WO2016158975A1 - ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末及びその製造方法、並びにその評価方法 - Google Patents
ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末及びその製造方法、並びにその評価方法 Download PDFInfo
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- B01J20/22—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising organic material
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- B01J20/04—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising inorganic material comprising compounds of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals or magnesium
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- B01J20/10—Solid sorbent compositions or filter aid compositions; Sorbents for chromatography; Processes for preparing, regenerating or reactivating thereof comprising inorganic material comprising silica or silicate
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- C08F20/00—Homopolymers and copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and only one being terminated by only one carboxyl radical or a salt, anhydride, ester, amide, imide or nitrile thereof
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- C08L33/00—Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and only one being terminated by only one carboxyl radical, or of salts, anhydrides, esters, amides, imides or nitriles thereof; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
- C08L33/02—Homopolymers or copolymers of acids; Metal or ammonium salts thereof
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N15/00—Investigating characteristics of particles; Investigating permeability, pore-volume, or surface-area of porous materials
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- G01N15/0255—Investigating particle size or size distribution with mechanical, e.g. inertial, classification, and investigation of sorted collections
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- C08J2331/00—Characterised by the use of copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and at least one being terminated by an acyloxy radical of a saturated carboxylic acid, or carbonic acid, or of a haloformic acid
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- C08J2333/00—Characterised by the use of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, each having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond, and only one being terminated by only one carboxyl radical, or of salts, anhydrides, esters, amides, imides, or nitriles thereof; Derivatives of such polymers
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- C08J3/00—Processes of treating or compounding macromolecular substances
- C08J3/02—Making solutions, dispersions, lattices or gels by other methods than by solution, emulsion or suspension polymerisation techniques
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Definitions
- the present invention relates to a polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder, a production method thereof, and an evaluation method thereof.
- the evaluation method relates to a method for evaluating the degree of disintegration of the swollen gel particles when the polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water absorbent resin powder is swollen.
- Water-absorbing resin (SAP / Super Absorbent Polymer) is a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer gelling agent, such as sanitary products such as paper diapers and sanitary napkins, water retention agents for agriculture and horticulture, industrial waterstop materials, etc. Widely used for absorbent applications.
- the water-absorbing resin is produced from various monomers or hydrophilic polymers as raw materials, and among them, polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water-absorbing material using acrylic acid and / or a salt thereof as a monomer. Resins are most industrially produced due to their high water absorption performance.
- the water-absorbent resin is manufactured through a polymerization process, a gel pulverization process, a drying process, and, if necessary, a pulverization process, a classification process, a surface cross-linking process, etc.
- many functions are required for the water-absorbent resin. Specifically, in addition to high water absorption ratio, high gel strength, low water soluble content, high water absorption rate, high water absorption capacity under pressure, high liquid permeability, small particle size distribution, urine resistance, antibacterial properties, impact resistance Properties (damage resistance), powder fluidity, deodorant properties, color resistance (whiteness), low dust and the like.
- liquid permeability and water absorption speed are important as basic physical properties of the water-absorbent resin, and many improved techniques have been proposed so far.
- high liquid permeability and high water absorption speed are contradictory physical properties, a technique for achieving both of these is required.
- the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer obtained in the polymerization step is pulverized under specific gel pulverization conditions, thereby allowing liquid permeability and water absorption rate.
- Patent Document 1 Has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).
- Patent Literature a method for measuring the weight average particle diameter (D50) and particle size distribution of a particulate hydrogel after gel pulverization is disclosed for measurement of swollen water-absorbent resin particles (that is, gel particles) (Patent Literature). 1, Patent Documents 10 to 11).
- Patent Document 1 in which a water-absorbent resin excellent in liquid permeability and water absorption speed is obtained by pulverizing the hydrogel crosslinked polymer under specific gel pulverization conditions, the resulting water-absorbent resin powder is added. There was a problem that the reduction water absorption ratio was not sufficient.
- the object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and to provide a water-absorbent resin powder that has less gel collapse during swelling and is excellent in water absorption capacity under load, water absorption speed, and liquid permeability, and a method for producing the same. That is.
- the water absorbent resin powder when used as an absorbent body of absorbent articles such as paper diapers, it is usual that the water absorbent resin powder absorbs a plurality of times when it absorbs urine or the like. Therefore, if a factor that affects the water absorption performance of the swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin absorbs and swells can be found and evaluated, it becomes possible to design a more advanced product of the water absorbent resin.
- the method for measuring gel particles that has been proposed so far has been a method of measuring gel particles generated in the step of polymerizing the water-absorbent resin or the gel crushing step following the polymerization step. There is no report on a technique for measuring swollen gel particles when a water-absorbent resin powder produced through a drying step and, if necessary, a pulverization step, a classification step, a surface cross-linking step and the like absorbs liquid and swells.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a novel evaluation method for swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin powder absorbs and swells in order to design a more advanced product of the water absorbent resin.
- the present inventors have added inorganic compounds and / or water-absorbent resin fine particles to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained in the polymerization step of polyacrylic acid (salt).
- a water-absorbing resin powder excellent in water absorption capacity under pressure, water absorption speed, liquid permeability, and hard to disintegrate during swelling can be obtained by pulverizing under specific gel pulverization conditions. It came to do.
- the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is a water-absorbent resin powder containing polyacrylic acid (salt) as a main component in order to solve the above-described problems. ) To (4) are satisfied.
- group water absorbing resin powder which concerns on this invention, the polymerization process of acrylic acid (salt) type monomer aqueous solution, and superposition
- the following (1) to (2) (1) Gel grinding energy (GGE) is 18 J / g to 60 J / g, (2) Gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) is 9 J / g to 40 J / g,
- GGE (2) Gel grinding energy (2)
- the drying step the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained in the gel grinding step is dried at a drying temperature of 150 ° C. to 250 ° C. using a dryer. It is characterized by drying.
- the present inventors have found that the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles when the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen greatly affects the performance of the water-absorbent resin during water absorption. I found out. Then, an evaluation method for evaluating the degree of disintegration of the swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin powder is swollen has been found, and the present invention has been completed.
- the evaluation method of the polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is an evaluation method of the swelling gel particle disintegration rate of the water absorbent resin powder in order to solve the above-mentioned problem,
- (Procedure 1) Water-absorbing resin powder having a water content of 10% by weight or less is classified using two or more sieves having different openings,
- (Procedure 2) All or part of the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen with a swelling liquid to form swollen gel particles, (Procedure 3)
- the swollen gel particles are further classified using two or more sieves having different openings, and an integrated ratio of the swollen gel particles passing through each sieve is obtained.
- the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention has the above-described configuration.
- a water-absorbent resin powder has an effect of being excellent as an absorbent body of absorbent articles such as paper diapers.
- the water-absorbent resin powder excellent in physical properties such as the gel particle disintegration rate when swollen has the effect of excellent in gel particle shape retention, so when used as an absorbent body for absorbent articles such as paper diapers, The skin feel of the wearer of the article can be improved.
- the method for producing the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention includes adding an inorganic compound and / or water-absorbing resin fine particles to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer in the gel grinding step. It has a structure to grind.
- the water-absorbent resin powder obtained from such a production method has an effect of being excellent as an absorbent body of absorbent articles such as paper diapers.
- the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin powder is swollen can be evaluated. Therefore, according to the method of the present invention, for example, it can be predicted how much the particle size distribution of the water-absorbent resin powder before swelling changes due to the collapse after liquid absorption and swelling. Therefore, the method of the present invention enables more advanced product design of the water absorbent resin.
- the water absorption performance such as the liquid permeability and the water absorption speed at the time of water absorption of the water absorbent resin is closely related to the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles. For example, when the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles is high, the surface area of the swollen gel particles increases, resulting in a water-absorbing resin having a high water absorption rate. On the other hand, when the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles is low, blockage of the liquid passage due to the collapse of the swollen gel particles can be avoided, so that the water-absorbent resin has high liquid permeability.
- the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles should be determined in order to predict the function of the water absorbent resin. Is extremely important.
- Water absorbent resin in the present invention, the “water-absorbing resin” means a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer gelling agent.
- water swellability means that the CRC (centrifuge retention capacity) defined by ERT442.2-02 is 5 g / g or more, and “water-insoluble” means ERT470.2. It means that Ext (water-soluble content) specified by ⁇ 02 is 50% by weight or less.
- CRC centrifuge retention capacity
- water absorption capacity without pressure is sometimes referred to as “water absorption capacity without pressure”.
- the water-absorbent resin can be appropriately designed according to its use and is not particularly limited, but may be a hydrophilic cross-linked polymer obtained by cross-linking an unsaturated monomer having a carboxyl group. preferable. Further, the water-absorbent resin is not limited to a form in which the total amount (100% by weight) is a polymer, and may be a composition containing an additive or the like within a range in which the above performance is maintained.
- the “water-absorbent resin” includes not only a water-absorbent resin obtained by pulverizing and drying the hydrophilic cross-linked polymer to form a powder, but also a water-absorbent resin having different shapes and the like obtained in each step.
- a sheet-like, fiber-like, film-like, or particulate water-absorbing resin (hydrogel-crosslinked polymer) during or after polymerization but before grinding; particulate water-absorbing resin after gel grinding (particulate water-containing gel) Cross-linked polymer); powdered water-absorbing resin after drying; water-absorbing resin obtained in each step when pulverization, classification, surface treatment, addition of additives, particle size adjustment and the like are performed after drying.
- the “water-absorbing resin” is a water-absorbing resin obtained by pulverizing and drying the hydrophilic crosslinked polymer to form a powder
- a water-absorbing resin powder such a water-absorbing resin is referred to as “water-absorbing resin powder” in the present specification.
- the “water-absorbent resin powder” is a water-absorbent resin before surface treatment including surface cross-linking as long as the hydrophilic cross-linked polymer is a water-absorbent resin that is pulverized and dried. Even if it is resin, even if it is water-absorbing resin after performing the surface treatment containing surface crosslinking, it is contained.
- the “water-absorbent resin powder” also includes a water-absorbent resin obtained in each step when pulverization, classification, surface treatment, addition of additives, granulation, etc. are performed after drying.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) means a polymer containing a graft component as necessary and having acrylic acid and / or a salt thereof as a main component as a repeating unit.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) refers to 50 mol% to 100 mol of acrylic acid (salt) essential among the total monomers (excluding the internal crosslinking agent) used in the polymerization.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) when polyacrylic acid (salt) is used as the polymer, it always contains a water-soluble salt, and the main component of the water-soluble salt (neutralized salt) is preferably a monovalent salt, more preferably an alkali.
- EDANA European Disposables and Nonwovens Associations
- ERT is an abbreviation for a method for measuring water-absorbent resin (EDANA Recommended Test Methods), which is a European standard (almost world standard). is there. In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, measurement is performed in accordance with the ERT original (known document: revised in 2002).
- CRC Centrifugation Retention Capacity (centrifuge retention capacity) and means the water absorption capacity under no pressure.
- CRC means that 0.200 g of a water-absorbent resin in a non-woven bag is freely swollen in a large excess of 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution for 30 minutes, and then a centrifuge is used. It refers to the water absorption capacity (unit: g / g) of the water absorbent resin after dehydration.
- the CRC of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “gel CRC” in this specification) was measured by changing the sample to 0.4 g and the free swelling time to 24 hours, respectively. .
- AAP is an abbreviation for Absorption Against Pressure, and means the water absorption capacity under pressure. Specifically, “AAP” refers to 0.900 g of a water-absorbing resin under a load of 2.06 kPa (0.3 psi, 21 g / cm 2 ) for 1 hour against a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution. The water absorption ratio (unit: g / g) after swelling with. In ERT442.2-02, “Absorption Under Pressure” is described. However, “AAP” is substantially the same as “Absorption Under Pressure”. In the present invention and examples, the load condition was changed to 4.83 kPa (0.7 psi, 49 g / cm 2 ), and measurement was performed.
- Example is an abbreviation for Extractables and means a water-soluble component (water-soluble component amount). Specifically, “Ext” refers to the amount of dissolved polymer (unit:% by weight) after adding 1.0 g of water-absorbing resin to 200 ml of 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution and stirring at 500 rpm for 16 hours. . The amount of dissolved polymer is measured using pH titration. The water-soluble content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “gel Ext” in this specification) was measured by changing the sample to 5.0 g and the stirring time to 24 hours. went.
- PSD is an abbreviation for Particle Size Distribution, and means a particle size distribution of a water-absorbent resin measured by sieving classification.
- the weight average particle size (D50) and the particle size distribution are measured by the same method as “(1) Average Particle Diameter and Distribution of Particle Diameter” described in European Patent No. 0349240, page 7, lines 25-43. .
- the method for measuring PSD of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer will be described later.
- European Patent No. 0349240 you may refer to European Patent No. 1594556 as appropriate.
- “Residual Monomers” (ERT410.2-02) “Residual Monomers” means monomers (monomer amount) remaining in the water-absorbent resin (hereinafter referred to as “residual monomers”). Specifically, “Residual Monomers” means that after adding 1.0 g of a water-absorbing resin to 200 ml of 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution and stirring at 500 rpm for 1 hour using a 35 mm long stirrer chip, The amount of monomer dissolved in the aqueous solution (unit: ppm). The amount of monomer dissolved is measured using HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The residual monomer in the hydrogel crosslinked polymer was measured by changing the sample to 2 g and the stirring time to 3 hours, respectively, and the obtained measured value per resin solid content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer. The value converted to weight (unit: ppm).
- “Moisture Content” (ERT430.2-02) “Moisture Content” means the water content of the water-absorbent resin. Specifically, “Moisture Content” refers to a value (unit:% by weight) calculated from loss on drying when 1 g of a water absorbent resin is dried at 105 ° C. for 3 hours. In the present invention, the drying temperature was changed to 180 ° C., the measurement was performed 5 times per sample, and the average value was adopted. The water content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer was measured by changing the sample to 2 g, the drying temperature to 180 ° C., and the drying time to 16 hours. Further, the value calculated with 100-water content (% by weight) is “resin solid content” in the present invention, and can be applied to both the water-absorbent resin and the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer.
- liquid permeability refers to the fluidity of a liquid passing between particles of a swollen gel under load or no load.
- Typical measurement methods for “liquid permeability” include SFC (Saline Flow Conductivity / saline flow conductivity) and GBP (Gel Bed Permeability / gel bed permeability).
- SFC refers to the liquid permeability of a 0.69 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution to a water absorbent resin under a load of 2.07 kPa, and is measured according to the SFC test method disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,669,894.
- the “GBP” refers to the permeability of a 0.69 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution to a water-absorbent resin under load or free expansion, and conforms to the GBP test method disclosed in International Publication No. 2005/016393. Measured.
- Water absorption rate In the present invention, “water absorption rate” is represented by “free swelling rate (FSR)” (unit: g / (g ⁇ s)) or “water absorption time by vortex method (Vortex)” (unit: second). It means water absorption speed.
- FSR is an abbreviation for Free Swell Rate
- Free Swell Rate (FSR) is when 1 g of water absorbent resin absorbs 20 g of 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution. Of water (unit: g / (g ⁇ s)), a water absorption rate determined according to the method defined in International Publication No. 2009/016055.
- Water absorption time by vortex method is a water absorption time determined according to “Water absorption rate test method of high water absorption resin” described in JIS K7224, and 2 g of water absorption resin is 50 g physiological. It is the time to absorb saline.
- gel pulverization refers to an operation of reducing the size of the hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer by, for example, applying shearing force, compressive force, etc. to the obtained hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer. That means.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer has a weight average particle size (D50) of 300 ⁇ m to 3000 ⁇ m, more preferably a weight average particle size (D50) of 350 ⁇ m to 2000 ⁇ m, and a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution. ) Is preferably gel-pulverized so as to be 0.2 to 1.0.
- the shape of the resulting hydrogel crosslinked polymer may differ depending on the type of the polymerization machine.
- gel pulverization is performed after polymerization.
- kneader polymerization polymerization and gel grinding are continuously performed in the same apparatus. That is, in the present invention, both of the above-described forms are included, but it is preferable that the gel pulverization is performed after the polymerization and the gel pulverization are continuously performed in the same apparatus in the kneader polymerization.
- “Swelling gel particles” refers to a water-containing gelled water-absorbing resin produced when a water-absorbing resin powder is swollen with a swelling liquid
- “swelling gel particles” refers to the “swelling gel”. This refers to particles of the water-absorbing resin to be formed.
- “swelling” means that the water absorbent resin powder takes in the swelling liquid, and as a result, the weight or volume of the water absorbent resin powder increases.
- “Swelling ratio” means the ratio of the amount of swollen gel particles after swelling to the amount of water absorbent resin powder before swelling when the water absorbent resin powder is swollen with a swelling liquid to form swollen gel particles.
- the ratio may be a ratio of the weight of the swollen gel particles to the weight of the water absorbent resin powder, or may be a ratio of the volume of the swollen gel particles to the volume of the water absorbent resin powder.
- the swelling ratio is a weight percentage. A specific method for calculating the “swelling ratio” will be described in detail below.
- the “gel particle disintegration rate during swelling” refers to the weight ratio of the fine particle gel generated when the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen with a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution, and is determined by the following method. It is done. i) A water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m is swollen with a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution for 1 hour.
- the “weight-average molecular weight of water-soluble component” refers to the weight-average molecular weight of a component (water-soluble component) that dissolves when a water-absorbing resin is added to a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution.
- a value measured by (gel permeation chromatography) (unit: daltons; hereinafter, daltons is abbreviated as “Da”). That is, it is a result of GPC measurement of the solution obtained by the measurement method described in the above (1-3) (c) “Ext”.
- the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble portion of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is preferably 5.0 g for a sample finely divided to a particle size of 5 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, and a stirring time of 24 hours. The measurement was performed with each change.
- “Gel grinding energy” (GGE, GGE (2))
- gel grinding energy means mechanical energy per unit weight of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer required by the gel grinding device when gelling the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the “gel grinding energy” does not include energy for heating and cooling the jacket, and energy of water and steam to be charged.
- “Gel grinding energy” is abbreviated as “GGE” from “Gel Grinding Energy” in English.
- the GGE is calculated by the following equation (1) when the gel crusher is driven by three-phase AC power.
- the above “power factor” and “motor efficiency” are values unique to the apparatus, which vary depending on the operating conditions of the gel crushing apparatus, and take values from 0 to 1.
- GGE can be calculated by changing “ ⁇ 3” in the above formula to “1”.
- the unit of voltage is V
- the unit of current is A
- the unit of weight of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is g / s.
- gel pulverization of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer may be performed using a plurality of gel pulverizers. In this case, GGE may be calculated for each gel crusher.
