Surface-Crosslinked Superabsorbent Polymer for Lasting Antibacterial Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superabsorbent polymers face challenges in uniformly maintaining bacterial growth inhibition and deodorization properties over time without deteriorating their basic properties like centrifuge retention capacity and absorption under pressure, and there is a need for a solution that avoids the use of metal ion-containing antibacterial agents.
Innovation Solution
A superabsorbent polymer is developed with a surface crosslinked layer containing diethyldithiocarbamic acid or its salt, which is incorporated during or after the surface crosslinking process, ensuring uniform distribution and strong bonding within the polymer structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal ion-containing antibacterial ingredients are incorporated into superabsorbent polymer, then bacterial growth inhibition property is improved, but harmful effects to human body increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent metal ion-containing antibacterial agents with organic antibacterial agents that can be effectively removed through washing processes. This substitution allows the product to maintain antibacterial functionality during use while eliminating long-term harmful effects, aligning with the principle of using temporary, removable solutions instead of permanent, potentially harmful ones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from metal ions to organic antibacterial agents. This parameter change transforms the antibacterial mechanism from metal ion-based cell wall destruction to organic compound-based bacterial growth inhibition, thereby maintaining effectiveness while reducing harm to human body.
2Reliability
If antibacterial agent is blended with superabsorbent polymer, then bacterial growth inhibition property is improved, but uniformity of antibacterial effect deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies antibacterial agent to the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles before final product assembly. This preliminary application ensures uniform distribution and strong adhesion, preventing delamination and maintaining consistent antibacterial effect over time. The surface treatment is performed in advance to establish uniform coverage before the product enters service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical blending with chemical bonding by using surface crosslinking agents to anchor antibacterial agents to the polymer surface. This substitution of mechanical mixing with chemical attachment prevents the delamination and non-uniform distribution that occur with blending, ensuring stable and uniform antibacterial effectiveness.
3Reliability
If antibacterial agent is blended with superabsorbent polymer, then bacterial growth inhibition property is improved, but dust generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical blending with surface crosslinking chemistry to attach antibacterial agents. This chemical bonding method eliminates the need for intensive mixing that generates dust, while still achieving uniform distribution of the antibacterial agent on the polymer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces surface crosslinking agents as intermediaries between the superabsorbent polymer and antibacterial agents. These crosslinking agents form a bonding bridge that securely attaches the antibacterial agents to the polymer surface, preventing particle breakage and dust generation that would occur during mechanical mixing.
4Reliability
If surface crosslinked layer is formed by additional crosslinking, then basic properties of superabsorbent polymer are maintained, but complexity of preparation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the surface crosslinking step with the antibacterial agent application in a single integrated process. The surface crosslinking agent serves dual functions: forming the crosslinked surface layer to maintain basic properties and anchoring the antibacterial agents simultaneously. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate steps and simplifies the overall preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface crosslinking agent performs multiple functions: it crosslinks the polymer surface to maintain basic properties, provides anchoring sites for antibacterial agents, and contributes to the overall structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate processing steps and simplifies the preparation process while maintaining product 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 polymer maintains excellent bacterial growth inhibition and deodorization properties for a long time while preserving the basic absorption properties, reducing dust generation, and avoiding the drawbacks of metal ion-based antibacterial agents.
Implementation Method 1
the surface crosslinked layer comprises diethyldithiocarbamic acid or a salt thereof
Implementation Method 2
a surface crosslinked layer formed on the base resin powder by additional crosslinking of the crosslinked polymer by a surface crosslinking agent
Implementation Method 3
incorporated during or after the surface crosslinking process, ensuring uniform distribution and strong bonding within the polymer structure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a superabsorbent polymer that can uniformly maintain an excellent bacterial growth inhibition property and a deodorization property for a long time, while simultaneously maintaining excellent basic properties such as centrifuge retention capacity and absorption under pressure, and the like. A method for preparing the superabsorbent polymer is also provided.