Superabsorbent Polymer Surface Crosslinking Permeability Absorption Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superabsorbent polymers face a trade-off between improved permeability and absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, limiting their effectiveness in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A preparation method involving thermal or photopolymerization of water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomers, followed by drying, pulverization, and a surface-crosslinking reaction with a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer, which enhances both permeability and absorption properties by improving the dispersibility and coating of surface crosslinking agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If surface crosslinking reaction is performed to improve permeability, then permeability is improved, but centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure become relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the molecular weight, composition, and concentration of the polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer to optimize both permeability and absorption properties. By adjusting these parameters, the surface crosslinking reaction achieves improved permeability while maintaining high centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the superabsorbent polymer with a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer for surface crosslinking. This composite approach creates a structured surface layer that enhances permeability while preserving the core absorption capabilities of the superabsorbent polymer
2Volume of moving object
If surface crosslinking agent is added to improve permeability, then permeability is improved, but absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure become relatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the molecular weight (500 to 1,000,000), composition ratios, and concentration of the polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer. These parameter adjustments ensure that the surface crosslinking reaction improves permeability while maintaining precise control over absorption properties
Solution Approach 2:
The polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer acts as an intermediary that mediates between the superabsorbent polymer and the crosslinking process. It enables improved permeability through surface crosslinking while protecting the absorption properties by controlling the crosslinking reaction parameters
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 results in superabsorbent polymers with improved liquid permeability, centrifuge retention capacity, and absorbency under pressure, while maintaining excellent operability and productivity with reduced production of coarse and fine particles.
Implementation Method 1
forming a water-containing gel polymer by performing thermal polymerization or photopolymerization of a monomer composition including water-soluble ethylene-based unsaturated monomers and a polymerization initiator
Implementation Method 2
performing a surface-crosslinking reaction by mixing the pulverized polymer with a surface crosslinking solution including a polycarboxylic acid-based copolymer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a preparation method of a superabsorbent polymer, and a superabsorbent polymer prepared thereby. The preparation method of the superabsorbent polymer according to the present disclosure enables preparation of the superabsorbent polymer which is excellent in absorption properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorbency under pressure, and also has improved permeability. In addition, the preparation method exhibits excellent operability during the preparation (in particular, surface crosslinking of the polymer) and excellent productivity due to low production of coarse particles and fine particles.