- the mechanical energy applied to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is one of the important factors. Therefore, the gel pulverization apparatus subtracts the current value during idling to obtain the gel pulverization energy. Is more preferably calculated. In particular, when gel pulverization is performed with a plurality of apparatuses, the sum of current values during idle operation becomes large, and therefore a method of subtracting the current value during idle operation is preferable.
- the gel grinding energy in this case is calculated by the following formula (2).
- equation (2) is described as GGE (2).
- the weight (g / s) of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer introduced into the gel crusher per second is, for example, that the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is continuous.
- the unit of the supply amount is t / hr, it is a value converted so as to use g / s as a unit.
- X to Y indicating a range means “X or more and Y or less”.
- T (ton) which is a unit of weight means “Metric ton”, and unless otherwise noted, “ppm” means “ppm by weight”.
- Weight” and “mass”, “wt%” and “mass%”, “part by weight” and “part by mass” are treated as synonyms.
- ⁇ acid (salt) means “ ⁇ acid and / or salt thereof”
- (meth) acryl means “acryl and / or methacryl”.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is a water-absorbent resin powder containing polyacrylic acid (salt) as a main component, and the following (1) It satisfies the physical properties of (4) to (4).
- the “water-absorbing resin powder containing polyacrylic acid (salt) as a main component” is preferably 50% by weight or more, more preferably 80% by weight or more, and still more preferably 90% by weight of polyacrylic acid (salt).
- water-absorbent resin powder including the above, and may be referred to as “polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water-absorbent resin powder” in the present specification.
- Water-absorbing resin powder having a water absorption time (Vortex) of 42 seconds or less by a vortex method, or a free swelling rate (FSR) of 0.28 g / (g ⁇ s) or more and (2) a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m (3) Gel particle disintegration rate during swelling is 10% by weight or less (4)
- the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has a water absorption time (Vortex) of 42 seconds or less by a vortex method, or a free swelling rate (FSR) of 0.28 g / (g ⁇ s) or more.
- the water absorption time (Vortex) and the free swelling rate (FSR) by the vortex method are both physical properties indicating the water absorption rate of the water absorbent resin powder.
- the water absorption time (Vortex) by the vortex method is 42 seconds or less, the liquid uptake is sufficient, and the user of the absorbent article using the absorbent body using the water absorbent resin powder of the present invention is uncomfortable. It is preferable because it is difficult to give. If the water absorption time (Vortex) is 42 seconds or less, it can be said that it is sufficient from the viewpoint of liquid uptake, but it is preferably 40 seconds or less, more preferably 35 seconds or less, still more preferably 30 seconds or less, particularly preferably. Is 25 seconds or less.
- the lower limit value of the water absorption time (Vortex) is not particularly limited as long as it exceeds 0 seconds, but the general lower limit value is preferably 5 seconds or more, more preferably 10 seconds or more.
- the free swelling rate (FSR) is 0.28 g / (g ⁇ s) or more, the liquid uptake is sufficient, and the absorbent article using the absorbent body using the water absorbent resin powder of the present invention. It is preferable because it is difficult for the user to feel uncomfortable.
- the free swelling rate (FSR) is 0.28 g / (g ⁇ s) or more, it can be said that it is sufficient from the viewpoint of liquid uptake, but preferably 0.30 g / (g ⁇ s) or more.
- it is 0.32 g / (g ⁇ s) or more, more preferably 0.34 g / (g ⁇ s) or more, particularly preferably 0.36 g / (g ⁇ s) or more.
- the upper limit of the free swelling rate (FSR) is preferably 1.00 g / (g ⁇ s) or less.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has a ratio of water-absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m of 90% by weight or more. .
- particle size means a particle size defined by a JIS standard sieve (JIS Z8801-1 (2000)).
- the “water-absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m” can pass through a JIS standard sieve having an opening of 850 ⁇ m and cannot pass through a JIS standard sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m.
- the “ratio of the water-absorbing resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m” means the weight ratio of the water-absorbing resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m to the total amount of the water-absorbing resin powder subjected to sieving classification. (Unit:% by weight).
- the ratio of the water-absorbing resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m is 90% by weight or more, it is preferable because performance deterioration and generation of dust due to fine particles of the water-absorbing resin can be prevented.
- the proportion of the water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m may be 90% by weight or more, preferably 95% by weight or more, and more preferably 97% by weight or more.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has a gel particle disintegration rate during swelling of 10% by weight or less.
- the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling is 10% by weight or less because generation of fine particle gel due to disintegration of the swollen gel during swelling can be suppressed.
- the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling may be 10% by weight or less, but is preferably 9.9% by weight or less, more preferably 9.8% by weight or less, and still more preferably 9.6% by weight or less.
- the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has an internal cell ratio defined by the following formula of 0.1% to 2.5%.
- Internal cell ratio (%) (true density ⁇ apparent density) / true density ⁇ 100
- the internal bubble ratio may be 0.1% to 2.5%, preferably 0.2% to 2.0%, more preferably 0.3% to 1.7%, More preferably, it is 0.5% to 1.5%.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention satisfies the physical properties (1) to (4) described above, and the following (5) to (9) It is preferable that at least one of the physical properties is further satisfied.
- Absorption capacity under pressure is 20 g / g or more
- Saline flow conductivity is 10 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 ⁇ cm 3 ⁇ s ⁇ g ⁇ 1 or more
- Particle size is less than 150 ⁇ m
- the ratio of a certain water absorbent resin powder is 5% by weight or less.
- the ratio of the water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 850 ⁇ m or more is 5% by weight or less.
- the centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) is 10 g / g or more. The physical properties (5) to (9) will be described.
- the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has a water absorption capacity under pressure (AAP) under a pressure of 4.83 kPa, preferably 20 g / g or more, more preferably 21 g / g or more, still more preferably 22 g / g or more, particularly Preferably it is 23 g / g or more.
- the upper limit of the water absorption capacity under pressure (AAP) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 35 g / g or less, more preferably 30 g / g or less, and still more preferably 28 g / g or less, from the viewpoint of balance with other physical properties. It is.
- the water absorption capacity under pressure (AAP) is 20 g / g or more because the water absorption resin powder of the present invention can be prevented from being leaked when used in sanitary products such as paper diapers.
- capacitance under pressure (AAP) can be improved when the gel particle disintegration rate at the time of swelling is 10 weight% or less.
- Saline flow conductivity The water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has saline flow conductivity (SFC) under pressure of 2.07 kPa (unit: ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 ⁇ cm 3 ⁇ s ⁇ g ⁇ 1 / hereinafter, unit notation is omitted) ) Is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 20 or more, still more preferably 30 or more, still more preferably 50 or more, particularly preferably 70 or more, and most preferably 90 or more.
- SFC saline flow conductivity
- the SFC is 10 or more, it is possible to prevent leakage when used in the absorbent body of absorbent articles such as paper diapers.
- the said salt solution flow conductivity (SFC) can be improved when the gel particle disintegration rate at the time of swelling is 10 weight% or less.
- the water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention has a sieve having a mesh size of 150 ⁇ m (JIS standard sieve) from the viewpoint of improving the physical properties of the water-absorbing resin powder.
- the proportion of the water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of less than 150 ⁇ m is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 4% by weight or less, and still more preferably 3%, based on the entire water absorbent resin powder subjected to sieving classification. % By weight or less.
- the water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention is a sieve having a mesh size of 850 ⁇ m (JIS standard sieve) from the viewpoint of improving the physical properties of the water-absorbing resin powder.
- the smaller the content of coarse particles that do not pass, the better. Therefore, the ratio of the water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 850 ⁇ m or more is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 3% by weight or less, and still more preferably 1% with respect to the entire water absorbent resin powder subjected to sieving classification. % By weight or less.
- Centrifuge retention capacity The water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention has a centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) of preferably 10 g / g or more, more preferably 20 g / g or more, still more preferably 25 g / g or more, and particularly preferably 30 g / g or more. It is.
- the upper limit of the centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 g / g or less, more preferably 45 g / g or less, and still more preferably 40 g / g, from the viewpoint of balance with other physical properties. It is as follows.
- the centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) within the above range is preferable because it can be used as an absorbent body for absorbent articles such as paper diapers.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention has less gel collapse during swelling as described above, and is excellent as a result. In addition to the water absorption magnification and liquid permeability under pressure, the water absorption rate is also excellent.
- the polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water-absorbing resin powder includes a polymerization step of an acrylic acid (salt) -based monomer aqueous solution, a gel grinding step of a hydrogel crosslinked polymer during or after polymerization, and after gel grinding
- a polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder including the drying step, in the gel pulverization step, the hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a resin solid content of 10 wt% to 80 wt%, It is obtained by adding an inorganic compound and / or water-absorbent resin fine particles and gel-pulverizing the hydrogel crosslinked polymer under specific gel-pulverizing conditions.
- the polymerization step is a step in which an acrylic acid (salt) -based monomer aqueous solution is polymerized to obtain a hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- acrylic acid (salt) -based monomer aqueous solution (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as “monomer aqueous solution” in this specification) is mainly acrylic acid (salt).
- the monomer aqueous solution containing acrylic acid (salt) as a main component is preferably 50 mol% to 100 mol%, more preferably 70 mol% to 100 mol of acrylic acid (salt) as a monomer. %, More preferably 90 mol% to 100 mol%, particularly preferably substantially 100 mol%.
- the water-absorbent resin powder obtained by the present invention uses a monomer containing acrylic acid (salt) as a main component as a raw material, and is usually polymerized in an aqueous solution state.
- concentration of the monomer (monomer) in the acrylic acid (salt) monomer aqueous solution is preferably 10% by weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 20% by weight to 80% by weight, and still more preferably 30% by weight to 70%. % By weight, particularly preferably 40% by weight to 60% by weight.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained by the polymerization of the acrylic acid (salt) monomer aqueous solution has at least a part of the acid group of the polymer neutralized from the viewpoint of water absorption performance and residual monomer. It is preferable.
- a partially neutralized salt is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of water absorption performance, preferably a monovalent salt selected from an alkali metal salt, an ammonium salt, and an amine salt, more preferably an alkali metal salt, still more preferably a sodium salt, Alkali metal salts selected from lithium salts and potassium salts, particularly preferably sodium salts.
- the basic substance used for the neutralization is not particularly limited, but alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, etc.
- Monovalent basic substances such as carbonic acid (hydrogen) salts are preferred, and sodium hydroxide is particularly preferred.
- the neutralization can be performed in the respective forms and states before, during or after polymerization.
- unneutralized or low neutralized (for example, 0 mol% to 30 mol%) acrylic acid is added.
- Neutralization of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained by polymerization, especially neutralization at the same time as gel pulverization is possible, but neutralization of acrylic acid before polymerization is performed from the viewpoint of productivity and improvement of physical properties. More preferably. That is, it is preferable to use neutralized acrylic acid (that is, a partially neutralized salt of acrylic acid) as a monomer.
- the neutralization rate in the neutralization is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 mol% to 100 mol%, more preferably 30 mol% to 95 mol%, still more preferably 45 mol% to 90 mol%, particularly preferably. Is 60 mol% to 80 mol%.
- the neutralization temperature is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 ° C to 100 ° C, more preferably 30 ° C to 90 ° C.
- the conditions disclosed in EP 574260 are preferably applied to the present invention.
- water-soluble resins such as starch, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethyleneimine; foaming agents such as carbonates, azo compounds, and bubbles; surface activity
- An optional component such as an agent can be added in any of the production steps of the present invention, such as an aqueous solution of an acrylic acid (salt) monomer, a hydrogel crosslinked polymer, a dry polymer, or a water absorbent resin.
- the amount of these optional components is preferably 50% by weight or less, more preferably 20% by weight or less, still more preferably 10% by weight or less, and particularly preferably 3% by weight with respect to the monomer.
- the amount is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 1% by weight or less based on the monomer.
- the graft polymer, specifically starch-acrylic acid polymer, PVA-acrylic acid polymer, and the like can be obtained by adding the above aqueous resin, and these are also treated as polyacrylic acid (salt) in the present invention.
- a chelating agent for the purpose of improving the color stability (color stability when stored for a long time under high temperature and high humidity) and urine resistance (preventing gel degradation) of the water-absorbent resin powder obtained in the present invention.
- chelating agents are particularly preferable.
- the amount of these used is preferably 10 ppm to 5000 ppm, more preferably 10 ppm to 1000 ppm, still more preferably 50 ppm to 1000 ppm, and particularly preferably 100 ppm to 1000 ppm with respect to the water absorbent resin.
- chelating agents disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,599,989 and International Publication No. 2008/090961 are also applicable to the present invention.
- aminocarboxylic acid metal chelating agents and polyvalent phosphoric acid compounds are preferred.
- acrylic acid (salt) when acrylic acid (salt) is used as a main component, a hydrophilic or hydrophobic unsaturated monomer other than acrylic acid (salt) (hereinafter referred to as “other monomer” in the present specification).
- other monomers include, but are not limited to, methacrylic acid, (anhydrous) maleic acid, 2- (meth) acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, (meth) acryloxyalkanesulfonic acid, N-vinyl.
- the amount used is appropriately determined within a range that does not impair the water absorption performance of the resulting water absorbent resin powder, and is not particularly limited. It is less than 50 mol%, more preferably less than 30 mol%, still more preferably less than 10 mol%. In addition, the minimum of this usage-amount is 0 mol%.
- Internal crosslinking agent In this invention, it is preferable to use an internal crosslinking agent from a viewpoint of the water absorption performance of the water-absorbent resin powder obtained.
- the internal cross-linking agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a polymerizable cross-linking agent with acrylic acid, a reactive cross-linking agent with a carboxyl group, or a cross-linking agent having both of them.
- polymerizable crosslinking agent examples include N, N′-methylenebisacrylamide, (poly) ethylene glycol di (meth) acrylate, (polyoxyethylene) trimethylolpropane tri (meth) acrylate, and poly (meth) allyloxyalkane. And compounds having at least two polymerizable double bonds in the molecule.
- the reactive crosslinking agent examples include polyglycidyl ethers such as ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether; covalent crosslinking agents such as polyhydric alcohols such as propanediol, glycerin and sorbitol, and polyvalent metal compounds such as aluminum salts. An ion binding crosslinking agent is mentioned.
- a polymerizable crosslinking agent with acrylic acid is preferable, and an acrylate-based, allyl-based, and acrylamide-based polymerizable crosslinking agent is more preferable.
- These internal cross-linking agents may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
- the mixing ratio is preferably 10: 1 to 1:10.
- the amount of the internal crosslinking agent used is preferably 0.001 mol% to 5 mol%, more preferably 0.002 mol% to 2 mol, based on all the monomers excluding the crosslinking agent, from the viewpoint of physical properties. %, More preferably 0.04 mol% to 1 mol%, particularly preferably 0.06 mol% to 0.5 mol%, and most preferably 0.07 mol% to 0.2 mol%. Furthermore, in a particularly preferred form of the present invention, it is preferably 0.01 mol% to 1 mol%, more preferably 0.04 mol% to 0.5 mol%, and more preferably, based on all monomers excluding the crosslinking agent. Preferably, 0.07 mol% to 0.1 mol% of the polymerizable crosslinking agent is used.
- the polymerization initiator used in the present invention is appropriately selected depending on the polymerization form and is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a photodegradable polymerization initiator, a thermal decomposition polymerization initiator, and a redox polymerization initiator.
- Examples of the photodegradable polymerization initiator include benzoin derivatives, benzyl derivatives, acetophenone derivatives, benzophenone derivatives, and azo compounds.
- Examples of the thermal decomposition polymerization initiator include persulfates such as sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, and ammonium persulfate; peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide, t-butyl peroxide, and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide; 2,2 ′ And azo compounds such as azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride and 2,2′-azobis [2- (2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride.
- redox polymerization initiator examples include a system in which a reducing compound such as L-ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite is used in combination with the persulfate or peroxide. Furthermore, the form which used together the said photodegradable polymerization initiator and the thermal decomposition type polymerization initiator is also preferable.
- the amount of the polymerization initiator used is preferably 0.0001 mol% to 1 mol%, more preferably 0.0005 mol% to 0.5 mol%, based on all monomers. If the usage-amount of the said polymerization initiator is 1 mol% or less, since the deterioration of the color tone of a water absorbing resin can be suppressed, it is preferable. Moreover, if the usage-amount of the said polymerization initiator is 0.0001 mol% or more, since the increase in a residual monomer can be suppressed, it is preferable.
- a sprayed droplet polymerization or reverse phase suspension polymerization may be employed as the polymerization method to obtain a particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- aqueous solution polymerization is preferred.
- the aqueous solution polymerization is not particularly limited, but more preferably continuous aqueous solution polymerization, more preferably high concentration continuous aqueous solution polymerization, particularly preferably high concentration / high temperature starting continuous aqueous solution polymerization is employed, and the polymerization form is not stirred.
- a belt type polymerization or a stirring type kneader polymerization is preferred.
- the stirring type kneader polymerization means that the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (the hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a polymerization rate of preferably 10 mol% or more, more preferably 50 mol% or more) is preferably stirred, more preferably It means to polymerize while stirring and subdividing. Further, the aqueous monomer solution (with a polymerization rate of less than 10 mol%) may be appropriately stirred before and after the unstirred belt polymerization.
- the belt polymerization or the kneader polymerization include continuous kneader polymerization described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,987,171 and 6,710,141, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,893,999, 6,241,928, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/215734. And continuous belt polymerization described in the above. By these aqueous solution polymerizations, the water-absorbent resin powder can be produced with high productivity.
- the monomer concentration (solid content) is preferably 35% by weight or more, more preferably 40% by weight or more, and further preferably 45% by weight or more (the upper limit is a saturated concentration).
- the polymerization initiation temperature is preferably 30 ° C. or higher, more preferably 35 ° C. or higher, still more preferably 40 ° C. or higher, and particularly preferably 50 ° C. or higher (the upper limit is the boiling point).
- a high concentration / high temperature start continuous aqueous solution polymerization may be performed by combining the above polymerization methods.
- Examples of the high concentration / high temperature starting continuous aqueous solution polymerization include polymerization methods disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 6,906,159 and 7091253, for example. This polymerization method is preferable because a water-absorbing resin powder having a high whiteness can be obtained and production on an industrial scale is easy.
- the polymerization method in the production method according to the present invention is preferably applied to a production apparatus on a huge scale with a large production amount per line.
- the production amount is preferably 0.5 t / hr or more, more preferably 1 t / hr or more, still more preferably 5 t / hr or more, and particularly preferably 10 t / hr or more.
