Superabsorbent Polymer with Zingiberaceae Extract Shell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current superabsorbent polymers for diapers lack effective antimicrobial and deodorizing properties while maintaining absorption capacity, with existing methods either reducing absorption capacity or causing particle leakage and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent polymer with a core layer polymerized from monomers having carboxylic groups, a first shell layer formed from a surface crosslinking agent, and a second shell layer made from zingiberaceae extracts, where the zingiberaceae extracts are used for surface modification to enhance antimicrobial and deodorizing properties without compromising absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If zeolite particles are dispersed in the absorbent resin to provide deodorizing ability, then the deodorizing ability is improved, but the absorption capacity is greatly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds zeolite particles inside the polymeric network structure during the polymerization process, creating a nested configuration where the zeolite is contained within the polymer matrix. This nesting approach allows the zeolite to provide deodorizing functionality while the polymer matrix maintains absorption capacity, resolving the contradiction between deodorizing ability and absorption capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the zeolite particles with the polymeric network formation process, merging the deodorizing function (zeolite) with the absorption function (polymer) into a single integrated structure. This merging allows both functions to coexist without the absorption capacity being greatly reduced, as the zeolite is incorporated at the molecular level rather than as separate dispersed particles.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If activated carbon or zeolite particles are added to the diaper absorbent to provide deodorizing ability, then the deodorizing ability is improved, but the particles easily leak from production equipment and cause health damages
Solution Approach 1:
The zeolite particles are nested within the polymeric network structure during polymerization, embedding them securely within the gel beads. This nesting prevents particle leakage from production equipment and eliminates health hazards associated with suspended particles in ambient air, while still providing the desired deodorizing ability.
Solution Approach 2:
The zeolite particles are incorporated into the polymeric network during the polymerization process itself, before the final product is formed. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the particles are permanently embedded within the structure, preventing subsequent leakage during handling, production, or use, thereby eliminating health hazards.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If bamboo extracts or tea extracts are added to the polymeric reaction to provide antimicrobial and deodorizing abilities, then the antimicrobial and deodorizing abilities are improved, but the water absorption capacity is reduced and residual monomers increase causing skin swollen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential antimicrobial and deodorizing components from natural sources (such as plant extracts) and incorporates them into the polymeric network during polymerization. This selective extraction allows the desired functional properties to be achieved while minimizing the negative effects of adding large amounts of extract materials that would reduce water absorption capacity and increase residual monomers.
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 achieves good antimicrobial and deodorizing effects while retaining original absorption properties, preventing particle leakage and ensuring operator safety during production.
Implementation Method 1
a surface modification reaction is performed to the first shell layer by using zingiberaceae extracts for forming a second shell layer
Implementation Method 2
a surface crosslinking reaction is performed to the core layer by using a surface crosslinking agent for forming a first shell layer
Implementation Method 3
a free radical polymerization reaction is performed to monomers having carboxylic group for forming a core layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a superabsorbent polymer and a method for producing the same. The superabsorbent polymer includes a core layer polymerized with monomers having carboxylic group, a first shell layer formed from a surface crosslinking agent, and a second shell layer formed from zingiberaceae extracts. By a surface modification on the first shell layer performed from a specific amount of the zingiberaceae extracts, the superabsorbent polymer produced according to the method for producing the same has a good antimicrobial property and deodorizing effects, and retains an original absorbent property.