Universal Dispersant via Polyalkylenated Phosphate Blend
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispersant compositions are not effective in both aqueous and organic media and lack ecotoxicity and biodegradability, limiting their application with various particulate materials, especially pigments and nanoparticles.
Innovation Solution
A blend of polyoxyalkylenated mono- and di-phosphate esters, specifically formulated with a mixture of molecules of the type {RO-[CH(CH3)CH2O]}b[CH2-CH2O]a}mP(=O)(O-X+), where m and n are 1 or 2, and the mole ratio of monoesters to diesters is between 1:1 to 3:1, providing excellent dispersion stability in various media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dispersant compositions are used, then dispersion effectiveness is achieved in either aqueous or organic media, but not both simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant composition is designed to function effectively in both aqueous and organic media through a universal formulation approach. The blend contains polyoxyalkylenated phosphoric acid esters with specific ethoxylate and propoxylate content that provide compatibility across different liquid phases, allowing a single dispersant system to handle diverse particulate materials in various media types without requiring media-specific formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersant employs a composite molecular structure combining hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chains with hydrophobic alkyl groups in a specific ratio. This amphiphilic composite structure enables the dispersant to interact with both polar and non-polar environments, facilitating effective dispersion in aqueous, organic, and mixed media simultaneously through its dual nature
2Reliability
If conventional dispersant compositions are used, then dispersion stability is achieved, but ecotoxicity remains high and biodegradability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant formulation modifies key chemical parameters including the ratio of ethoxylate to propoxylate units, the molecular weight distribution, and the degree of phosphoric acid esterification. These parameter adjustments optimize dispersion stability while simultaneously reducing ecotoxicity by selecting biocompatible molecular characteristics and improving biodegradability through controlled hydrolysis susceptibility of the ester bonds
Solution Approach 2:
The dispersant is designed with inherent biodegradability characteristics that allow it to break down into harmless substances after performing its dispersion function. The phosphoric acid ester bonds and polyoxyalkylene chains are structured to be susceptible to microbial degradation, ensuring the dispersant does not persist in the environment long-term, thus reducing cumulative ecotoxicity while maintaining effective dispersion stability during its service life
3Reliability
If conventional dispersant compositions are used, then dispersion stability is achieved, but application range with various particulate materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersant molecule exhibits local quality differentiation with distinct functional regions: hydrophilic polyoxyethylene segments that interact with aqueous phases and hydrophobic alkyl regions that interact with organic phases and hydrophobic particulate surfaces. This local functional differentiation allows the same dispersant to effectively stabilize diverse particulate materials including inorganic oxides, organic pigments, and nanoparticles with varying surface characteristics
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 solution effectively disperses a wide range of particulate materials in both aqueous and organic media, offering improved stability and reduced ecotoxicity, making it suitable for various industrial and agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
dispersant compositions prepared from phosphoric acid esters of polyoxyalkylenated compounds as wetting agents
Implementation Method 2
phosphoric acid ester-based compositions in acidic or neutralized form containing a mixture of at least one polyoxyalkylenated phosphoric acid monoester and at least one polyoxyalkylenated diester
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure provides a composition comprising a mixture of molecules of Formula (I): {RO-[CH(CH3)CH2O)]b[CH2-CH2O]a}mP(=O)(O-X+)n (I), wherein R is chosen from linear or branched C10-C18 alkyl or alkenyl groups; a is 0 to 50, b is 0-30, and a + b > 0; X+ is potassium, triethanolamine, or H, and m and n are each equal to 1 or 2, such that when m = 1 then n = 2, and when m = 2 then n = 1. Moreover, in the mixture some of the molecules have m = 1 and n = 2 and some of the molecules have m = 2 and n = 1, wherein the mole ratio of compounds where m=1 to compounds where m=2 is of from 1:1 to 3:1.