- the polymerization can be carried out in an air atmosphere, but is preferably carried out in an inert gas atmosphere (for example, an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or less) such as water vapor, nitrogen or argon from the viewpoint of preventing coloring. Furthermore, it is preferable to perform polymerization after substituting (degassing) the dissolved oxygen in the monomer or the monomer-containing solution with an inert gas, for example, to make the oxygen less than 1 mg / L. By performing such deaeration, it is possible to provide a water-absorbent resin powder having excellent physical properties, no gelation before polymerization, and higher physical properties and high whiteness.
- an inert gas atmosphere for example, an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or less
- an inert gas atmosphere for example, an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or less
- an inert gas atmosphere for example, an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or less
- an inert gas atmosphere for example, an oxygen concentration of 1% by volume or less
- an inert gas atmosphere
- the gel pulverization step is as defined in the above definition.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer during or after the polymerization described above is subdivided, This is a step of obtaining a particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer (hereinafter also referred to as “particulate hydrogel” in this specification).
- this process is called “gel crushing” in distinction from “crushing” in the following [3-4] crushing step / classifying step.
- an inorganic compound and / or water-absorbing resin fine particles are added to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a resin solid content of 10% by weight to 80% by weight, and the following (1) to (2): (1) Gel grinding energy (GGE) is 18 J / g to 60 J / g (2) Gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) is 9 J / g to 40 J / g Gel grinding satisfying at least one of the above is performed.
- the increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is 10,000 Da to 500,000 Da.
- the weight-average particle size (D50) of the obtained particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer is 350 ⁇ m to 2000 ⁇ m.
- the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution of the obtained particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer is 0.2 to 1.0.
- the resin solid content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before pulverization of the gel is 10% by weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 30% by weight to 80% by weight, still more preferably 40% by weight to 80% by weight.
- the “hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization” means a hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer immediately before being subjected to the gel pulverization step. Sometimes referred to as "polymer”.
- the resin solid content of the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is obtained by using a scissors, a cutter or the like, and the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer before gel pulverization is 5 mm or less on one side, more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. After being cut and finely divided so that the following can be obtained, it can be determined by the loss on drying described in [1-3] (f) above. Further, the gel grinding energy at the time of cutting with the scissors or the cutter is substantially zero.
- the water content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before pulverization of the gel is 20% by weight to 90% by weight, more preferably 30% by weight to 90% by weight, still more preferably 40% by weight to 55% by weight. .
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention preferably contains particles in which an inorganic compound is present inside the particles.
- an inorganic compound inside the particle, it is possible to suppress the generation of a fine particle gel due to the disintegration of the gel when the water-absorbent resin powder swells, and has excellent water absorption magnification, water absorption speed, and liquid permeability under pressure.
- a water-absorbing resin powder can be obtained.
- inorganic compounds include those added as additives in the additive addition step after gel grinding and drying in the water-absorbent resin production step. However, when added in the additive addition step as described above, the additive is present on the surface of the water-absorbent resin and does not enter the interior of the particles.
- the inorganic compound is uniformly distributed in the water-absorbent resin powder.
- the inorganic compound is absorbed in the water by adding the inorganic compound in the gel grinding step. Distributed unevenly in the conductive resin powder. Also with this configuration, it is possible to further suppress generation of fine particle gel due to gel collapse during swelling, and to obtain a water absorbent resin powder having excellent water absorption capacity under load, water absorption speed, and liquid permeability.
- inorganic particles can be preferably used.
- the presence of the inorganic compound inside the particles of the water-absorbent resin powder can suppress the generation of fine-particle gel due to the collapse of the gel when the water-absorbent resin powder absorbs water and swells.
- an inorganic compound needs to be present on the bonding surface of the dry polymer particles fixed during drying, and in order to realize the form, in the presence of the inorganic compound (that is, Most preferably, an inorganic compound is added during gel pulverization) and the gel is pulverized under specific conditions.
- the inorganic compound when it is put in a monomer before polymerization, the inorganic compound is uniformly dispersed, and when it is added to particles after drying and grinding, it is not suitable only on the surface. This is not suitable because the compound exists.
- examples of the inorganic particles include mineral products, polyvalent metal salts, polyvalent metal oxides, polyvalent metal hydroxides, oxide composites, hydrotalcite-like compounds, or combinations of two or more thereof. it can.
- the inorganic particles include, for example, mineral products such as talc, kaolin, fullerite, bentonite, activated clay, barite, natural asphalt, strontium ore, ilmenite, pearlite; aluminum sulfate Aluminum compounds such as 14-18 hydrate (or anhydride), potassium aluminum sulfate 12 hydrate, sodium aluminum sulfate 12 hydrate, ammonium aluminum sulfate 12 hydrate, aluminum chloride, polyaluminum chloride, aluminum oxide; Metal salts, polyvalent metal oxides and polyvalent metal hydroxides; hydrophilic amorphous silica (for example, dry method: Tokuyama Reolosil QS-20, precipitation method: DEGUSSA Sipernat 22S, Sipernat 2200) F.
- mineral products such as talc, kaolin, fullerite, bentonite, activated clay, barite, natural asphalt, strontium ore, ilmenite, pearlite
- aluminum sulfate Aluminum compounds such
- Oxide complexes such as silicon oxide / aluminum oxide / magnesium oxide complex (for example, Entgelhard Attagel # 50), silicon oxide / aluminum oxide complex, silicon oxide / magnesium oxide complex; hydrotalcite-like compound And the like.
- inorganic particles exemplified in US Pat. No. 5,164,459 and European Patent No. 761241 can also be used. In the present invention, these inorganic particles may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
- the hydrotalcite-like compound is a multi-component metal compound having a hydrotalcite-like structure and containing a divalent metal cation, a trivalent metal cation and a hydroxyl group.
- the divalent metal cation include Mg 2+ , Fe 2+ , Zn 2+ , Ca 2+ , Ni 2+ , Co 2+ and Cu 2+ , and Mg 2+ is more preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance and the like.
- the trivalent metal cation include Al 3+ , Fe 3+ and Mn 3+ , and Al 3+ is more preferable from the viewpoint of heat resistance and the like.
- a more preferred hydrotalcite-like compound is, for example, a hydrotalcite-like compound in which the divalent metal cation is a magnesium cation and the trivalent metal cation is an aluminum cation.
- the hydrotalcite-like compound has the following general formula (1) [M1 2+ 1-x M2 3+ x (OH ⁇ ) 2 ] x + ⁇ [(A n ⁇ ) x / n ⁇ mH 2 O] x ⁇ (1)
- M1 2+ is a divalent metal cation
- M2 3+ is a trivalent metal cation
- H 2 O indicates the water
- x is preferably 0.2 to 0.75, more preferably 0.25 to 0.70, and still more preferably 0. .25 to 0.50.
- anion include OH ⁇ , F ⁇ , Cl ⁇ , Br ⁇ , NO 3 ⁇ , CO 3 2 ⁇ , SO 4 2 ⁇ , Fe (CN) 6 3 ⁇ , CH 3 COO ⁇ , oxalate ion, Salicylic acid ions and the like can be mentioned, and carbonate anions are preferred.
- m in the general formula (1) is a real number larger than 0, and more preferably 0 ⁇ m ⁇ 10.
- hydrotalcite-like compound may further include an intercalation of an organic compound between layers, and may be subjected to a surface treatment for enhancing the binding property with the water absorbent resin.
- hydrotalcite-like compound examples include Mg 6 Al 2 (OH) 16 CO 3 .4H 2 O, Mg 4 Al 2 (OH) 12 CO 3 .3H 2 O, and the like.
- DHT-4H and DHT-6 manufactured by Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., STABIACE HT-1-NC and STABIACE HT-P manufactured by Sakai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. can be preferably used.
- the particle size of the inorganic particles used in the present invention is preferably 500 ⁇ m or less, more preferably 100 ⁇ m or less, and even more preferably 10 ⁇ m or less, from the viewpoint of handleability and addition effect.
- the particle size includes both the case of the particle size of the primary particle and the case of the particle size of the secondary particle (granulated product, aggregate).
- the particle size of the primary particles is preferably 5 ⁇ m or less. More preferably, it is 1 micrometer or less, More preferably, it is 0.1 micrometer or less.
- the particle size is preferably constant, and the volume average particle size is preferably 2 ⁇ m or less, more preferably 1.5 ⁇ m or less, and even more preferably 1 ⁇ m or less. .
- the volume average particle diameter is preferably 0.05 ⁇ m or more, more preferably 0.1 ⁇ m or more, and still more preferably 0.3 ⁇ m or more.
- the volume average particle size of the hydrotalcite-like compound can be measured by a “laser diffraction scattering method” (for example, measured by Nikkiso Co., Ltd., trade name: Microtrac MT3000II particle size analyzer).
- the measurement of the average particle diameter of the hydrotalcite-like compound adhering to the water-absorbent resin surface can be performed by a measuring method using SEM (scanning electron microscope) which is a method described in the examples.
- an inorganic compound is added and gel grinding is performed.
- it is important to add an inorganic compound in the gel pulverization step whereby the inorganic compound is kneaded into the particulate water-containing gel, and the resulting water-absorbent resin powder is caused to disintegrate during swelling. Generation of fine particle gel can be suppressed. Therefore, the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder obtained by the production method according to the present invention exhibits excellent water absorption capacity under pressure, water absorption speed, and liquid permeability.
- the amount of the inorganic compound added is preferably 0.001 to 5.0 parts by weight, more preferably 0.005 to 1.0 parts by weight, still more preferably 100 parts by weight of the water absorbent resin powder. Is 0.01 part by weight to 0.5 part by weight, particularly preferably 0.05 part by weight to 0.2 part by weight. If the addition amount of the inorganic compound is 0.001 part by weight or more, the effect of the present invention can be obtained, which is preferable. If the addition amount of the inorganic compound is 5.0 parts by weight or less, the amount of the inorganic compound is not excessive, and the above effect can be obtained.
- the method of adding the inorganic compound is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of adding the inorganic compound as a solution, a method of adding the inorganic compound as a dispersion, and a method of adding the inorganic compound as a powder. It can. Among these, from the viewpoint of kneading the inorganic compound into the particulate hydrous gel, a method of adding the inorganic compound as a solution or a method of adding the inorganic compound as a dispersion is preferably used.
- the solvent is not particularly limited, and may be water or an organic solvent.
- organic solvent examples include propylene glycol and 1,3-propanediol.
- the dispersion medium is not particularly limited, and may be water or an organic dispersion medium.
- examples of such an organic dispersion medium include propylene glycol and 1,3-propanediol.
- a method of adding an inorganic compound as an aqueous solution or a method of adding an inorganic compound as an aqueous dispersion is particularly preferable.
- Use of water as a solvent or dispersion medium is preferable because it can be uniformly mixed and easily removed during drying.
- water includes at least one of solid, liquid, and gas. From the viewpoint of handleability, “water” is more preferably a liquid.
- the concentration of the inorganic compound solution is not particularly limited, but the concentration of the inorganic compound in the solution is preferably 1% by weight to 70% by weight, more preferably 5% by weight to 50% by weight. .
- the concentration of the dispersion of the inorganic compound is not particularly limited, but the weight ratio of the inorganic compound in the dispersion is preferably 1% by weight to 70% by weight, more preferably 5% by weight to 50% by weight. is there.
- the point at which the inorganic compound is added is not particularly limited as long as the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer stays in the gel pulverizer, but it is preferably charged simultaneously with the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer. .
- the inorganic compound is charged on the downstream side (the side on which the gel-pulverized water-containing gel is discharged) from the place where the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer is charged.
- the temperature at the time of addition of the solution or dispersion is preferably 10 ° C. to 95 ° C., more preferably 50 ° C. to 90 ° C.
- the water-absorbent resin fine particles are added after the first gel pulverization step (preferably gel pulverization performed simultaneously with the progress of polymerization).
- the addition amount is 10% by weight or more, preferably 12% by weight or more, more preferably 15% by weight or more based on the solid content of the gel.
- the upper limit is 30% by weight.
- the gel crushing apparatus used in this step is not particularly limited, and a batch type or continuous type kneader, particularly a batch type or continuous type double arm kneader, etc .; a gel provided with a plurality of rotary stirring blades Pulverizers: 1-screw extruder, 2-screw extruder, screw type extruders such as meat choppers, and the like.
- the gel crusher used in this step is more preferably a screw type extruder, and more preferably a screw type extruder in which a perforated plate is installed at one end of a casing.
- examples thereof include a screw type extruder disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 63527. Below, an example of the screw type extruder used at this process is demonstrated.
- the screw-type extruder used in this step is composed of, for example, a casing, a base, a screw, a supply port, a hopper, an extrusion port, a perforated plate, a rotary blade, a ring, a reverse prevention member, a motor, a streak, and the like.
- the casing has a cylindrical shape, and a screw is disposed therein.
- One end of the casing is provided with an extrusion port for extruding the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer and pulverizing the gel, and a perforated plate is installed in front of it, and the other end is a motor for rotating the screw.
- a drive system etc. are arranged.
- a stand is provided below the casing, whereby the screw type extruder can be stably installed.
- a supply port for supplying the hydrogel crosslinked polymer above the casing there is a supply port for supplying the hydrogel crosslinked polymer above the casing, and a hopper is provided to facilitate the supply of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the shape and size of the casing need only have a cylindrical inner surface corresponding to the shape of the screw, and are not particularly limited.
- the rotation speed of a screw changes with shapes of a screw extruder, it is not specifically limited, As mentioned later, it is preferable that the rotation speed of a screw can be changed.
- a reverse prevention member, a streaky protrusion disposed on the screw, and the like can be provided in the vicinity of the extrusion port.
- the reversion preventing member is not particularly limited as long as it is a structure that can prevent the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer from reversing in the vicinity of the extrusion port, and is a spiral or concentric belt-shaped protrusion installed on the inner wall of the casing, Alternatively, a streak-like, granular, spherical or angular projection placed in parallel with the screw can be used.
- a streak-like, granular, spherical or angular projection placed in parallel with the screw can be used.
- the perforated plate provided at the outlet of the casing of the gel crusher its thickness, pore diameter, and open area ratio are appropriately selected depending on the processing amount per unit time of the gel crusher and the properties of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the thickness of the perforated plate is preferably 3.5 mm to 40 mm, more preferably 6 mm to 20 mm.
- the pore diameter of the perforated plate is preferably 3.2 mm to 24 mm, more preferably 7.5 mm to 24 mm.
- the aperture ratio of the perforated plate is preferably in the range of 20% to 80%, more preferably 30% to 55%.
- the shape of the hole is preferably circular, but when the shape is other than a circle, for example, a quadrangle, an ellipse, a slit, etc., the hole area is converted to a circle and the hole diameter (mm) To do.
- the perforated plate has a thickness of less than 3.5 mm, a pore diameter of more than 24 mm, and an open area ratio of more than 80%, sufficient shear / compression force is given to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer It may not be possible.
- the thickness of the porous plate is more than 40 mm, the pore diameter is less than 3.2 mm, and the open area ratio is less than 20%, excessive shearing / compression is applied to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer. It may give power and cause deterioration of physical properties.
- GGE Gel grinding energy
- GGE2 Gel grinding energy (2)
- the inorganic compound and / or the water-absorbing resin fine particles are added to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a resin solid content of 10 wt% or more and 80 wt% or less. And gel grinding satisfying at least one of (2).
- gel grinding energy is controlled within a certain range. That is, the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is gel pulverized in a gel pulverization energy (GGE) range of 18 J / g to 60 J / g.
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) is controlled within a certain range. That is, the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer is subjected to gel pulverization when the gel pulverization energy (2) (GGE (2)) is in the range of 9 J / g to 40 J / g.
- the GGE control can be performed, for example, by the method shown in [1-11] above.
- the upper limit of the gel grinding energy (GGE) is preferably 60 J / g or less, more preferably 50 J / g or less, and still more preferably 40 J / g or less. Further, the lower limit is preferably 18 J / g or more, more preferably 20 J / g or more, and further preferably 25 J / g or more.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) for gel grinding of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is preferably 18 J / g to 60 J / kg, more preferably 20 J / g to 50 J / g, still more preferably. 25 J / g to 40 J / kg.
- gel pulverization energy is defined including the energy during idling of the gel pulverizer.
- the gel pulverization energy for gel pulverizing the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is defined by gel pulverization energy (2) (GGE (2)) excluding energy during idling of the gel pulverizer. You can also. That is, in the present invention, the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) for gel grinding of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer has an upper limit of preferably 40 J / g or less, more preferably 32 J / g. Hereinafter, it is more preferably 25 J / g or less. The lower limit is preferably 9 J / g or more, more preferably 12 J / g or more, and still more preferably 15 J / g or more.
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) for grinding the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is preferably 9 J / g to 40 J / kg, more preferably 12 J / g to 32 J. / G, more preferably 15 J / g to 25 J / kg.
- GGE (2) gel grinding energy (2)
- gel pulverization can be performed while applying an appropriate shearing / compressing force to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the shape of the water-absorbing resin can be improved, and both high liquid permeability and water absorption speed can be achieved.
- the total energy consumed by each device is the gel grinding energy. (GGE) or gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)).
- the hydrogel gel Gel pulverization is performed so that the increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component of the crosslinked polymer is 10,000 Da to 500,000 Da.
- the water-soluble content of the gel Ext is preferably 0.1% by weight to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.5% by weight to 8% by weight, and still more preferably. 1% to 5% by weight.
- the gel Ext is 10% by weight or less, since the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component that increases due to shear by gel pulverization does not become excessive, the desired liquid permeability can be obtained.
- the gel Ext is preferably smaller, but the lower limit is in the above range from the viewpoints of balance with the gel CRC, production cost necessary for reducing the gel Ext, reduction in productivity, and the like.
- the gel Ext is obtained by cutting and granulating the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization using scissors, a cutter or the like so that one side is 5 mm or less, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. [Example] It is determined by the measuring method described in (i).
- the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component in the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before pulverization of the gel is preferably 50000 Da to 450,000 Da, more preferably 100000 Da to 430000 Da, and still more preferably 150,000 Da to 400000 Da.
- the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component is 50000 Da or more, the particle size of the particulate hydrous gel obtained after gel pulverization is not too fine, and a water-absorbent resin powder having desired physical properties can be obtained. Moreover, when the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component is 450,000 Da or less, since the crosslinking point is sufficient and does not receive damage due to shear more than necessary, an increase in the water-soluble component after gel pulverization is suppressed, A water-absorbing resin with excellent performance can be obtained.
- the weight average molecular weight of such a water-soluble component can be appropriately controlled with the amount of crosslinking agent added during polymerization, the polymerization concentration, and a chain transfer agent if necessary.
