Ultrafine Cellulose Fiber Composition Fluidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrafine cellulose fibers exhibit inferior fluidity compared to conventional cellulose powders, primarily due to their high water retention and nanometer-scale fiber diameter, which complicates packing and mixing processes.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers and a non-cellulose particulate material, with specific water and particulate material content ratios, is developed to enhance fluidity. This composition includes a particulate material with ultrafine cellulose fibers and water, along with a non-cellulose particulate material, such as silica, to improve handling and redispersibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ultrafine cellulose fibers are used as a thickener or dispersed in liquid, then the functionality is improved, but the transport cost increases due to high water content

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidwater content

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the water content parameter from high (conventional dispersed state) to controlled low levels (2-94% range) by forming a particulate material through drying and granulation processes, thereby reducing transport cost while maintaining functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite particulate material combining ultrafine cellulose fibers with binders and optionally hydrophobic fine particles, achieving a concentrated form that maintains functional properties while reducing water content for cost-effective transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If ultrafine cellulose fibers are powderized for concentration, then the transport cost is reduced, but the fluidity deteriorates due to high water retention and nanometer-scale fiber diameter

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconcentrationVSAvoidfluidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces binders as intermediary substances that bridge ultrafine cellulose fibers, preventing aggregation and improving fluidity of the concentrated particulate material while maintaining its concentrated form for cost-effective transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the water content parameter within the 2-94% range and controls particle size distribution to optimize both concentration and fluidity, achieving a balance that allows easy packing and mixing while maintaining concentrated form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If ultrafine cellulose fibers are dispersed in large amounts of dispersion medium, then the functionality is maintained, but the transport cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidtransport cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the dispersion medium quantity parameter from large amounts (conventional dispersion) to minimal amounts by forming a concentrated particulate material, achieving cost-effective transport while maintaining functionality through controlled water content (2-94%) and particle formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10676869B2Composition, material comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers, and method for producing material comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 OJI HLDG CORP

AI summary

An object of the invention is to provide a material or composition comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers having excellent fluidity. The invention relates to a composition comprising a particulate material comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers and water, and (B) a non-cellulose particulate material in which the water content of the composition is 2 to 94% by mass with respect to the total mass of the composition, and the content of (B) the non-cellulose particulate material is 0.1 to 12% by mass with respect to the total mass of the composition. The invention also relates to a method for producing the composition and a method for producing a material comprising ultrafine cellulose fibers.