Superabsorbent Polymer Surface Crosslinking for Absorption and Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superabsorbent polymers face challenges in increasing saline flow conductivity and absorption against pressure while maintaining centrifuge retention capacity, leading to issues like liquid leakage and reduced absorbability in applications such as diapers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a free radical polymerization reaction followed by a surface crosslinking reaction using an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, with a polyethylene segment and a poly(acrylic acid) segment, to enhance the saline flow conductivity and absorption properties of superabsorbent polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional surface crosslinking treatment is performed to increase absorption rate and strength, then absorption rate and colloidal strength are improved, but centrifuge retention capacity is significantly decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface crosslinking treatment only to the outer layer of the superabsorbent polymer particles, leaving the inner core with different properties. This localized approach enhances surface strength and absorption rate while preserving the internal structure's ability to retain liquid under centrifugal force, thus resolving the contradiction between colloidal strength and centrifuge retention capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure with crosslinked surface layer and non-crosslinked or less-crosslinked inner core. This composite architecture combines the advantages of both regions: the crosslinked surface provides strength and rapid absorption, while the inner core maintains high liquid retention capacity, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If hydrophilic fiber content is decreased to achieve thinness, then diaper thickness is reduced, but liquid storage space and permeation rate are decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of superabsorbent polymer particles to provide liquid storage capacity without requiring bulk hydrophilic fibers. The porous internal structure of the particles creates extensive liquid storage space within a compact volume, enabling thin diaper design while maintaining adequate liquid storage and permeation performance.
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 significantly increases saline flow conductivity and absorption against pressure while maintaining a high centrifuge retention capacity, improving the practical application of superabsorbent polymers by preventing liquid leakage and enhancing absorbability.
Implementation Method 1
performing a free radical polymerization reaction to a superabsorbent polymer composition to obtain a colloid gel
Implementation Method 2
performing a surface crosslinking reaction to the superabsorbent polymer particles, a surface crosslinking agent and a reaction polymer
Implementation Method 3
the reaction polymer includes a polyethylene segment and a poly(acrylic acid) segment
Data Source
AI summary
A superabsorbent polymers and a method of forming the same are provided. The method is processed by adding calcined shell powders to a free radical polymerization. The superabsorbent polymers with more micropores can be obtained. Therefore, absorptivity and permeability for the liquid of the superabsorbent polymers are increased, and diffusibility and liquid conductivity of the superabsorbent polymers are also improved.