- the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component in the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is preferably 5 mm or less on one side of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization using scissors or a cutter. Is obtained by the measurement method described in the following [Example] (j) after cutting and refining to 1 mm to 3 mm.
- the gel Ext of the particulate hydrogel after the gel pulverization is preferably 0.1% by weight to 20% by weight, more preferably 0.1% by weight to 10% by weight, based on the resin solid content in the hydrous gel. More preferably, the content is 0.1% by weight to 8% by weight, and particularly preferably 0.1% by weight to 5% by weight.
- the increase amount of the gel Ext of the particulate hydrogel after gel pulverization with respect to the gel Ext before gel pulverization is preferably 5% by weight or less, more preferably 4% by weight or less, still more preferably 3% by weight or less, particularly Preferably it is 2 weight% or less, Most preferably, it is 1 weight% or less.
- the lower limit may be negative (for example, -3.0% by weight, further -1.0% by weight), but is usually more than 0% by weight, preferably 0.1% by weight or more, more preferably 0.00%. It is 2% by weight or more, more preferably 0.3% by weight or more.
- the gel Ext is preferably adjusted so as to be within an arbitrary range of the upper limit value and the lower limit value, such as 5.0% by weight or less, more preferably 0.1% by weight to 3.0% by weight. The gel may be crushed until it increases.
- the amount of increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer due to gel pulverization is preferably 10000 Da or more, more preferably 20000 Da or more, and even more preferably 30000 Da or more.
- the upper limit value is preferably 500,000 Da or less, more preferably 400,000 Da or less, further preferably 250,000 Da or less, and particularly preferably 100,000 Da or less.
- the increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component of the particulate hydrogel after gel pulverization relative to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is preferably 10,000 Da to 500,000 Da, more preferably It is 20000 Da to 400000 Da, more preferably 30000 Da to 250,000 Da.
- the increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component is often less than 10,000 Da.
- more gel pulverization energy GGE
- GGE gel pulverization energy
- GGE gel pulverization energy
- the increase in the weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component by gel pulverization is 500,000 Da or less, excessive mechanical external force does not act on the hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer. It is preferable because the soluble component does not increase and the physical properties do not decrease.
- the weight-average particle diameter (D50) of the obtained particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer is 350 ⁇ m to 2000 ⁇ m, and / or the obtained particulate hydrogel Gel pulverization is performed until the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution of the crosslinked polymer becomes 0.2 to 1.0.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained in the above polymerization step is pulverized using a gel pulverizer (kneader, meat chopper, screw type extruder, etc.) to which the above-described gel pulverization of the present invention is applied. It becomes a cross-linked polymer.
- the particle size of the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer can be controlled by classification, preparation, etc., but is preferably controlled by gel grinding.
- the weight-average particle diameter (D50) (specified by sieve classification) of the particulate hydrogel after gel pulverization is 350 ⁇ m to 2000 ⁇ m, more preferably 400 ⁇ m to 1500 ⁇ m, still more preferably 500 ⁇ m to 1000 ⁇ m.
- the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution is 0.2 to 1.0, more preferably 0.2 to 0.8, and still more preferably 0.2 to 0.7.
- the weight average particle diameter is 2000 ⁇ m or less because the shear / compression force received by the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is uniform and sufficient. Further, when the weight average particle diameter is 2000 ⁇ m or less, the difference in the degree of drying between the inside and the surface of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is small, and thus particles having non-uniform physical properties are generated by pulverization after drying. It is difficult and there is no deterioration in physical properties due to uneven particles. In addition, when the weight average particle diameter is 350 ⁇ m or more, the surface area of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer does not become excessively high and is unlikely to be extremely dried, so that the residual monomer in the drying process is sufficiently reduced. .
- the amount of fine powder produced by pulverization after drying is suppressed, and not only particle size control becomes easy, but also physical properties such as liquid permeability (SFC) are excellent.
- SFC liquid permeability
- classification of gel after pulverization for example, JP-A-6-107800
- particle size control at the time of polymerization before gel pulverization for example, a method of obtaining gel particles having a sharp particle size in reversed phase suspension polymerization; European Patent No. 0349240
- the log standard deviation ( ⁇ ) is less than 0.2.
- Special operations such as classification of the gel after pulverization and particle size control during polymerization before gel pulverization are required. Therefore, in consideration of productivity and cost, it is not preferable and practically impossible to obtain a particulate hydrogel having a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of less than 0.2.
- the method for controlling the particle size include gel pulverization according to the present invention. Gel pulverization may be performed under a condition that exhibits the particle size, particularly with a screw extruder.
- the gel pulverization is performed during or after polymerization, and more preferably is performed on the hydrogel crosslinked polymer after polymerization.
- the polymerization rate of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer to be subjected to gel pulverization is preferably 90 mol% or more, more preferably 93 mol% or more, still more preferably 95 mol% or more, and particularly preferably 97 mol% or more.
- the upper limit is preferably 99.5 mol%.
- the polymerization rate of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer to be crushed by gel is preferably 90 mol% or more, since the residual monomer contained in the water-absorbent resin powder can be reduced.
- the polymerization rate is also referred to as a conversion rate, and refers to a value calculated from the polymer amount calculated from the pH titration of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer and the residual monomer amount.
- the polymerization rate of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer to be gel crushed is preferably within the above range, but in the case of gel grinding during polymerization, such as kneader polymerization, the monomer aqueous solution is “sufficiently gelled”.
- the state is referred to as a gel grinding process.
- the monomer aqueous solution changes to a hydrogel crosslinked polymer as the polymerization time elapses. That is, the stirring region of the monomer aqueous solution at the start of polymerization, the stirring region of the low-polymerized hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a constant viscosity during the polymerization, and a part of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer as the polymerization proceeds
- the gel pulverization start region and the gel pulverization region in the latter half of the polymerization or the final stage are continuously performed.
- the above “sufficient gelation” means a state in which the hydrogel crosslinked polymer can be subdivided by applying a shearing force after the polymerization temperature reaches the maximum (polymerization peak temperature).
- the monomer polymerization rate in the aqueous monomer solution is preferably 90 mol% or more, more preferably 93 mol% or more, still more preferably 95 mol% or more, and particularly preferably 97 mol% or more. It means a state in which a shearing force can be applied to subdivide the hydrogel crosslinked polymer. That is, in the gel pulverization step of the present invention, a hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a monomer polymerization rate within the above range is gel pulverized.
- the polymerization rate of the monomer is “sufficiently gelled”. Stipulate.
- the GGE in the kneader polymerization after the polymerization peak temperature or the conversion rate may be measured. Further, when employing continuous kneader polymerization, the total GGE in the entire polymerization process is obtained by multiplying by the ratio of the polymerization peak temperature or the polymerization time after the conversion to the total polymerization time (formula (3) reference).
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer during or after polymerization preferably the hydrogel crosslinked polymer after polymerization is preferably tens of centimeters in size. Can be cut or crushed. By this operation, it becomes easy to fill the gel pulverizer with the hydrogel crosslinked polymer, and the gel pulverization step can be carried out more smoothly.
- a method capable of cutting or crushing so as not to knead the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is preferable, and examples thereof include cutting with a guillotine cutter or crushing.
- disconnection or crushing should just be able to be filled into a gel grinding
- the weight of one of the crushed gel pieces is 1/10 or less of “the weight of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer charged into the gel pulverizer per second”, the energy during the pulverization is also crushed. It will be added as the GGE of the hour.
- the screw shaft rotation speed of the screw extruder is generally specified because the outer peripheral speed of the rotary blade varies depending on the inner diameter of the casing.
- the rotational speed of the shaft is preferably 90 rpm to 500 rpm, more preferably 100 rpm to 400 pm, and still more preferably 120 rpm to 200 rpm.
- the shaft rotation speed is 90 rpm or more, shear / compression force necessary for gel crushing can be obtained.
- the shaft rotation speed is 500 rpm or less, excessive shear / compression force is imparted to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the physical properties are hardly deteriorated, the load applied to the gel crusher is small, and there is no possibility of breakage.
- the outer peripheral speed of the rotary blade at this time is preferably 0.5 m / s to 5 m / s, more preferably 0.5 m / s to 4 m / s.
- the temperature of the gel pulverizing apparatus in the present invention is preferably heated or kept at 40 ° C. to 120 ° C., more preferably 60 ° C. to 100 ° C. in order to prevent adhesion of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the gel temperature that is, the temperature of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before pulverization of the gel is preferably 40 ° C. to 120 ° C., more preferably 60 ° C. to 120 ° C., and still more preferably 60 ° C. to 120 ° C. from the viewpoints of particle size control and physical properties. 110 ° C., particularly preferably 65 ° C. to 110 ° C.
- the gel temperature is 40 ° C. or higher, the hardness is difficult to increase due to the characteristics of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer, so that the particle shape and particle size distribution can be easily controlled during gel pulverization.
- the gel temperature is 120 ° C.
- the softness of the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer does not increase excessively, so that the particle shape and particle size distribution can be easily controlled.
- Such a gel temperature can be appropriately controlled by the polymerization temperature, the post-polymerization heating, the heat retaining or the cooling.
- the gel CRC of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is preferably 10 g / g to 35 g / g, more preferably 10 g / g to 32 g / g, still more preferably 10 g / g to 30 g / g, particularly preferably. 15 g / g to 30 g / g.
- the gel CRC of 10 g / g to 35 g / g is preferable because the particle shape and particle size distribution during gel pulverization can be easily controlled.
- Such gel CRC can be appropriately controlled by the addition amount of a crosslinking agent at the time of polymerization and other polymerization concentrations.
- the gel CRC is obtained by cutting and refining the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization so that one side is 5 mm or less, preferably 1 mm to 3 mm, using a scissor or a cutter. [Example] It is determined by the measuring method described in (g).
- the gel CRC of the particulate hydrogel after pulverization of the gel is preferably 10 g / g to 35 g / g, more preferably 10 g / g to 32 g / g, still more preferably 15 g / g to 30 g / g.
- the gel CRC after gel pulverization is preferably ⁇ 1 g / g to +3 g / g, more preferably 0.1 g / g to 2 g / g, and still more preferably 0.3 g with respect to the gel CRC before gel pulverization. / G to 1.5 g / g.
- the resin solid content of the particulate hydrogel after pulverization of the gel is preferably 10% by weight to 80% by weight, more preferably 30% by weight to 80% by weight, and still more preferably 50% by weight from the viewpoint of physical properties. ⁇ 80 wt%. Setting the resin solid content of the particulate hydrogel after gel pulverization within the above range is preferable because it is easy to control the rise in CRC due to drying and there is little damage (such as an increase in water-soluble content) due to drying.
- pulverization can be suitably controlled by the resin solid content before gel grinding
- the production amount of the water-absorbent resin powder is 1 t / hr to 20 t / hr or 1 t / hr to 10 t / hr by continuous gel pulverization using a continuous kneader, meat chopper, etc.
- 100 kg of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer Sampling and measurement of at least 10 points in total, at least 10 points in total, and in the case of batch-type gel grinding (for example, batch kneader), sampling and measurement of at least 10 points from a batch sample
- the physical properties of the particulate hydrogel may be evaluated.
- gel pulverization may be performed by adding water to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- water includes at least one of solid, liquid, and gas.
- the addition of water there is no limitation on the addition method and the addition timing, and it is sufficient that water is supplied into the apparatus while the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is retained in the gel crushing apparatus. Moreover, you may throw into the gel grinding
- the water is not limited to “water alone”, and other additives (for example, a surfactant, a neutralizing base, etc.) and a solvent other than water may be added. However, in this case, the water content is preferably 90% to 100% by weight, more preferably 99% to 100% by weight, and still more preferably substantially 100% by weight.
- the water can be used in at least one of solid, liquid, and gas, but liquid and / or gas are preferable from the viewpoint of handling.
- the amount of water supplied is preferably more than 0 parts by weight and 4 parts by weight or less, more preferably more than 0 parts by weight and 2 parts by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer. When the supply amount of water exceeds 4 parts by weight, there is a risk that problems such as generation of undried material during drying occur.
- the temperature of the water at the time of supply is preferably 10 ° C. to 100 ° C., more preferably 40 ° C. to 100 ° C.
- the temperature of the water at the time of supply is preferably 100 ° C. to 220 ° C., more preferably 100 ° C. to 160 ° C., and further preferably 100 ° C. to 130 ° C.
- the preparation method is not particularly limited. For example, a method using water vapor generated by heating of a boiler, a gaseous state generated from a water surface by vibrating water with ultrasonic waves. The method of using the water of this is mentioned.
- steam having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure is preferable, and steam generated in a boiler is more preferable.
- the drying step is a step of drying the particulate hydrogel obtained in the gel pulverization step to obtain a dry polymer. More specifically, the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer obtained in the gel pulverization step is dried at a drying temperature of 150 ° C. to 250 ° C. using a dryer to obtain a dry polymer.
- hot air drying is preferable, and dew point is preferably 40 ° C. to 100 ° C., more preferably 50 ° C. to 90 ° C., and hot air drying is more preferable.
- Examples of the dryer that can be used in the drying process of the present invention include a heat transfer type dryer, a radiant heat transfer type dryer, a hot air heat transfer type dryer, and a dielectric heating type dryer. These dryers may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, from the viewpoint of drying speed, a hot air heat transfer type dryer, that is, a hot air dryer is preferable.
- a hot air heat transfer type dryer that is, a hot air dryer is preferable.
- hot air dryers such as a ventilation belt type, a ventilation circuit type, a ventilation vertical type, a parallel flow belt type, a ventilation tunnel type, a ventilation groove type stirring type, a fluidized bed type, an air flow type, a spray type, etc. Can be mentioned.
- a ventilation belt type hot air dryer is preferably used from the viewpoint of physical property control.
- a ventilation belt type hot air dryer is preferably used.
- the direction of the hot air used in the dryer is perpendicular to the layer of particulate hydrous gel layered on the vent belt (for example, in the vertical direction). Combined use, upward direction, or downward direction) is essential.
- vertical direction refers to a particulate water-containing gel layer (particulate water-containing gel layer having a thickness of 10 mm to 300 mm laminated on a punching metal or a metal net). It is not limited to the strict vertical direction as long as it is ventilated in the vertical direction.
- hot air in an oblique direction may be used, and in this case, it is within 30 °, more preferably within 20 °, further preferably within 10 °, particularly preferably within 5 °, most preferably 0 ° with respect to the vertical direction. Hot air is used.
- the resin solid content of the particulate hydrogel polymer at the time of charging into the ventilation belt type hot air dryer in the drying step Is 10 wt% to 80 wt%, the drying temperature in the ventilated belt type hot air dryer is 150 ° C. to 250 ° C., and the wind speed of the hot air is 0.8 m / s to 2.5 m / s in the vertical direction. Preferably there is.
- drying conditions in the drying process of the present invention will be described.
- the drying temperature in this step is 150 ° C. to 250 ° C., more preferably 160 ° C. to 220 ° C., still more preferably 170 ° C. to 200 ° C.
- the drying temperature is 150 ° C. to 250 ° C., more preferably 160 ° C. to 220 ° C., still more preferably 170 ° C. to 200 ° C.
- the drying time in this step depends on the surface area of the particulate water-containing gel, the type of dryer, and the like, and therefore may be set as appropriate so as to achieve the desired moisture content.
- the drying time is usually preferably 1 minute to 10 hours, more preferably 5 minutes to 2 hours, still more preferably 10 minutes to 120 minutes, and particularly preferably 20 minutes to 60 minutes.
- the time from when the particulate hydrogel leaves the gel pulverization step of [3-2] to the drying step is from the viewpoint of coloring with the water-absorbent resin powder, a shorter one is better. Specifically, it is preferably within 2 hours, more preferably within 1 hour, still more preferably within 30 minutes, particularly preferably within 10 minutes, most preferably. Is within 2 minutes.
- the wind speed of the hot air when using a ventilated belt type hot air dryer as the dryer is preferably 0.8 m / s to 2.5 m / s in the vertical direction (vertical direction), more preferably 1.0 m. / S to 2.0 m / s.
- the drying time is shortened, and the liquid permeability and water absorption speed of the resulting water absorbent resin powder are improved.
- the said wind speed is 2.5 m / s or less, stable drying can be performed and it is easy to control the moisture content of the dry polymer obtained to a desired range.
- the said wind speed is represented by the average flow velocity of the hot air which passes a perpendicular
- the wind speed may be controlled within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.
- it may be controlled within a range of 70% or more, preferably 90% or more, more preferably 95% or more of the drying time.
- the water permeability and water absorption speed of the water-absorbent resin powder are improved by drying the particulate hydrogel having a specific particle size obtained in the above-mentioned gel pulverization process with a ventilation belt type hot air dryer at a specific temperature and wind speed. To do. That is, the water absorption speed of the resulting dried polymer is improved by setting the wind speed of the hot air within the above range.
- the hot air used in the ventilated belt type hot air dryer contains at least water vapor and has a dew point of preferably 30 ° C. to 100 ° C., more preferably. Is from 30 ° C to 80 ° C.
- the dew point is a value when the moisture content of the particulate hydrogel is at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight.
- the dryer it is preferred that the dew point near the entrance (or early in drying, eg, before 50% of drying time) is high. Specifically, it is preferable that hot air having a dew point of 10 ° C. to 50 ° C., more preferably 15 ° C. to 40 ° C. higher than that near the dryer outlet is brought into contact with the particulate hydrous gel near the dryer inlet. By controlling the dew point within the above range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in bulk specific gravity of the dry polymer.
- the particulate hydrogel is continuously layered on the belt of the ventilated belt type hot air dryer. It is preferably supplied and dried with hot air.
- the width of the belt of the ventilation belt type hot air dryer used at this time is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 m or more, more preferably 1 m or more.
- the upper limit is preferably 10 m or less, more preferably 5 m or less.
- the length of the belt is preferably 20 m or more, more preferably 40 m or more.
- an upper limit becomes like this. Preferably it is 100 m or less, More preferably, it is 50 m or less.
- the layer length (gel layer thickness) of the particulate hydrogel on the belt is preferably 10 mm to 300 mm, more preferably 50 mm to 200 mm, still more preferably 80 mm to 150 mm, and particularly preferably 90 mm from the viewpoint of drying efficiency. ⁇ 110 mm.
- the moving speed of the particulate hydrogel on the belt may be appropriately set depending on the belt width, belt length, production amount, drying time, etc., but from the viewpoint of load of the belt driving device, durability, etc., preferably 0.3 m / min to 5 m / min, more preferably 0.5 m / min to 2.5 m / min, still more preferably 0.5 m / min to 2 m / min, particularly preferably 0.7 m / min to 1.5 m. / Min.
