water absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If zeolite particles are added to the absorbent resin to provide deodorizing ability, then the deodorizing ability is improved, but the water absorption capacity is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating zeolite particles only on the surface of the absorbent resin granules rather than mixing them throughout. This surface coating provides deodorizing ability at the interface where odor molecules are most likely to contact the resin, while the internal bulk resin maintains its full water absorption capacity without being diluted by zeolite particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material structure where zeolite particles are coated on the surface of polyacrylate resin granules. This composite structure combines the deodorizing properties of zeolite with the high water absorption capacity of polyacrylate, achieving both functions simultaneously without the trade-off seen in simple mixing approaches.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If activated carbon or zeolite particles are added to the diaper absorbent for deodorizing ability, then the deodorizing ability is improved, but particle leakage occurs and health hazards are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin film coating approach where zeolite particles are bonded to the surface of the resin granules through a binding agent. This creates a flexible surface layer that prevents particle leakage while maintaining the deodorizing function, eliminating the health hazards associated with loose particles in the production environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-coating the resin granules with zeolite particles during the manufacturing process. This prevents particle leakage from occurring in the first place, rather than dealing with leakage after the fact. The particles are securely bound before the product is put into service, preventing health hazards to workers and consumers.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If bamboo extract or tea extract is added to the absorbent resin for antibacterial and deodorant ability, then the antibacterial and deodorant ability is improved, but the water absorption capacity is reduced and residual monomers cause skin swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and problematic organic extracts (bamboo extract, tea extract) with inorganic zeolite particles that are stable, reusable, and do not interfere with polymerization. Zeolite provides comparable or superior antibacterial and deodorant effects without the side effects of reducing water absorption or causing skin irritation from residual monomers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the antibacterial/deodorant agent from organic extracts to inorganic zeolite particles. This parameter change fundamentally alters the interaction with the polymer matrix, eliminating the negative effects on water absorption and skin compatibility while maintaining the desired antibacterial and deodorant functions.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If pulverized bamboo or tea powder is added to the surface of the absorbent resin for antibacterial and deodorant ability, then the antibacterial and deodorant ability is improved, but the dispersibility is low and the mixture is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of zeolite particles, which provides high surface area and excellent dispersibility. The porous nature allows zeolite to distribute uniformly throughout the resin matrix and on the surface, achieving even distribution of antibacterial and deodorant properties without the aggregation problems experienced with pulverized plant materials.
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 polymer exhibits excellent absorption characteristics, antibacterial, and deodorizing functions without particle leakage, ensuring safer production and effective odor reduction, suitable for use in hygienic articles and agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
The silicon-containing inorganic salt-containing particles cover the surface of each the resin particle
Implementation Method 2
The surface-crosslinking agent is bonded to a surface of each resin particle so as to constitute a surface cross-linked region
Implementation Method 3
water-absorbent resin is widely used in agricultural or horticultural aspects as water-retaining agents
Data Source
AI summary
A superabsorbent polymer includes polymer particles, surface cross-linking agents and particles made of silicon-containing inorganic salt. The polymer particles have cross-linking inside the polymer particles. The surface cross-linking agents are covalently bound to the surface of the polymer particles so as to constitute a surface cross-linked region at the surface of each said resin particle, and the particles made of silicon-containing inorganic salt cover the surface of the polymer particles.