Vacuum-Treated Post-Crosslinked Polymer Particles for Hygiene Absorbency
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for absorbent structures in hygiene articles, such as diapers and feminine hygiene products, that have improved fluid transportation and absorbency while minimizing the use of cellulose pulp, and require effective immobilization/structuring aids like thermoplastic materials and adhesives to maintain performance.
Innovation Solution
The development of vacuum-treated, optionally plasma-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles, which are surface-modified to enhance their fluid transportation and absorbency capabilities, allowing for the creation of absorbent structures with improved Fluid Handling Ability (FHA) and Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) values, even in the absence of cellulose pulp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water-absorbing polymeric particles are used to replace cellulose pulp in absorbent cores, then the proportion of polymeric particles can be increased to 50-100% by weight, but the fluid transportation capability deteriorates without adequate cellulose pulp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface crosslinking to modify the physical and chemical parameters of the polymeric particles. By controlling the crosslinking density and surface properties, the particles achieve improved fluid wicking and transportation capabilities while maintaining high absorption capacity. This parameter modification allows the particles to perform both storage and active fluid transportation functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining water-absorbing polymeric particles with thermoplastic materials and adhesives in the absorbent core. This composite approach provides the necessary structural integrity and fluid transportation pathways that would otherwise be provided by cellulose pulp, enabling the core to function with 50-100% polymeric particles by weight.
2Reliability
If surface crosslinking is applied to improve gel bed permeability, then the SFC value increases, but the total absorption capacity (CRC value) decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies surface crosslinking specifically to the outer layer of the polymeric particles, creating a differentiated structure where the surface has different properties from the core. The surface layer is crosslinked to provide permeability and structural stability, while the inner core remains highly absorbent. This local quality differentiation allows the particles to achieve good gel bed permeability (SFC) while preserving high total absorption capacity (CRC).
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 vacuum-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles demonstrate significantly improved FHA and FSR values, achieving enhanced absorbency and fluid transportation, meeting the requirements for ultrathin hygiene products without the need for cellulose pulp, and maintaining performance with thermoplastic and adhesive aids.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles obtainable by vacuum-treating
Implementation Method 2
plasma-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles
Data Source
AI summary
Absorbent structures comprising vacuum-treated (optionally coated) post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles, obtainable by vacuum-treating and optionally plasma-treating post-crosslinked water-absorbent polymeric particles (that may optionally be coated), the resulting vacuum-treated post-crosslinked water-absorbing polymeric particles having an improved absorption, whilst having good gel bed permeability.