- the production method of the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention is more suitable for continuous operation, and by setting each condition in the above-described drying step within the above range, productivity and water absorption obtained A significant effect is exhibited in improving the physical properties of the resin powder.
- the dryer is preferably 5 rooms or more, more preferably 6 rooms or more, and still more preferably 8 rooms. It is more preferable that the ventilation belt type hot air dryer has the above.
- the upper limit is appropriately set depending on the size of the apparatus such as the production amount, but is usually about 20 rooms.
- the particulate hydrogel obtained in the gel pulverization step is dried in the main drying step to obtain a dry polymer.
- the weight loss after drying (dry weight loss after heating 1 g of powder at 180 ° C. for 3 hours to dry)
- the resin solid content determined from the above is preferably more than 80% by weight, more preferably 85% to 99% by weight, still more preferably 90% to 98% by weight, particularly preferably 92% to 97% by weight. is there.
- the surface temperature of the particulate hydrogel obtained in the gel pulverization step immediately before being charged into the dryer is preferably 40 ° C to 110 ° C, more preferably 60 ° C to 110 ° C, and still more preferably. Is from 60 ° C to 100 ° C, particularly preferably from 70 ° C to 100 ° C.
- a surface temperature of 40 ° C. or higher is preferable because a balloon-like dry product cannot be formed at the time of drying, the amount of fine powder generated is small at the time of pulverization, and physical properties are not deteriorated.
- the surface temperature is 110 ° C. or lower, the water-absorbent resin after drying (for example, increase in water-soluble content) and coloring do not occur, which is preferable.
- Pulverization step and classification step This step is a step in which the dried polymer obtained in the drying step is pulverized and classified to obtain a water-absorbing resin powder for use in the surface treatment step.
- the [3-2] gel pulverization step differs from the resin pulverization step at the time of pulverization, particularly in that the object to be pulverized has undergone a drying step (preferably, the resin solid content is dried to the resin solid content). Further, the water absorbent resin powder obtained after the pulverization step may be referred to as a pulverized product.
- the dry polymer obtained in the drying step can be used as a water-absorbing resin as it is, but it is preferable to perform surface treatment, particularly surface cross-linking in the surface treatment step described later, and to improve physical properties in the surface treatment step. Therefore, it is more preferable to control to a specific particle size.
- the particle size control is not limited to the main pulverization step and the classification step, and can be appropriately performed in a polymerization step, a fine powder collection step, a granulation step, and the like. As described above, the particle size is defined by a standard sieve (JIS) Z8801-1 (2000)).
- the pulverizer that can be used in the pulverization process is not particularly limited.
- vibration mill, roll granulator, knuckle type pulverizer, roll mill, high-speed rotary pulverizer (pin mill, hammer mill, screw mill), cylindrical mixer, etc. can be mentioned.
- classification operation is performed so that the following particle size is obtained.
- classification operation is preferably performed before the surface crosslinking step (first classification step), and also after the surface crosslinking.
- Classification operation (second classification step) may be performed.
- the classification operation is not particularly limited, but classification is performed as follows in sieving using a sieve. That is, when the particle size distribution of the water absorbent resin powder is set to 150 or more and less than 850 ⁇ m, for example, first, the pulverized product is sieved with a sieve having an opening of 850 ⁇ m, and the pulverized product that has passed through the sieve is further sieved with an opening of 150 ⁇ m. Divide. The pulverized product remaining on the sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m becomes a water absorbent resin powder having a desired particle size distribution.
- various classifiers such as airflow classification can also be used.
- the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention can satisfy the condition that the proportion of the water absorbent resin powder having a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m is 90% by weight or more.
- the method for producing the polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder according to the present invention is preferably used for improving water absorption performance (absorbability against pressure, liquid permeability, absorption speed, etc.). It further includes a surface treatment step.
- the surface treatment step includes a surface cross-linking step performed using a known surface cross-linking agent and a surface cross-linking method, and further includes other addition steps as necessary.
- the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is more preferably surface-crosslinked.
- the surface crosslinking can be performed using a known surface crosslinking agent and a surface crosslinking method.
- Examples of the surface cross-linking agent include various organic surface cross-linking agents and inorganic surface cross-linking agents, and organic covalent surface cross-linking agents are more preferable.
- Examples of the covalent bonding surface cross-linking agent include polyhydric alcohol compounds, epoxy compounds, polyvalent amine compounds or condensates thereof with haloepoxy compounds, oxazoline compounds, (mono, di, or poly) oxazolidinone compounds, and alkylene carbonate compounds. Can be mentioned.
- a dehydration-reactive crosslinking agent composed of a polyhydric alcohol compound, an alkylene carbonate compound, or an oxazolidinone compound, which requires a reaction at a high temperature
- a dehydration-reactive crosslinking agent more specifically, compounds exemplified in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,228,930, 6071976, and 6254990 can be exemplified.
- examples of the covalent bond surface cross-linking agent include mono-, di-, tri- or tetrapropylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerin, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,3-butanediol.
- Polyhydric alcohol compounds such as 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol and sorbitol; Epoxy compounds such as ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether and glycidol; Alkylene carbonate compounds such as ethylene carbonate; Oxetane compounds; 2-imidazolides Examples thereof include cyclic urea compounds such as non.
- the amount of the surface cross-linking agent used is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by weight, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbent resin powder subjected to surface cross-linking.
- Water is preferably used in accordance with the surface cross-linking agent.
- the amount of water used is preferably 0.5 parts by weight to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5 parts by weight to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water absorbent resin powder to be subjected to surface crosslinking. is there.
- the amount is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by weight, more preferably 100 parts by weight, respectively, with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbent resin powder subjected to surface cross-linking. 0.01 to 5 parts by weight.
- a hydrophilic organic solvent may be used, and the amount used is preferably more than 0 parts by weight and 10 parts by weight or less with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbent resin powder subjected to surface crosslinking. Preferably it is more than 0 parts by weight and 5 parts by weight or less. Further, when mixing the crosslinking agent solution into the water-absorbent resin powder to be subjected to surface crosslinking, a range that does not hinder the effects of the present invention, for example, preferably more than 0 parts by weight and less than 10 parts by weight, more preferably more than 0 parts by weight.
- the water-insoluble fine particle powder and the surfactant may coexist in an amount of 5 parts by weight or less, more preferably more than 0 part by weight and 1 part by weight or less.
- the surfactant used or the amount of use thereof is exemplified in US Pat. No. 7,473,739.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention may be an inorganic surface cross-linking agent, more preferably an ion-binding surface cross-linking agent (for example, a polyvalent), instead of or in addition to the above-described organic surface cross-linking agent. It may be surface-crosslinked using a metal salt). Thereby, the liquid permeability and water absorption speed of the water absorbent resin powder can be improved.
- the inorganic surface cross-linking agent may be added simultaneously with the organic surface cross-linking agent, or may be added separately.
- Examples of the ion-bonding surface cross-linking agent to be used include divalent or higher, preferably trivalent or tetravalent polyvalent metal salts (organic salts or inorganic salts) or hydroxides.
- Examples of the polyvalent metal include aluminum and zirconium, and examples of the polyvalent metal salt include aluminum salts of organic acids and / or inorganic acids such as aluminum lactate, aluminum sulfate, aluminum acetate, and aluminum malate.
- the ion binding surface cross-linking agent is more preferably aluminum sulfate and / or aluminum lactate.
- the amount of the polyvalent metal salt added is preferably 0.01% by weight to 5.0% by weight, more preferably 0.05% by weight to 1.0% by weight with respect to the water absorbent resin powder. If the addition amount of the polyvalent metal salt is 0.01% by weight or more, the liquid permeability is improved, which is preferable. If the addition amount of the polyvalent metal salt is 5.0% by weight or less, the water absorption capacity under pressure is not excessively decreased, which is preferable.
- the amount of the surface crosslinking agent used is preferably 0.001 to 10 parts by weight, more preferably 0.01 to 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment.
- the surface cross-linking agent is preferably used with water.
- the amount of water used is preferably 0.5 to 20 parts by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 10 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbent resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment.
- the inorganic surface cross-linking agent and the organic surface cross-linking agent are each preferably 0.001 with respect to 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbing resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment. Parts by weight to 10 parts by weight, more preferably 0.01 parts by weight to 5 parts by weight.
- a hydrophilic organic solvent may be used, and the amount used is preferably more than 0 parts by weight and 10 parts by weight or less, more preferably 100 parts by weight of the water-absorbent resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment. It is more than 0 parts by weight and 5 parts by weight or less.
- the range does not hinder the effects of the present invention, for example, preferably more than 0 parts by weight and less than 10 parts by weight, more preferably more than 0 parts by weight and more than 5 parts by weight.
- the water-insoluble fine particle powder and the surfactant may coexist in an amount of not more than 1 part, more preferably more than 0 part by weight and not more than 1 part by weight.
- Surfactants used and their amounts used are exemplified in US Pat. No. 7,473,739.
- the surface cross-linking agent solution When the surface cross-linking agent solution is mixed with the water-absorbing resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment, the water-absorbing resin powder to be subjected to the surface treatment swells with water or the like in the surface cross-linking agent solution.
- the swollen water absorbent resin powder is dried by heating. At this time, the heating temperature is preferably 80 ° C. to 220 ° C. The heating time is preferably 10 minutes to 120 minutes.
- a vertical or horizontal high-speed rotating stirring type mixer is preferably used for mixing the surface cross-linking agent.
- the rotational speed of the mixer is preferably 100 rpm to 10,000 rpm, more preferably 300 rpm to 2000 rpm.
- the residence time is preferably within 180 seconds, more preferably from 0.1 second to 60 seconds, and further preferably from 1 second to 30 seconds.
- the inorganic surface crosslinking agent is the organic surface crosslinking described above. It can be used in place of the agent or in addition to the organic surface crosslinking agent described above.
- the inorganic surface cross-linking agent may be added simultaneously with the organic surface cross-linking agent, or may be added separately.
- an evaporation monomer recycling step may be provided.
- the following additives may be used in part or all if necessary. That is, water-soluble or water-insoluble polymers, lubricants, chelating agents, deodorants, antibacterial agents, water, surfactants, water-insoluble fine particles, antioxidants, reducing agents, etc. More than 0 wt% and 30 wt% or less, more preferably 0.01 wt% to 10 wt% can be added and mixed. These additives can also be used as a surface treatment agent.
- an oxidizing agent, an antioxidant, water, a polyvalent metal compound, a water-insoluble inorganic or organic powder such as silica or metal soap, a deodorant, an antibacterial agent, a polymer polyamine, pulp or thermoplastic fiber Etc. may be added to the water-absorbent resin in an amount of 3% by weight or less, preferably 1% by weight or less.
- the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling of the polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is determined by the following method. That is, i) a water absorbent resin powder classified so as to have a particle size of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m is swollen with a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution for 1 hour to obtain swollen gel particles, and ii) obtained in i) above.
- the swollen gel particles were wet-classified with a sieve, and the cumulative ratio of swollen gel particles that passed through each sieve was determined from the amount of swollen gel particles remaining in each sieve opening, and the sieve openings used in the wet classification
- the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling of the water-absorbent resin powder is determined.
- the evaluation method for evaluating the degree of disintegration of the swollen gel particles in the present invention preferably takes the following six procedures.
- (Procedure 1) Water-absorbing resin powder having a water content of 10% by weight or less is classified using two or more sieves having different openings, (Procedure 2) All or part of the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen with a swelling liquid to form swollen gel particles, (Procedure 3) The swollen gel particles are further classified using two or more sieves having different openings, and an integrated ratio of the swollen gel particles passing through each sieve is obtained.
- (Procedure 4) Calculate the swelling ratio from the weight or volume of the water-absorbent resin powder subjected to the procedure 2 and the weight or volume of the swollen gel particles obtained in the procedure 3, (Procedure 5) Based on the above swelling ratio, the sieve aperture used in Procedure 1 is changed to the sieve aperture used in Procedure 3, or the sieve aperture used in Procedure 3 is changed to the sieve aperture used in Procedure 1. Open, convert each, (Procedure 6) A procedure for obtaining the disintegration rate of the swollen gel particles from the plot of the mesh opening of the sieve converted in the procedure 5 and the cumulative ratio of the swollen gel particles passing through each sieve obtained in the procedure 3. .
- polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbing resin powder that is the object of evaluation of the present invention and each procedure in the evaluation method will be described in detail.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water absorbent resin powder satisfies the physical properties described in [2] above. Evaluation is made using a water-absorbent resin powder having the following specific water content.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention can cause swelling by the swelling liquid by using such a water-absorbent resin powder, and as a result, it is possible to compare the states before and after swelling.
- the water-absorbent resin powder is not particularly limited as long as it is dry enough to swell, but the water content is preferably 10% by weight or less, more preferably 8% by weight or less, and still more preferably 5% by weight. It is desirable to adjust in advance to% or less.
- the water-absorbent resin powder that is the object of the evaluation method according to the present invention is a powdery water-absorbing product that is produced through a polymerization step, a gel pulverization step, a drying step, and a pulverization step, a classification step, a surface cross-linking step, etc. Resin.
- the evaluation method of the present invention can be applied as it is.
- the moisture content is dried under reduced pressure at a temperature around 60 ° C., and the moisture content is adjusted to 10% by weight or less in advance.
- processes such as said superposition
- [4-2] Evaluation method of polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder (Procedure 1) First classification operation
- the evaluation method according to the present invention uses a sieve for a water-absorbent resin powder having a specific water content. (Step 1; first classification operation). Since the said classification (1st classification) is performed with respect to the water-absorbent resin powder of a dry state, dry classification is preferable.
- “classification” in the evaluation method according to the present invention refers to an operation of classifying the water-absorbent resin powder or the swollen gel particles according to particle diameter. Therefore, it is distinguished from “classification” in the classification step in the production process of the water absorbent resin powder.
- classification is performed using two or more sieves having different openings, and thereby, the water-absorbent resin powder having a specific particle diameter can be classified. Alternatively, the particle size distribution of the water absorbent resin powder can be measured.
- the sieve used in the first classification operation may be any sieve that can obtain a water-absorbent resin powder having a desired particle size distribution, and the opening is not particularly limited. Therefore, an arbitrary sieve can be used.
- the particle size distribution is defined by a JIS standard sieve (JISZ8801-1 (2000)) (hereinafter simply referred to as “sieve”)
- the sieve aperture is disclosed in the JIS standard as “nominal mesh opening”.
- “nominal opening” is 850 ⁇ m, 710 ⁇ m, 600 ⁇ m, 500 ⁇ m, 425 ⁇ m, 355 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, 250 ⁇ m, 212 ⁇ m, 180 ⁇ m, 150 ⁇ m, 125 ⁇ m, 106 ⁇ m, There are descriptions of 90 ⁇ m, 75 ⁇ m, etc., and these values are adopted in this specification unless otherwise specified.
- “nominal opening” is described as 1 mm or more, but this description is omitted in this specification.
- the number of sieves used in this procedure 1 may be two or more sieves having different openings, and is not particularly limited. For example, it may be appropriately selected within a range of about 2 to 10. As the number of sieves used increases, a finer particle size distribution can be obtained.
- the sieve having the largest opening is preferably a sieve having an opening of 600 ⁇ m or more, more preferably a sieve having an opening of 710 ⁇ m or more. Preferably, it may be appropriately selected from a sieve having an aperture of 850 ⁇ m or more.
- the sieve having the smallest opening is preferably a sieve having an opening of 300 ⁇ m or less, more preferably a sieve having an opening of 250 ⁇ m or less, still more preferably a sieve having an opening of 212 ⁇ m or less, and particularly preferably an opening of 180 ⁇ m or less. And most preferably selected from sieves having an opening of 150 ⁇ m or less.
- the sieves selected from the upper and lower limits of the above-described openings can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a combination of a sieve having an opening of 600 ⁇ m and a sieve having an opening of 212 ⁇ m, a combination of a sieve having an opening of 710 ⁇ m and a sieve having an opening of 180 ⁇ m, a combination of a sieve having an opening of 850 ⁇ m and a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m, etc. .
- the number of sieves used in this procedure 1 is 2, for example, a sieve having an aperture of A ⁇ m (referred to as “sieve A”) and a sieve having an aperture of B ⁇ m (referred to as “sieve B”)
- the water absorbent resin powder is classified using the sieve B, and then the water absorbent resin powder that has passed through the sieve B is further classified with the sieve A.
- the water absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve A becomes a water absorbent resin powder having a particle size distribution of A ⁇ m or more and less than B ⁇ m.
- the sieve A corresponds to a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m
- the sieve B corresponds to a sieve having an opening of 850 ⁇ m.
- a sieve having an aperture of A ⁇ m referred to as “sieve A”
- a sieve having an aperture of B ⁇ m referred to as “sieve B”
- an aperture referred to as “sieve A”
- sieve C sieve C
- sieve D sieve with D ⁇ m opening
- sieve E sieve with E ⁇ m opening
- sieve F sieve with F ⁇ m opening
- the sieve A may be selected from the sieve having the upper limit opening, and the sieve A may be selected from the above-described sieve having the lower limit opening.
- mesh sieve B ⁇ sieves E may be selected arbitrary mesh from the nominal mesh opening as described above, it is also possible to select any of the sieve from the sieve having a mesh of the upper and lower limit.
- the water absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve A becomes a water absorbent resin powder having a particle size distribution of A ⁇ m or more and less than B ⁇ m.
- the water-absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve B has a particle size distribution of B ⁇ m or more and less than C ⁇ m
- the water-absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve C has a particle size distribution of C ⁇ m or more and less than D ⁇ m.
- a certain water absorbent resin powder, a water absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve D, a water absorbent resin powder having a particle size distribution of D ⁇ m or more and less than E ⁇ m, and a water absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve E have a particle size distribution of E ⁇ m or more and F ⁇ m.
- the water-absorbing resin powder having a particle size distribution of F ⁇ m or more becomes the water-absorbing resin powder remaining on the sieve F.
- the water-absorbing resin powder having a specific particle diameter is obtained by the first classification operation in the procedure 1.
- the water-absorbent resin powder remaining on the sieve having the upper limit opening arranged at the uppermost part is referred to as “coarse particles” and the lower limit opening arranged at the lowermost part.
- the water-absorbent resin powders that pass through the sieve having the above are referred to as “fine powder”, respectively.
- the polymerization is defined as a (unit; g), and the swelling magnification in the following (Procedure 4) Used for calculation.
