Surface-Structured Super Absorbent Polymer for Fast Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing super absorbent polymers used in pulpless diapers face challenges in maintaining high absorption performance and quick absorption rates without degrading physical properties due to the use of foaming agents, leading to increased fine powder and reduced surface tension and permeability.
Innovation Solution
A polyacrylic acid-based super absorbent polymer is developed with controlled carbon and oxygen content in C═O and O—C═O bond structures on its surface, satisfying specific atomic percentages to enhance absorption properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a foaming agent is included in monomer composition to form porous structure and widen surface area, then absorption performance is improved, but surface tension, permeability, and volume density are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by controlling the content of carbon in C═O and O—C═O bond structures on the polymer surface through specific polymerization conditions, achieving improved absorption performance without degrading physical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by incorporating both base polymer powder and surface cross-linked layer with specific bond structures, achieving synergistic effects that improve absorption while maintaining physical properties
2Productivity
If foaming agent is used to increase surface area, then absorption rate is improved, but fine powder generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes polymerization parameters and surface cross-linking conditions to control the molecular weight distribution and surface structure, achieving high absorption rate while minimizing fine powder generation through controlled polymer chain scission
3Quantity of substance
If super absorbent polymer is used in high proportion in pulpless diaper, then absorption capacity is improved, but vortex time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local heterogeneity by forming a surface cross-linked layer with different bond structure composition than the base polymer, where the surface layer provides rapid initial absorption while the bulk provides sustained capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the polymer surface through controlled cross-linking, creating a gradient structure that optimizes both absorption capacity and rate
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 exhibits excellent absorption capacity and rate, particularly in low ion concentration water, with improved initial absorption rates and reduced fine powder generation, maintaining physical properties.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer includes carbon, oxygen, and sodium on the surface thereof
Implementation Method 2
a super absorbent polymer is a synthetic polymer material which has the ability capable of absorbing moisture 500 times to 1,000 times its own weight
Implementation Method 3
the polymer includes carbon, oxygen, and sodium on the surface thereof, and the polymer satisfies Equation 1 below: XC═O represents the content (at %) of carbon included in a C═O bond structure among all elements present on the surface of the polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A polyacrylic acid (salt)-based super absorbent polymer, includes carbon, oxygen, and sodium on the surface thereof, and satisfies Equation 1: XC═O+XO—C═O≥6 (at %) wherein, XC═O represents the content (at %) of carbon included in a C═O bond structure among all elements present on the surface of the super absorbent polymer according to XPS analysis, and XO—C═O represents the content (at %) of carbon included in a O—C═O bond structure among all elements present on the surface of the super absorbent polymer according to XPS analysis.