Surface Sizing Composition Using Lignin-Carbohydrate Complexes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surface sizing compositions using starch result in a trade-off between strength and hydrophobicity, necessitating the use of synthetic hydrophobation agents, which are not environmentally sustainable, and there is a need for alternatives from renewable sources that provide effective hydrophobation without compromising strength properties.
Innovation Solution
A surface size composition comprising a covalently bound anionic lignin-carbohydrate complex, optionally with an aluminium compound and starch, which enhances hydrophobicity and strength properties of paper and board surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If starch is used as the main component in surface size composition, then strength properties are enhanced, but hydrophobicity of the surface is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines starch with hydrophobation agents (synthetic or renewable) in a single surface size composition formulation. This merging allows the composition to simultaneously provide strength enhancement from starch and hydrophobicity from the hydrophobation agents, resolving the trade-off between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material systems where starch is combined with hydrophobation agents to create a surface size composition that exhibits both strength-enhancing and water-resistant properties. The composite nature of the composition allows synergistic effects where each component contributes its specific functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic hydrophobation agents are added to maintain water resistance, then hydrophobicity is improved, but environmental sustainability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrophobation agent from synthetic petroleum-based compounds to renewable source-based compounds (such as modified lignin, fatty acids, or other bio-based hydrophobes). This parameter change maintains the hydrophobicity function while improving environmental sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs renewable source-based hydrophobation agents that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, replacing persistent synthetic compounds. These renewable agents provide the necessary hydrophobicity while being sustainable and eco-friendly.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If renewable source-based hydrophobation agents are used, then environmental sustainability is improved, but hydrophobation effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of renewable source-based hydrophobation agents through chemical or physical treatment (such as acylation, esterification, or controlled polymerization) to enhance their hydrophobation effectiveness. These parameter modifications allow renewable agents to achieve hydrophobicity levels comparable to or exceeding synthetic agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies renewable source-based hydrophobation agents with locally optimized properties to specific paper surface requirements. By tailoring the molecular structure and functional groups of the renewable agents, the hydrophobation effect is maximized for the specific application while maintaining sustainability.
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 lignin-carbohydrate complex provides improved hydrophobicity and strength, reducing the need for synthetic hydrophobation agents and maintaining or exceeding the performance of conventional compositions, while being derived from renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
surface sizing can be used to increase hydrophobicity of the paper/board surface
Implementation Method 2
A surface size composition comprising an aluminium compound and an anionic lignin-carbohydrate complex
Implementation Method 3
wherein the lignin and carbohydrate are covalently bound directly with each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a surface size composition for surface sizing of paper, board, or the like. The composition comprises at least an aluminium compound and an anionic lignin-carbohydrate complex.