- the particle diameter of the coarse particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 600 ⁇ m or more, more preferably 710 ⁇ m or more, and even more preferably 850 ⁇ m or more, depending on the sieve opening used. Further, the particle size of the fine powder is not particularly limited, but depends on the opening of the sieve to be used, preferably less than 300 ⁇ m, more preferably less than 250 ⁇ m, still more preferably less than 212 ⁇ m, particularly preferably less than 180 ⁇ m, most preferably. Is less than 150 ⁇ m.
- the total weight of particles having a particle diameter of 150 ⁇ m or more and less than 850 ⁇ m is the water-absorbent resin powder.
- classifiers such as an air classifier can also be used.
- the input amount of the water-absorbent resin powder with respect to the area of the sieve per each sieve can be appropriately set to an amount capable of appropriately performing the classification operation, and preferably 0.01 kg / m 2. -40 kg / m 2 , more preferably 0.1 kg / m 2 to 5 kg / m 2 .
- the “input amount” means the weight of the water-absorbent resin powder that is input and exists on each sieve. The above numerical range is also applied to the case where the swollen gel particles are wet-classified in the second classification operation in the procedure 3.
- Classification efficiency is, for example, 70% or more, 80% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, or 96% or more 97% by weight or more, 98% by weight or more, 99% by weight or more, and 100% by weight, and preferably 90% by weight or more.
- the above “classification efficiency” is the classification operation in the measurement method of the present application when the weight of particles that can pass through a sieve having a specific opening is 100 when classifying a predetermined amount of water-absorbent resin powder. The ratio of the weight of particles that can pass through the sieve.
- this classification step it can be classified into a predetermined particle size as described above.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention includes a swelling operation in which the water-absorbent resin powder obtained in Procedure 1 is swollen to obtain swollen gel particles (Procedure 2; swelling operation).
- the swelling is performed by swelling all or part of the water absorbent resin powder with a swelling liquid. That is, in one aspect, in the first classification operation, the water-absorbent resin powder having a specific particle diameter is classified and the classified water-absorbent resin powder is swollen in this procedure 2. Or as another aspect, you may apply swelling operation about all the water absorbent resin powders in the said 1st classification operation, without classifying into the water absorbent resin powder which has a specific particle diameter.
- Swelling in this procedure 2 can be performed using a normal technique in this field. For example, it is performed by immersing the water-absorbing resin powder in a specific swelling liquid and allowing it to stand for a certain time under no pressure, or by immersing the water-absorbing resin powder in a specific swelling liquid and applying a certain pressure. .
- the swelling liquid used in this procedure 2 is not particularly limited as long as it can be taken into the water-absorbent resin powder and can be swollen.
- water such as pure water, deionized water, distilled water, or sodium chloride
- An aqueous solution, an aqueous solution containing a polyvalent metal salt (artificial urine), an aqueous solution containing urea or the like (artificial urine), an aqueous solution combining these, and the like can be used.
- a sodium chloride aqueous solution is preferably used.
- the concentration is not particularly limited, but a 0.9% by weight sodium chloride aqueous solution is preferably used.
- the swelling time may be at least 30 minutes from the viewpoint of comparing the state before and after swelling and correctly evaluating the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles.
- 30 minutes or more, 45 minutes or more, 60 minutes or more, 75 minutes or more, 90 minutes or more, 2 hours or more, 4 hours or more, 8 hours or more, 12 hours or more , 16 hours or more, 24 hours or more can be set as appropriate.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention includes an operation of classifying the swollen gel particles obtained in the above-described procedure 2 using a sieve (procedure 2; second classification operation). Since the classification (second classification) is performed on the swollen gel particles containing moisture, wet classification is preferable.
- the classification in the procedure 2 is the same as the first classification operation in the above (procedure 1) except that the classification is a wet classification.
- the opening of the sieve and the number of sieves in this procedure 2 are the same as those in the above procedure 1 and are not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of accurately measuring the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles, the sieve having an opening of 300 ⁇ m or less. It is preferable to use at least one or more.
- the wet classification in the present invention is performed according to the following procedure. That is, first, the swollen gel particles obtained in the above procedure 2 are passed through a sieve having a desired opening, and the swollen gel particles are classified. Subsequently, after the swollen liquid remaining on the lower surface of the sieve is wiped off, the total weight of the swollen gel particles remaining on the sieve and the sieve is measured. By subtracting the weight of the sieve measured in advance from this weight, the weight w (unit: g) of the swollen gel particles remaining on the sieve is measured. This operation was performed for all the sieves used for wet classification, and the total weight of swollen gel particles remaining on each sieve (total weight) was defined as the weight Z (unit: g) of swollen gel particles.
- the ratio Y (%) of the swollen gel particles remaining on each sieve sieve can be obtained from the following (Formula 1).
- the evaluation method according to the present invention includes an operation for calculating the swelling magnification (Procedure 4; Calculation of swelling magnification).
- the swelling ratio is calculated from the weight or volume of the water-absorbent resin powder subjected to the procedure 2 and the weight or volume of the swollen gel particles obtained in the procedure 3.
- the calculation of the swelling ratio is performed based on the weight of the water-absorbent resin powder used in the procedure 2 and the weight of the swollen gel particles obtained in the procedure 3.
- the weight Z of the swollen gel particles is the total weight (weight of swollen gel particles) of the swollen liquid and the water absorbent resin powder after the water absorbent resin powder (weight a) is swollen using the swelling liquid.
- the weight Z of the swollen gel particles may be measured immediately after the water absorbent resin powder is swollen, or may be measured after the water absorbent resin powder is swollen and then subjected to a classification step (second classification step). .
- the swelling ratio can be calculated from the volume of the water absorbent resin powder and the swollen gel particles.
- the volume of the water-absorbent resin powder is a
- the volume of the swollen gel particles is Z, and can be calculated by the same formula as above.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention includes an operation of converting the opening (Procedure 5; Conversion of the opening). That is, the present procedure 5 is an operation for correcting the particle diameters of the water-absorbent resin powder and the swollen gel particles before and after the swelling based on the swelling ratio obtained in the above-described procedure 4 to be a specific method. Is not particularly limited.
- the opening in the first classification operation (dry classification) can be converted into the opening in the second classification operation (wet classification) based on the swelling ratio obtained in the above procedure 4.
- the opening in 2nd classification operation (wet classification) can be converted into the opening in 1st classification operation (dry classification).
- the opening in the first classification operation and the opening in the second classification operation that is, the water absorbent resin before and after swelling. It becomes possible to compare the particle sizes of the powder and the swollen gel particles. Therefore, the particle size distribution before and after swelling can be compared.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention includes an operation of calculating the disintegration rate of swollen gel particles based on the values obtained from the above-mentioned procedures 1 to 5.
- the disintegration rate of the swollen gel particles is calculated by the following procedure, for example. That is, the ratio (integrated ratio) of the particles that passed through each sieve determined from X (the opening corresponding to the particle diameter before swelling) and Y (the ratio of the remaining swollen gel particles) determined in the procedure 5 above. Plot on graph. This is compared with the result of the particle size distribution in the first classification operation measured in advance. By this comparison, the particle size distribution after swelling can be predicted from the particle size distribution before swelling without actually swelling the water absorbent resin powder.
- the degree of the collapse of the swollen gel particles when the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen is high, the ratio of the fine powder gel generated at the time of swelling increases. Therefore, in this procedure 6, also in the first classification operation and the second classification operation, by comparing the ratio of fine gel smaller than a predetermined particle diameter when converted to the particle diameter before swelling, The degree of collapse can also be evaluated.
- the comparison of the ratio of the fine powder gel in the first classification operation and the second classification operation, that is, before and after swelling is performed by the following procedure, for example. That is, first, similarly to the above, the ratio (integrated ratio) of the particles that passed through each sieve determined from X (the opening corresponding to the particle diameter before swelling) and Y (the ratio of the remaining swollen gel particles) was graphed. Plot.
- the proportion of swollen gel particles that pass through the opening corresponding to the predetermined particle diameter is determined ( In the value of X, the ratio of the passing swollen gel particles corresponding to a specific size is obtained from a linear equation between two points corresponding to a sieve having a smaller size and a larger size). This is compared with the result of the particle size distribution of the first classification step measured in advance.
- the predetermined particles that serve as a reference for determining the proportion of the fine powder gel If the lower limit of the particle diameter range of the water-absorbing resin powder classified by the first classification operation is selected as the diameter, the particle diameter range of the water-absorbing resin powder before swelling produced by the collapse of the swollen gel particles during swelling The proportion of finely divided gel smaller than the lower limit of can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to quantify how much the gel particles disintegrate when the water absorbent resin swells.
- wet classification uses larger particles as a reference than dry classification.
- the ratio of the above-mentioned fine particle gel during swelling measured under a predetermined condition is referred to as “gel particle disintegration rate during swelling”.
- gel particle disintegration rate during swelling the degree to which the swollen gel particles disintegrate when the water-absorbent resin powder swells is determined based on the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling. be able to. Therefore, an appropriate water-absorbent resin powder can be selected according to the purpose using the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling as an index.
- a water-absorbing resin powder having a high water absorption rate when a water-absorbing resin powder having a high water absorption rate is desired, a water-absorbing resin powder having a gel particle disintegration rate greater than 10% by weight when swollen is selected, and a water-absorbing resin powder having a high liquid permeability is desired.
- the water-absorbent resin powder having a gel particle disintegration rate of 10% by weight or less upon swelling can be selected.
- a case where the water-absorbing resin powder is used as an absorbent body of an absorbent article such as a paper diaper is assumed.
- the water absorbent resin powder absorbs urine or the like, it is usual to absorb the liquid a plurality of times.
- the osmotic pressure decreases due to swelling in the first liquid absorption, and the water absorption rate during the second liquid absorption tends to be lower than the first time. Therefore, as a result of being able to evaluate the degree of gel particle disintegration during swelling by the method of the present invention, the difference in water absorption rate between the first liquid absorption and the second liquid absorption is reduced.
- the water-absorbent resin can be designed to provide a very advantageous effect.
- the method of the present invention has made it possible to evaluate the degree of disintegration of gel particles during swelling, and as a result, it is possible to design a water absorbent resin so as to suppress the disintegration of gel particles during swelling. There is a very advantageous effect.
- water-absorbent resin powder is not particularly limited, but is preferably used for absorbent articles such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins and incontinence pads. Is done. High concentration diapers (paper diapers that use a large amount of water-absorbent resin per paper diaper), which has been a problem with odors and coloring from raw materials, especially when used in the upper layer of the absorbent article In addition, it exhibits excellent performance.
- the content (core concentration) of the water-absorbent resin in the absorbent body optionally containing other absorbent materials (pulp fibers and the like) is preferably 30% by weight to 100% by weight, more preferably 40%.
- the water-absorbing resin powder obtained by the production method according to the present invention when used at the above concentration, particularly at the upper part of the absorber, it is excellent in the diffusibility of the absorbing liquid such as urine due to its high liquid permeability, so that the liquid can be distributed efficiently. As a result, the amount of absorption of the entire absorbent article is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an absorbent article in which the absorbent body maintains a hygienic white state.
- AAP water absorption capacity under pressure
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to 1 or 2 wherein the saline flow conductivity (SFC) is 10 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 ⁇ cm 3 ⁇ s ⁇ g ⁇ 1 or more. 4).
- SFC saline flow conductivity
- a polyacrylic acid (salt) system comprising a polymerization step of an acrylic acid (salt) monomer aqueous solution, a gel grinding step of a hydrogel crosslinked polymer during or after polymerization, and a drying step after gel grinding
- a method for producing a water absorbent resin powder comprising: In the gel pulverization step, an inorganic compound is added to the hydrogel crosslinked polymer having a resin solid content of 10% by weight to 80% by weight, and the following (1) to (4) (1) Gel grinding energy (GGE) is 18 J / g to 60 J / g, (2) Gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) is 9 J / g to 40 J / g, (3) The weight average molecular weight of the water-soluble component of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer is increased by 10,000 Da to 500,000 Da, (4) Gel pulverization until the weight-average particle size (D50) of the obtained particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer is 350 ⁇ m to 2000 ⁇ m and the logarithmic standard deviation
- the manufacturing method of 8 characterized by including the surface treatment process which surface-treats a water absorbing resin. 10.
- the dryer is a ventilated belt type hot air dryer and the gel pulverization satisfies the above (4), the resin solid content of the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer when it is put into the ventilated belt type hot air dryer is 10 Wt.% To 80 wt.%, The drying temperature in the ventilating belt type hot air dryer is 150 ° C. to 250 ° C., and the wind speed of the hot air is 0.8 m / s to 2.
- the production method according to any one of 8 to 10 wherein the inorganic compound is inorganic particles.
- the inorganic particles are mineral products, polyvalent metal salts, polyvalent metal oxides, polyvalent metal hydroxides, oxide composites, hydrotalcite-like compounds, or combinations of two or more thereof.
- the production method according to any one of 8 to 11. 13 13
- the production method according to any one of 8 to 12 wherein the inorganic compound is added as an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion. 14 14.
- the present invention also describes the following inventions.
- a process for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder comprising: The gel crushing step is performed twice or more, A step of adding water-absorbing resin fine particles having a particle diameter of less than 150 ⁇ m during and / or after the initial gel grinding step, Regarding the mixture of the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer having the resin solid content of 10 wt% to 80 wt% after the addition of the water absorbent resin fine particles and the water absorbent resin fine particles, the
- a surface cross-linking step of increasing the cross-linking density of the surface layer of the water-absorbent resin powder wherein the surface cross-linking is performed until the AAP (water absorption capacity under pressure) of the water-absorbent resin powder is 20 g / g or more. Manufacturing method. 3. It further includes a surface cross-linking step for increasing the cross-linking density of the surface layer of the water-absorbent resin powder, and the SFC (saline flow conductivity) of the water-absorbent resin powder is 10 ⁇ 10 ⁇ 7 ⁇ cm 3 ⁇ s ⁇ g ⁇ 1. 3. The production method according to 1 or 2, wherein surface crosslinking is performed until the above is achieved. 4). 4.
- the dryer used in the drying step is a ventilating belt type hot air dryer, the direction of hot air in the dryer is upward and / or downward in the direction perpendicular to the ventilation belt, and the wind speed of hot air is 0.8 m.
- the present invention also describes the following inventions.
- An evaluation method for evaluating the degree of disintegration of swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin powder is swollen (Procedure 1) Water-absorbing resin powder having a water content of 10% by weight or less is classified using two or more sieves having different openings, (Procedure 2) All or part of the water-absorbent resin powder is swollen with a swelling liquid to form swollen gel particles, (Procedure 3) The swollen gel particles are further classified using two or more sieves having different openings, and an integrated ratio of the swollen gel particles passing through each sieve is obtained.
- step 3 above classification is performed using at least one sieve having an aperture of 300 ⁇ m or less.
- the present invention will be described based on examples, but the present invention is not construed as being limited to the examples.
- the physical properties described in the claims and examples of the present invention are the EDANA method and the following measuring methods under conditions of room temperature (20 ° C. to 25 ° C.) and humidity of 50% RH, unless otherwise specified. Sought according to.
- the electric equipment presented in the examples and comparative examples used a power supply of 200 V or 100 V, 60 Hz.
- “liter” may be described as “L”
- wt%” may be described as “wt%”.
- a sieve for wet particle size measurement (Retsch test sieve, diameter 200 mm, height 50 mm, in which the sieves of the next openings were stacked in order from the top, opening 710 ⁇ m , 600 ⁇ m, 425 ⁇ m, 300 ⁇ m, 150 ⁇ m, 75 ⁇ m, a bat with a sufficient capacity is arranged at the bottom so that the liquid that has passed through does not overflow, and the opening is appropriately adjusted according to the swelling ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder, etc.
- the sodium chloride aqueous solution is put on the top.
- the gel particles remaining in the container are washed away with a 0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution, and the whole amount is put into a sieve.
- the following wet classification operation is performed.
- Wet classification operation The sodium chloride aqueous solution that has passed is collected in a container (at least 600 mL or more) and sprayed again on the uppermost sieve. Repeat this operation 10 times. After that, the uppermost sieve is removed, and the sodium chloride aqueous solution remaining between the gel particles and on the sieve is thoroughly wiped off from the lower side of the sieve with Kim Towel Wiper (manufactured by Nippon Paper Crecia Co., Ltd.), and the gel particles remaining on the sieve And measure the total weight of the sieve. By subtracting the weight of the sieve measured in advance from this weight, the weight of the gel particles remaining on the sieve is obtained.
- the ratio Y (%) of the gel particles remaining on the sieve of each opening is obtained from the following formula.
- the opening X corresponding to the particle diameter before swelling is calculated from the opening size x of each sieve by the following formula.
- the internal cell rate of the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention was measured by the following method. That is, the apparent density measured by the method described in the following (apparent density) (this is defined as ⁇ 1 (unit: g / cm 3 )) and the true density measured by the method described in the following (true density) Using ⁇ 2 (unit: g / cm 3 ), the internal cell ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder was calculated according to the following formula (11).
- the water-absorbent resin powder was weighed into an aluminum cup having a bottom diameter of about 5 cm, and then the water content of the water-absorbent resin powder was 1 wt. It was allowed to stand for 3 hours or more until it became less than or equal to%, and was sufficiently dried.
- the apparent density (unit: g / cm 3 ) of 5.00 g of the water-absorbent resin powder after drying was measured using a dry automatic density meter (AccuPycII 1340TC-10CC, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation / carrier gas: helium). The measurement was repeated until the measured values were continuously the same 5 times or more.
- the diameter of the closed cells present inside the water-absorbent resin is usually 1 to 300 ⁇ m, but when pulverized, it is preferentially crushed from the portion close to the closed cells. Therefore, when the water absorbent resin powder is pulverized until the particle size is less than 45 ⁇ m, the obtained water absorbent resin powder contains almost no closed cells. Therefore, the dry density of the water absorbent resin powder pulverized to less than 45 ⁇ m was evaluated as the true density.
- the centrifuge retention capacity (CRC) of the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention was measured in accordance with ERT441.2-02. Specifically, 0.200 g of water-absorbent resin powder was weighed, uniformly placed in a bag made of unemployed cloth (size: 60 mm ⁇ 60 mm), heat-sealed, and then adjusted to 25 ° C. ⁇ 3 ° C. 0.9 wt% Was immersed in 1000 mL of an aqueous sodium chloride solution. After 30 minutes, the bag was pulled up and dehydrated using a centrifuge (centrifuge manufactured by Kokusan Co., Ltd., model: H-122) at 250 G for 3 minutes.
