Titanium Oxide Alcohol Dispersion via Acid Deflocculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing alcohol dispersions of titanium oxide particles often result in agglomeration and reduced transparency due to the replacement of the aqueous dispersion medium with alcohol, leading to larger particle sizes and impaired optical properties.

Innovation Solution

A method involving wet dispersing treatment of titanium oxide particles with acetic acid and nitric acid, followed by washing and replacement of the water dispersion medium with methanol or ethanol, to maintain the dispersion diameter and transparency of titanium oxide particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the dispersion medium of aqueous titanium oxide dispersion is replaced by alcohol, then the dispersion becomes suitable for mixing with water-insoluble resin components, but the titanium oxide particles agglomerate and grow to larger particles, impairing the transparency of the dispersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with water-insoluble resin componentsVSAvoidtransparency of the dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting deflocculation treatment with acid BEFORE replacing the dispersion medium with alcohol. This preliminary deflocculation prevents particle agglomeration that would otherwise occur during the solvent replacement process, thereby maintaining transparency while achieving compatibility with water-insoluble resins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dispersion system by adjusting pH through acid addition and controlling the replacement ratio of water to alcohol. These parameter changes optimize the dispersion stability during the transition from aqueous to alcoholic medium, preventing agglomeration and maintaining both transparency and resin compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If titanium oxide particles are deflocculated with acid to obtain aqueous dispersion, then the particles become more dispersible, but when the dispersion medium is replaced by alcohol, the particles agglomerate and grow to larger particles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersibility of titanium oxide particlesVSAvoidparticle size distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses acid as an intermediary substance that facilitates the deflocculation of titanium oxide particles in the aqueous phase before solvent replacement. This intermediary treatment creates a stable particle surface charge that prevents agglomeration during the subsequent alcohol replacement process, maintaining both dispersibility and particle size stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the pH parameter through acid addition to optimize particle surface properties. By adjusting this chemical parameter, the particles maintain their dispersed state with stable size distribution throughout the solvent replacement process, preventing agglomeration while preserving ease of dispersion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional methods are used to produce alcohol dispersion of titanium oxide, then the process is simple, but the obtained dispersion has remarkably impaired transparency due to particle agglomeration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of production processVSAvoidtransparency of the dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains simplicity by adding only one preliminary step - acid deflocculation treatment - before the conventional solvent replacement process. This minimal additional action prevents particle agglomeration and maintains transparency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves improved transparency by controlling the pH parameter through acid addition and the alcohol-to-water replacement ratio. These parameter adjustments maintain particle stability during solvent replacement, preventing agglomeration while keeping the process simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively produces an alcohol dispersion with fine titanium oxide particles and high transparency, maintaining the small dispersion diameter and optical clarity of the aqueous dispersion.

Implementation Method 1

titanium oxide particles in the aqueous slurry are deflocculated with an acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic repulsion: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Implementation Method 2

subjecting an aqueous slurry of titanium oxide particles to wet dispersing treatment in the presence of 15 to 250 parts by mole of acetic acid and 15 to 90 parts by mole of nitric acid each relative to 100 parts by mole of titanium oxide with a medium agitating mill or a high pressure dispersing machine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3263526B1Production method for liquid dispersion of titanium oxide particles
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 SAKAI CHEM IND CO LTD

AI summary

The invention provides a method for producing an aqueous dispersion of titanium oxide particles which comprises: (a) first step for subjecting an aqueous slurry of titanium oxide particles to wet dispersing treatment in the presence of 15 to 250 parts by mole of acetic acid and 15 to 90 parts by mole of nitric acid each relative to 100 parts by mole of titanium oxide with a medium agitating mill or a high pressure dispersing machine to obtaining an aqueous dispersion of titanium oxide particles before washing, and (b) a second step for washing the aqueous dispersion of titanium oxide particles before washing obtained in the first step (a) to obtain an aqueous dispersion of titanium oxide particles. The invention further provides a method for producing an alcohol dispersion of titanium oxide particles which comprises: (c) a third step for replacing the dispersion medium of the aqueous dispersion of titanium oxide particles obtained in the second step by an alcohol solvent.