Superabsorbent Resin Surface Modification for Viscous Blood Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are not effective in absorbing menstrual blood due to its high viscosity and the formation of a barrier film on the surface, limiting their use in sanitary pads.
Innovation Solution
Surface modification of SAPs with a water-soluble polyvalent cationic salt and a polycarbonic acid-based copolymer, specifically containing a (meth)acrylic acid-based monomer and an alkoxy-polyalkylene glycol mono(meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, to improve blood fluidity and absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional SAPs are used for absorbing menstrual blood, then the SAP structure provides basic absorption capacity, but the high viscosity of menstrual blood forms a barrier film on the surface that prevents effective absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of SAP particles through dual treatment: (1) cationic treatment with quaternary ammonium compounds changes the surface charge to positive, and (2) surfactant treatment modifies surface tension and wettability. These parameter changes enable the surface to interact with and disperse viscous blood rather than forming a barrier film, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining SAP structure and preventing barrier formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure on SAP particles by combining two different chemical treatments: cationic modifiers and surfactants. This composite approach provides synergistic effects where the cationic charge facilitates initial blood contact and the surfactant reduces surface tension, together preventing barrier film formation while maintaining the underlying SAP absorption capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If SAPs are used in sanitary pads, then absorption capacity is provided, but the high viscosity and cell content of menstrual blood prevent diffusion and reduce absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes surface parameters by introducing cationic charges and surfactant molecules that reduce surface tension and improve wettability. These changes enable viscous blood containing cells and proteins to wet the SAP surface and diffuse into the particle structure, directly addressing the contradiction between providing absorption quantity and facilitating blood diffusion despite high viscosity.
3Reliability
If menstrual blood contacts conventional SAP surface, then absorption should occur, but the barrier film formed on surface prevents further absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent permanently changes the surface parameters of SAP particles through chemical modification with cationic compounds and surfactants. These parameter changes create a surface that resists barrier film formation by maintaining low surface tension and positive charge, enabling continuous absorption capability throughout the product's use cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-treating the SAP particles with cationic and surfactant modifiers before use. This preliminary surface modification ensures that when menstrual blood contacts the SAP, the barrier film is prevented from forming in the first place, maintaining continuous absorption capability throughout the product lifecycle.
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 modified SAPs exhibit significantly improved blood fluidity, making them suitable for use in sanitary pads by effectively absorbing and spreading blood without forming a barrier film.
Implementation Method 1
surface modification with a water-soluble polyvalent cationic salt
Implementation Method 2
surface treating the pre-treated superabsorbent resin by mixing a polycarbonic acid-based copolymer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a superabsorbent polymer with a surface modified with both a polyvalent cationic salt and a polycarbonic acid-based copolymer, which is able to effectively absorb blood or highly viscous liquid, and a method for preparing the same.