- a centrifuge centrifuge manufactured by Kokusan Co., Ltd., model: H-122
- the CRC of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (hereinafter referred to as “gel CRC”) was measured by the following method. That is, the gel CRC was operated in the same manner as above except that 0.4 g of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer was used as a sample and the immersion time was changed from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Furthermore, separately, the resin solid content of the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer was measured, the weight of the water-absorbing resin in the 0.4 g of the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer was determined, and the gel CRC was calculated according to the following formula (5). . In addition, it measured 5 times per sample and employ
- msi weight of hydrogel crosslinked polymer before measurement (g)
- mb Weight (g) of Blank (nonwoven fabric only) after free swelling and draining
- mwi Weight (g) of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer after free swelling and draining
- Wn solid content of water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer (% by weight) It is.
- (H) Water content / resin solid content The water content of the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention was measured according to ERT430.2-02. The water content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer was calculated from the loss on drying measured based on ERT430.2-02 except that the sample was changed to 2 g, the drying temperature was 180 ° C., and the drying time was 16 hours. (Unit:% by weight). In addition, the measurement was performed 5 times per sample, and the average value was adopted.
- the value calculated as 100-water content (unit: wt%) was used as the resin solid content of the water-absorbent resin powder or the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the resin solid content of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is obtained by cutting the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization so that one side is 3 mm or less using scissors or a cutter. A sample was used.
- the gel Ext the same operation as described above was performed except that 5.0 g of hydrous gel cut to about 1 to 5 mm on a side with scissors was used and the stirring time was 24 hours. Furthermore, the resin solid content of the hydrogel was measured separately, the water-absorbing resin weight of the 5.0 g hydrogel was determined, and the gel Ext was calculated according to the following formula (7).
- VHCl. s HCl amount (ml) necessary to bring the filtrate containing the dissolved polymer from pH 10 to pH 2.7 VHCl.
- b HCl amount (ml) necessary to bring Blank (0.9 wt% sodium chloride aqueous solution) from pH 10 to pH 2.7
- CHCl HCl solution concentration (mol / l)
- Mw Average molecular weight of monomer units in acrylic acid (salt) polymer (g / mol) (For example, when the neutralization rate is 73 mol%, Mw is 88.1 g / mol)
- Fdiil Dilution degree of filtrate containing dissolved polymer ms: Weight of hydrogel crosslinked polymer before measurement (g)
- Wn solid content of water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer (% by weight) It is.
- Weight-average molecular weight of water-soluble matter is a value obtained by measuring the weight-average molecular weight of the polymer dissolved by the measurement operation of Ext and Gel Ext as described above by GPC. The GPC measurement will be described.
- the apparatus is an apparatus composed of size exclusion chromatography, a refractive index detector, a light scattering detector, and a capillary viscometer. Moreover, the measuring apparatus and measurement conditions were as follows.
- the differential refractive index (dn / dc) of the polymer to be analyzed is 0.00. Measurement was carried out as 12. In the case of a copolymer water-absorbing resin having a monomer content other than acrylic acid (salt) of 1 mol% or more, the differential refractive index (dn / dc) in a solvent specific to the polymer is measured. , And measured using the numerical value. Furthermore, data collection and analysis of refractive index, light scattering intensity, and viscosity were performed with Viscotek OmniSEC 3.1 (registered trademark) software. The weight average molecular weight (Mw) was calculated from the data obtained from the refractive index and the light scattering intensity.
- the PSD of the water absorbent resin powder according to the present invention was measured in accordance with ERT420.2-02.
- the weight average particle diameter (D50) and the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution of the water-absorbent resin powder were measured according to the measurement method described in European Patent No. 0349240.
- the weight average particle size (D50) and logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer were measured by the following methods.
- the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer was classified by uniformly pouring the water injection range (50 cm 2) over the entire sieve using a liquid volume of 6.0 (L / min).
- the hydrated gel-like crosslinked polymer on the classified first stage sieve was drained for about 2 minutes and weighed.
- the second and subsequent sieves were classified in the same manner, and the hydrogel crosslinked polymer remaining on each sieve after draining was weighed.
- the weight percentage was calculated from the following formula (8).
- the sieve opening after draining was plotted on a logarithmic probability paper according to the following formula (9): the particle size distribution of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- the particle size corresponding to 50% by weight% R on the integrated sieve on the plot was defined as the weight average particle size (D50) of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer.
- (L) Polymerization rate of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization The polymerization rate of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer before gel pulverization is calculated based on the amount of polymer (mol) calculated from the pH titration of the hydrogel crosslinked polymer. And from the amount of residual monomer (mol).
- the same method as “Ext” (ERT470.2-02) described above was applied to the hydrogel, and the monomer unit per unit gel weight was determined. Calculate the number of moles.
- the residual monomer amount is measured by the same method as in the above-mentioned “Residual Monomers” (ERT410.2-02), and this residual amount is converted into the number of moles of monomer.
- the value obtained by dividing the number of moles of the remaining monomer by the number of moles of the monomer unit is the ratio of the unreacted monomer, and the value obtained by subtracting this value from 1 is the polymerization rate. Since the polymerization rate is represented by a value of 0 to 1, it is multiplied by 100 and expressed in mol%.
- 12 g of water-absorbent resin powder 32 is uniformly applied to the central portion of an acrylic resin tray 30 having an inner dimension of 401 mm long ⁇ 151 mm wide ⁇ 30 mm high and an outer dimension of 411 mm long ⁇ 161 mm wide ⁇ 35 mm high. Scattered.
- dispersed the water absorbing resin powder 32 was the spreading
- the basis weight was 397 g / m 2 .
- a treatment such as applying an antistatic agent to the tray 30 or blowing a breath was performed before spraying the water-absorbent resin powder 32, in order to prevent the generation of static electricity, a treatment such as applying an antistatic agent to the tray 30 or blowing a breath was performed.
- top sheet 33 was placed on the water absorbent resin 32 (FIG. 1).
- the top sheet 33 used was a paper diaper made by Unicharm (trade name: Mummy Poco tape type L size / purchased in Japan in June 2014; package bottom number: 4040888043).
- the top sheet 33 was 39 cm long ⁇ 14 cm wide and weighed 3.3 to 3.6 g. Moreover, since the pulp etc. which are the structural members of a paper diaper have adhered to the top sheet 33 with the adhesive agent, after fully removing them, it used for this measurement. The place where the top sheet 33 is placed was designed such that the distance from the inner wall was the same on the left, right, top and bottom.
- a metal mesh 34 was placed on the top sheet 33, and an acrylic resin upper lid 36 was placed thereon.
- the wire mesh 34 used was a JIS wire mesh, and the material thereof was made of stainless steel, the mesh size was 1.21 mm (14 mesh), the wire diameter was 0.6 mm, and the size was length 398 mm ⁇ width 148 mm.
- the upper lid 36 has a length of 400 mm ⁇ width of 150 mm ⁇ thickness of 20 mm, and a cylindrical inlet having an inner diameter of 70 mm ⁇ height of 70 mm is installed at the center.
- the upper lid 36 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B was placed, and a weight 37 was placed thereon as shown in FIG.
- the weight 37 was made of stainless steel, and was placed so that a load was evenly applied to the water absorbent resin powder 32.
- the load was 9.45 g / cm 2 for the area of the wire mesh and 18.8 g / cm 2 for the water absorbent resin powder. Therefore, the weight of the weight 37 was adjusted so that the total weight of the wire mesh 34, the upper lid 36, and the weight 37 was 5672 g.
- the sodium chloride aqueous solution was charged three times per test. As the time of charging, the second charging was performed 10 minutes after the first charging start, and the third charging was performed 10 minutes after the second charging start.
- the weight 37, the upper lid 36, and the wire mesh 34 are removed, and the gel layer is placed on the top sheet 33 in the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the tray for 3 seconds from the top of the index finger. It was pushed in until it contacted the bottom surface of the tray 30.
- the tactile sensation of the gel particles at that time was evaluated in three stages: ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ .
- the location where the gel layer is pushed in is the location indicated by ⁇ (10 locations) shown in FIG. All of them were evaluated as ⁇ , ⁇ , and ⁇ , and the most evaluated was the gel particle shape retention of the sample.
- the standard for the tactile sensation of the gel particles is as follows.
- Particles having a particle diameter of around 2 mm are weak in elasticity, and have a feeling that the particles collapse when pressed.
- a hydrogel crosslinked polymer (a) was produced according to Production Example 1 of International Publication No. 2011/126079.
- polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder As a production device for polyacrylic acid (salt) water-absorbent resin powder, polymerization process, gel pulverization process, drying process, pulverization process, classification process, surface cross-linking process, cooling process, sizing process, and connecting between each process A continuous manufacturing apparatus composed of a transportation process was prepared. Each process is continuously operated. The production capacity of the continuous production apparatus is about 3500 kg / hr, and each of the steps may be one series or two series or more. In the case of two or more series, the production capacity is indicated by the total amount of each series. Using this continuous production apparatus, polyacrylic acid (salt) -based water absorbent resin powder was produced continuously.
- a monomer aqueous solution (a) comprising 52 parts by weight of an aqueous solution of methylenephosphonic acid 5 sodium and 134 parts by weight of deionized water was prepared.
- a continuous polymerization apparatus having a planar polymerization belt provided with weirs at both ends is provided. , And was continuously supplied so that the thickness was about 7.5 mm. Thereafter, polymerization (polymerization time: 3 minutes) was continuously carried out to obtain a strip-shaped hydrogel crosslinked polymer (a).
- the band-shaped hydrogel crosslinked polymer (a) has a gel CRC of 28.1 g / g, a resin solid content of 52.1% by weight, a water-soluble component of 3.1% by weight, and a water-soluble component weight. The average molecular weight was 21.8 ⁇ 10 4 Da and the polymerization rate was 99.5 mol%.
- the water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer (a) is continuously cut at equal intervals so as to have a cutting length of about 300 mm in the width direction with respect to the traveling direction of the polymerization belt.
- a cross-linked polymer (hereinafter referred to as “cut hydrous gel”) (a) was obtained.
- the gel pulverization was performed under the conditions of a screw rotation speed of 96 rpm and a cutting water-containing gel (a) charging speed of 97 g / sec. Simultaneously, 90 ° C. warm water was added to the gel crusher at 1.08 g / sec.
- a comparative particulate water-containing gel (1) was obtained by the gel pulverization.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 10.9 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 9.9 J / g.
- the comparative particulate water-containing gel (1) has a gel CRC of 28.5 g / g, a resin solid content of 50.9% by weight, a water-soluble content of 3.7% by weight, and a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble component.
- a gel CRC 28.5 g / g
- a resin solid content 50.9% by weight
- a water-soluble content of 3.7% by weight
- a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble component was 23.5 ⁇ 10 4 Da
- the weight average particle diameter (D50) was 725 ⁇ m
- ⁇ logarithmic standard deviation
- the comparative particulate hydrous gel (1) was sprayed on a vent plate arranged in a dryer within 1 minute after the completion of gel grinding.
- the comparative particulate water-containing gel (1) at this time was 80 ° C.
- the comparative particulate water-containing gel (1) was dried by passing hot air at 185 ° C. for 30 minutes to obtain a comparative dry polymer (1).
- the average wind speed of the hot air was 1.0 m / s in the direction perpendicular to the ventilation plate.
- the wind speed of the hot air was measured using a constant temperature thermal anemometer Anemo Master 6162 (manufactured by Nippon Kanomax Co., Ltd.).
- the comparative water absorbent resin powder (B1) has a weight average particle size (D50) of 360 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.32, a CRC of 32.8 g / g, and a water-soluble content of 7. 8% by weight and 150 ⁇ m passing particles (a ratio of the water-absorbing resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 1.2% by weight.
- a covalently-bonded surface crosslinking agent solution comprising 0.3 parts by weight of ethylene carbonate, 0.6 parts by weight of propylene glycol and 3.0 parts by weight of deionized water was added to the comparative water absorbent resin powder ( B1) Added to 100 parts by weight and mixed until uniform to obtain a comparative humidified product (1). Thereafter, the comparative humidified product (1) was heat-treated at 208 ° C. for about 40 minutes so that the CRC of the obtained comparative water absorbent resin powder (P1) was 26.6 g / g to 27.4 g / g. Water-absorbent resin powder (P1) was obtained.
- the comparative water-absorbent resin powder (P1) was cooled, 1.17 parts by weight of a 27.5% by weight aluminum sulfate aqueous solution (8% by weight in terms of aluminum oxide), and 0.196% by weight of a 60% by weight sodium lactate aqueous solution.
- An ion-bonding surface cross-linking agent solution consisting of 0.029 parts by weight and propylene glycol was added to the comparative water-absorbent resin powder (P1) and mixed until uniform to obtain a comparative result product (1).
- the comparative result product (1) was pulverized (size-regulating step) until it passed through a JIS standard sieve having an opening of 710 ⁇ m to obtain a comparative water absorbent resin powder (1).
- Various physical properties of the comparative water absorbent resin powder (1) are shown in Tables 1 and 2.
- Example 1 In Comparative Example 1, the same operation as in Comparative Example 1 was performed, except that the warm water (90 ° C.) added during gel pulverization was changed to a silica dispersion solution and the addition amount was changed to 1.23 g / sec.
- the silica-dispersed solution was a solution obtained by dispersing 11.84% by weight of Leolosil QS-20 (amorphous silica; manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation) in deionized water, and the temperature was adjusted to 90 ° C.
- the addition amount (1.23 g / sec) was such that the silica solid content was 0.15% by weight with respect to the water-containing gel amount and 0.29% by weight with respect to the solid content of the water-containing gel.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) in Example 1 was 12.0 J / g, and the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 10.9 J / g.
- the particulate hydrogel (1) has a gel CRC of 28.4 g / g, a resin solid content of 51.1% by weight, a water-soluble content of 3.6% by weight, and a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble content. 23.6 ⁇ 10 4 Da, the weight average particle size (D50) was 720 ⁇ m, and the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution was 0.91.
- the water-absorbent resin powder (B1) obtained in Example 1 has a weight average particle size (D50) of 362 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.32, CRC of 32.7 g / g, The water-soluble component was 7.7% by weight, and the particles passing through 150 ⁇ m (the ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 1.1% by weight.
- Table 1 and Table 2 show various physical properties of the water absorbent resin powder (1) finally obtained.
- Example 2 In Comparative Example 1, the same operation as in Comparative Example 1 was performed, except that the hot water (90 ° C.) added during gel pulverization was changed to a hydrotalcite dispersion solution and the addition amount was changed to 1.23 g / sec. .
- hydrotalcite solid content was 0.15 weight% with respect to the amount of water-containing gel, and 0.29 weight% with respect to the solid content of water-containing gel.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 11.8 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 10.7 J / g
- the particulate hydrogel (2) has a gel CRC of 28.4 g / g, a resin solid content of 51.0% by weight, a water-soluble content of 3.6% by weight, and a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble content. 23.6 ⁇ 10 4 Da
- the weight average particle diameter (D50) was 715 ⁇ m
- the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution was 0.91.
- the water-absorbent resin powder (B2) obtained in Example 2 has a weight average particle diameter (D50) of 361 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.32, CRC of 32.7 g / g,
- the water-soluble component was 7.7% by weight, and the particles passing through 150 ⁇ m (the ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 1.1% by weight.
- Table 1 and Table 2 show various physical properties of the finally obtained water absorbent resin powder (2).
- Production Example 2 In Production Example 1, the same operation as in Production Example 1 was carried out except that polyethylene glycol diacrylate (average n number: 9) was changed from 1.26 parts by weight to 0.84 parts by weight.
- the band-shaped hydrogel crosslinked polymer (b) obtained in Production Example 2 has a gel CRC of 31.1 g / g, a resin solid content of 52.1% by weight, a water-soluble content of 4.1% by weight, The water-soluble component had a weight average molecular weight of 25.8 ⁇ 10 4 Da and a polymerization rate of 99.4 mol%.
- the band-shaped hydrogel crosslinked polymer (b) was continuously cut at equal intervals in the width direction with respect to the traveling direction of the polymerization belt so that the cut length was about 300 mm, and the cut hydrogel (b )
- the opening of the JIS standard sieve used after pulverizing the dried polymer was changed from 710 ⁇ m to 850 ⁇ m, and the covalently bonded surface crosslinking agent ethylene carbonate was changed to 1,3-propanediol.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 12.9 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 11.8 J / g
- the comparative particulate water-containing gel (2) has a gel CRC of 31.5 g / g, a resin solid content of 50.9% by weight, a water-soluble component of 4.8% by weight, and a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble component.
- the weight average particle diameter (D50) was 850 ⁇ m
- the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution was 0.96.
- the comparative water-absorbent resin powder (B2) obtained in Comparative Example 2 has a weight average particle size (D50) of 440 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.36, and a CRC of 37.1 g / g.
- the water-soluble component was 9.3% by weight, and the particles passing through 150 ⁇ m (the ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 0.4% by weight.
- Table 1 and Table 2 show various physical properties of the finally obtained comparative water absorbent resin powder (2).
- Example 3 In Comparative Example 2, the same operation as in Comparative Example 2 was performed, except that warm water (90 ° C.) added during gel pulverization was changed to a silica dispersion solution and the addition amount was changed to 1.23 g / second.
- the silica-dispersed solution was a solution obtained by dispersing 11.84% by weight of Leolosil QS-20 (amorphous silica; manufactured by Tokuyama Corporation) in deionized water, and the temperature was adjusted to 90 ° C.
- the addition amount (1.23 g / sec) was such that the silica solid content was 0.15% by weight with respect to the water-containing gel amount and 0.29% by weight with respect to the solid content of the water-containing gel.
- Example 3 the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 13.3 J / g, and the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 12.1 J / g.
- the particulate hydrogel (3) has a gel CRC of 31.4 g / g, a resin solid content of 51.0% by weight, a water-soluble component of 4.7% by weight, and a water-soluble component weight-average molecular weight. 28.2 ⁇ 10 4 Da, the weight average particle size (D50) was 830 ⁇ m, and the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution was 0.96.
- the water-absorbent resin powder (B3) obtained in Example 3 has a weight average particle size (D50) of 439 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.36, a CRC of 36.9 g / g,
- the water-soluble component was 9.1% by weight, and the particles passing through 150 ⁇ m (the ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 0.3% by weight.
- Table 1 and Table 2 show various physical properties of the finally obtained water absorbent resin powder (3).
- Example 4 In Comparative Example 2, the same operation as in Comparative Example 2 was performed, except that the hot water (90 ° C.) added during gel pulverization was changed to a hydrotalcite dispersion solution and the addition amount was changed to 1.23 g / sec. .
- hydrotalcite solid content was 0.15 weight% with respect to the amount of water-containing gel, and 0.29 weight% with respect to the solid content of water-containing gel.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 13.2 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 12.1 J / g
- the particulate hydrogel (4) has a gel CRC of 31.4 g / g, a resin solid content of 51.0% by weight, a water-soluble content of 4.6% by weight, and a weight-average molecular weight of the water-soluble content. 28.1 ⁇ 10 4 Da
- the weight average particle size (D50) was 833 ⁇ m
- the logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of the particle size distribution was 0.96.
- the water absorbent resin powder (B4) obtained in Example 4 has a weight average particle diameter (D50) of 439 ⁇ m, a logarithmic standard deviation ( ⁇ ) of particle size distribution of 0.36, a CRC of 36.8 g / g, The water-soluble content was 9.2% by weight, and the particles passing through 150 ⁇ m (the ratio of the water-absorbent resin powder passing through a sieve having an opening of 150 ⁇ m) were 0.3% by weight.
- Table 1 and Table 2 show various physical properties of the finally obtained water absorbent resin powder (4).
- the monomer aqueous solution (c) was degassed for 20 minutes in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. Subsequently, 26.56 g of 10% by weight sodium persulfate aqueous solution and 22.13 g of 0.1% by weight L-ascorbic acid aqueous solution were added while stirring the monomer aqueous solution (c). Polymerization started later. The polymerization was carried out at a polymerization temperature ranging from 25 ° C to 92 ° C. After 30 minutes from the start of the polymerization, the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (c) was taken out from the reactor.
- the monomer aqueous solution (c) is polymerized and changed to a hydrogel crosslinked polymer (c).
- the produced hydrogel crosslinked polymer ( c) was gel-pulverized by a kneader, and the particle size was subdivided to about 5 mm or less.
- the finely divided hydrogel crosslinked polymer (c) is spread and placed on a 50 mesh (mesh opening 300 ⁇ m) wire mesh (ventilation plate), and heated at 180 ° C. for 50 minutes to form particles.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (c) was dried to obtain a dry polymer (c).
- the direction of the hot air was upward in the direction perpendicular to the ventilation plate and the gel layer, and the average wind speed of the hot air was 1.0 m / s.
- the wind speed of the hot air was measured using a constant temperature thermal anemometer Anemo Master 6162 (manufactured by Nippon Kanomax Co., Ltd.).
- the entire amount of the dried polymer (c) is pulverized using a roll mill (pulverization step), and then classified using JIS standard sieves (JIS Z8801-1 (2000)) having openings of 710 ⁇ m and 175 ⁇ m. Classification step).
- JIS standard sieves JIS Z8801-1 (2000)
- Example 5 A reactor formed by attaching a lid to a stainless steel double-armed kneader with an internal volume of 10 L having two sigma-type blades, 430.6 g of acrylic acid, 416.5 g of 37 wt% sodium acrylate aqueous solution, pure water 403.8 g and 10.42 g (0.09 mol%) of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (molecular weight 523) were added and mixed to obtain a monomer aqueous solution (5).
- the monomer aqueous solution (5) was degassed for 20 minutes in a nitrogen gas atmosphere. Subsequently, 26.56 g of a 10% by weight aqueous sodium persulfate solution and 22.13 g of a 0.1% by weight aqueous L-ascorbic acid solution were added while stirring the monomer aqueous solution (5). Polymerization started later. The polymerization was carried out at a polymerization temperature ranging from 25 ° C to 92 ° C. After 20 minutes from the start of polymerization, 195 g of the water-absorbent resin fine particles (c) obtained in Production Example 3 were added. Ten minutes after that, the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (5) was taken out of the reactor.
- the monomer aqueous solution (5) is polymerized and changed to a hydrogel crosslinked polymer (5).
- the produced hydrogel crosslinked polymer ( In 5) was performed by a kneader, and the particle size was subdivided to about 5 mm or less.
- the hydrogel crosslinked polymer (5) obtained by the above operation was supplied to a gel crusher to perform a second gel crush.
- the gel crusher was provided with a perforated plate having a diameter of 100 mm, a hole diameter of 6.4 mm, a number of holes of 80, and a thickness of 10 mm at the tip.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) in the gel grinding was 29.1 J / g, and the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 26.8 J / g.
- the particulate hydrogel crosslinked polymer (5) is spread and placed on a 50 mesh (mesh opening 300 ⁇ m) wire mesh (venting plate), and hot air at 180 ° C. is allowed to flow for 50 minutes to form particulate hydrous.
- the gel-like crosslinked polymer (5) was dried to obtain a dried polymer (5).
- the direction of the hot air was upward in the direction perpendicular to the ventilation plate and the gel layer, and the average wind speed of the hot air was 1.0 m / s.
- the wind speed of the hot air was measured using a constant temperature thermal anemometer Anemo Master 6162 (manufactured by Nippon Kanomax Co., Ltd.).
- the whole amount of the dried polymer (5) is pulverized using a roll mill (pulverization step), and then classified using a JIS standard sieve (JIS Z8801-1 (2000)) having openings of 710 ⁇ m and 175 ⁇ m. Classification step).
- JIS standard sieve JIS Z8801-1 (2000)
- a covalently-bonded surface crosslinking agent solution comprising 0.3 parts by weight of ethylene carbonate, 0.6 parts by weight of propylene glycol and 3.0 parts by weight of deionized water was added to the water absorbent resin powder (B5 ) Added to 100 parts by weight and mixed until uniform to obtain a humidified mixture (5). Thereafter, the humidified mixture (5) is heat-treated at 208 ° C. for about 40 minutes so that the CRC of the resulting water-absorbent resin powder (P5) is 26.6 g / g to 27.4 g / g. A powder (P5) was obtained.
- the water-absorbent resin powder (P5) was cooled, 1.17 parts by weight of a 27.5% by weight aqueous aluminum sulfate solution (8% by weight in terms of aluminum oxide), and 0.196 parts by weight of a 60% by weight aqueous sodium lactate solution. And the ion-bonding surface cross-linking agent solution consisting of 0.029 parts by weight of propylene glycol was added to the water-absorbent resin powder (P5) and mixed until uniform to obtain a result (5).
- the resulting product (5) was pulverized (size-regulating step) until it passed through a JIS standard sieve having a mesh size of 710 ⁇ m to obtain a water absorbent resin powder (5).
- Table 3 shows properties of the water absorbent resin powder (5).
- Example 6 In Example 5, the same operation as in Example 5 was performed except that the porous plate of the gel crusher was changed to a porous plate having a diameter of 100 mm, a hole diameter of 12.5 mm, a number of holes of 18 and a thickness of 10 mm. Table 3 shows properties of the water absorbent resin powder (6) finally obtained.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 20.4 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 18.7 J / g.
- Example 5 In Example 5, the same operation as in Example 5 was performed except that the perforated plate of the gel crusher was changed to a perforated plate having a diameter of 100 mm, a hole diameter of 4.8 mm, a number of holes of 12 and a thickness of 10 mm. Table 3 shows properties of the comparative water absorbent resin powder (3) finally obtained.
- the gel grinding energy (GGE) was 40.0 J / g
- the gel grinding energy (2) (GGE (2)) was 37.0 J / g.
- the gel at the time of swelling of the water absorbent resin It was confirmed that the particle disintegration rate can be measured. Moreover, when the gel particle disintegration rate during swelling was low, it was confirmed that the liquid permeability was high.
- the water-absorbent resin powder having an excellent gel particle disintegration rate at the time of swelling is also excellent in gel particle shape retention, and an improvement in use feeling of absorbent articles such as paper diapers can be expected.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention exhibits particularly excellent water absorption capacity under pressure, water absorption speed, and liquid permeability, so that when it is used as a water absorbent body for absorbent articles such as paper diapers, it can absorb liquid. It is excellent and can reduce the amount of liquid leakage and the amount of liquid returned after liquid absorption.
- the evaluation method according to the present invention can evaluate the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles when the water absorbent resin powder is swollen. Furthermore, according to the present invention, more advanced product design such as designing a water-absorbing resin having a specific function using the degree of collapse of the swollen gel particles as an index becomes possible.
- the water-absorbent resin powder according to the present invention is useful for absorbent articles such as paper diapers, sanitary napkins and medical blood retention agents.
- pet urine absorbent, mobile toilet urine gelling agent and freshness maintaining agent such as fruits and vegetables, meat and seafood drip absorbent, cold insulation, disposable warmer, battery gelling agent, water retention agent for plants and soil, etc. It can also be used in various applications such as anti-condensation agents, water-stopping agents and packing agents, and artificial snow.
- tray 31 spraying part 32 water-absorbing resin powder 33 top sheet 34 wire mesh 35 slot 36 upper lid 37 weight 200 gel particle shape retention force measuring device
Abstract
Description
(1)ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)が42秒以下、又は、自由膨潤速度(FSR)が0.28g/(g・s)以上、
(2)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が90重量%以上、
(3)膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下、
(4)下記式で規定される内部気泡率が0.1%~2.5%、
内部気泡率(%)=(真密度-見かけ密度)/真密度×100。
(1)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)が18J/g~60J/g、
(2)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))が9J/g~40J/g、
の少なくとも一つを満たすゲル粉砕を行った後、上記乾燥工程において、上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体を、乾燥機を用いて150℃~250℃の乾燥温度で乾燥することを特徴としている。
(手順1)含水率が10重量%以下の吸水性樹脂粉末を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて分級し、
(手順2)上記吸水性樹脂粉末の全部又は一部を膨潤液で膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、
(手順3)上記膨潤ゲル粒子を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて更に分級し、各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合を求め、
(手順4)上記手順2に供する吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積、及び、上記手順3で得られる膨潤ゲル粒子の重量又は体積から膨潤倍率を算出し、
(手順5)上記膨潤倍率に基づいて、手順1で使用した篩の目開きを手順3での篩の目開きに、又は、手順3で使用した篩の目開きを手順1での篩の目開きに、それぞれ換算し、
(手順6)上記手順5にて換算された篩の目開きと、上記手順3で得られた各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合とのプロットから、膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率を求める。
〔1-1〕「吸水性樹脂」
本発明において、「吸水性樹脂」とは、水膨潤性水不溶性の高分子ゲル化剤を意味する。ここで、「水膨潤性」とは、ERT442.2-02にて規定されるCRC(遠心分離機保持容量)が5g/g以上であることをいい、「水不溶性」とは、ERT470.2-02にて規定されるExt(水可溶分)が50重量%以下であることをいう。なお、「CRC(遠心分離機保持容量)」とは、「無加圧下吸水倍率」と称することもある。
本発明において、「ポリアクリル酸(塩)」とは、グラフト成分を必要に応じて含んでおり、繰り返し単位として、アクリル酸及び/又はその塩を主成分とする重合体を意味する。
「EDANA」は、欧州不織布工業会(European Disposables and Nonwovens Associations)の略称であり、「ERT」は、欧州標準(ほぼ世界標準)である吸水性樹脂の測定方法(EDANA Recommended Test Methods)の略称である。なお、本発明においては、特に断りのない限り、ERT原本(公知文献:2002年改定)に準拠して測定を行う。
「CRC」は、Centrifuge Retention Capacity(遠心分離機保持容量)の略称であり、無加圧下での吸水倍率を意味する。具体的には、「CRC」とは、不織布袋中の0.200gの吸水性樹脂を、大過剰の0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液に対して30分間自由膨潤させた後、遠心分離機を用いて脱水した後の吸水性樹脂の吸水倍率(単位:g/g)をいう。なお、含水ゲル状架橋重合体のCRC(以下、本明細書において「ゲルCRC」と称することがある)は、試料を0.4g、自由膨潤時間を24時間にそれぞれ変更して測定を行った。
「AAP」は、Absorption Against Pressureの略称であり、加圧下での吸水倍率を意味する。具体的には、「AAP」とは、0.900gの吸水性樹脂を、0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液に対して1時間、2.06kPa(0.3psi、21g/cm2)の荷重下で膨潤させた後の吸水倍率(単位:g/g)をいう。なお、ERT442.2-02には、Absorption Under Pressureと表記されているが、「AAP」とAbsorption Under Pressureとは実質的に同一である。また、本発明及び実施例では、荷重条件を4.83kPa(0.7psi、49g/cm2)に変更して測定を行った。
「Ext」は、Extractablesの略称であり、水可溶分(水可溶成分量)を意味する。具体的には、「Ext」とは、吸水性樹脂1.0gを0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液200mlに添加し、500rpmで16時間攪拌した後の溶解ポリマー量(単位:重量%)をいう。溶解ポリマー量の測定はpH滴定を用いて行う。なお、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分(以下、本明細書において「ゲルExt」と称することがある)は、試料を5.0g、攪拌時間を24時間にそれぞれ変更して測定を行った。
「PSD」は、Particle Size Distributionの略称であり、篩分級により測定される、吸水性樹脂の粒度分布を意味する。なお、重量平均粒子径(D50)及び粒度分布は欧州特許第0349240号明細書7頁25~43行に記載された「(1)Average Particle Diameter and Distribution of Particle Diameter」と同様の方法で測定する。また、含水ゲル状架橋重合体のPSDの測定方法については後述する。また、粒度測定で使用する標準篩(目開き)は、対象物の粒度によって適宜追加してもよい。また、上記欧州特許第0349240号に開示のない測定条件等については、欧州特許第1594556号を適宜参照してもよい。
「Residual Monomers」は、吸水性樹脂中に残存する単量体(モノマー量)(以下、「残存モノマー」と称する)を意味する。具体的には、「Residual Monomers」とは、吸水性樹脂1.0gを0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液200mlに添加し、長さ35mmのスターラーチップを用いて500rpmで1時間攪拌した後、該水溶液中に溶解したモノマー量(単位:ppm)のことをいう。溶解したモノマー量は、HPLC(高速液体クロマトグラフィー)を用いて測定される。なお、含水ゲル状架橋重合体中の残存モノマーは、試料を2g、攪拌時間を3時間にそれぞれ変更して測定を行い、得られた測定値を含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分当たりの重量に換算した値(単位:ppm)とする。
「Moisture Content」は、吸水性樹脂の含水率を意味する。具体的には、「Moisture Content」とは、吸水性樹脂1gを105℃で3時間乾燥した際の乾燥減量から算出した値(単位:重量%)をいう。なお、本発明では乾燥温度を180℃に変更し、測定は1サンプルに付き5回行い、その平均値を採用した。また、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の含水率は、試料を2g、乾燥温度を180℃、乾燥時間を16時間にそれぞれ変更して測定を行った。更に、100-含水率(重量%)で算出される値を、本発明では「樹脂固形分」とし、吸水性樹脂及び含水ゲル状架橋重合体の双方に適用することができる。
本発明において、「通液性」とは、荷重下又は無荷重下で、膨潤ゲルの粒子間を通過する液の流れ性のことをいう。「通液性」の代表的な測定方法として、SFC(Saline Flow Conductivity/食塩水流れ誘導性)、及びGBP(Gel Bed Permeability/ゲル床透過性)が挙げられる。
本発明において、「吸水速度」とは、「自由膨潤速度(FSR)」(単位:g/(g・s))又は「ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)」(単位:秒)により表される吸水速度を意味する。なお、「FSR」とは、Free Swell Rateの略称であり、具体的には、「自由膨潤速度(FSR)」とは、吸水性樹脂1gが0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液20gを吸水する時の速度(単位:g/(g・s))であり、国際公開第2009/016055号に規定されている方法に準じて求めた吸水速度である。また、「ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)」とは、JIS K7224に記載の「高吸水性樹脂の吸水速度試験法」に準じて求めた吸水時間であり、2gの吸水性樹脂が50gの生理食塩水を吸水する時間のことである。
本発明において、「ゲル粉砕」とは、得られた含水ゲル状架橋重合体に、例えば、せん断力、圧縮力等を加えることにより、該含水ゲル状架橋重合体の大きさを小さくする操作のことをいう。
本発明において、「膨潤ゲル」とは、吸水性樹脂粉末を膨潤液で膨潤させたときに産生される含水ゲル化吸水性樹脂をいい、「膨潤ゲル粒子」とは、その「膨潤ゲル」を形成する吸水性樹脂の粒子のことをいう。また、本発明において、「膨潤」とは、吸水性樹脂粉末が膨潤液を取り込み、その結果、吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積が増加することをいう。
本発明において、「膨潤倍率」とは、吸水性樹脂粉末を膨潤液で膨潤させて膨潤ゲル粒子としたときの膨潤前の吸水性樹脂粉末の量に対する、膨潤後の膨潤ゲル粒子の量の割合をいう。上記割合は、吸水性樹脂粉末の重量に対する膨潤ゲル粒子の重量の割合であってもよいし、吸水性樹脂粉末の体積に対する膨潤ゲル粒子の体積の割合であってもよい。好ましくは、膨潤倍率は、重量の割合である。「膨潤倍率」の具体的な算出方法等については、以下で詳述する。
本発明において、「膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率」とは、吸水性樹脂粉末を、0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液で膨潤させた時に発生する微粒子ゲルの重量割合をいい、以下の方法によって求められる。
i)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満の吸水性樹脂粉末を0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液で1時間膨潤させる。
ii)上記i)で得られた膨潤ゲルを篩で湿式分級し、各篩の目開きに残った膨潤ゲルの粒子の量から求めた各篩を通過した膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合と、湿式分級で使用した篩の目開きを乾式分級での目開きに換算し、これらをプロットしたグラフを作成する。
iii)上記ii)で作製したグラフから、乾燥分級での粒度180μm未満の粒子の重量割合(単位:重量%)を求め、この重量割合を「膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率」とする。
本発明において、「水可溶分の重量平均分子量」とは、吸水性樹脂を0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液に添加した際に溶解する成分(水可溶分)の重量平均分子量について、GPC(ゲル浸透クロマトグラフィー)で測定した値(単位:daltons、以下本明細書においてdaltonsを「Da」と略記する)をいう。即ち、上記(1-3)(c)「Ext」に記載した測定方法で得た溶液をGPC測定した結果である。なお、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分の重量平均分子量は、粒子径を好ましくは5mm以下、より好ましくは1mm~3mmに細粒化した試料を5.0gに、攪拌時間を24時間にそれぞれ変更して測定を行った。
本発明において、「ゲル粉砕エネルギー」とは、含水ゲル状架橋重合体をゲル粉砕するときに、ゲル粉砕装置が必要とする、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の単位重量あたりの機械的エネルギーをいう。なお、「ゲル粉砕エネルギー」には、ジャケットを加熱冷却するエネルギー、及び、投入する水及びスチームのエネルギーは含まれない。「ゲル粉砕エネルギー」は、英語表記の「Gel Grinding Energy」から「GGE」と略称する。上記GGEは、ゲル粉砕装置が三相交流電力で駆動される場合、以下の式(1)によって算出される。
本明細書において、範囲を示す「X~Y」は、「X以上Y以下」を意味する。重量の単位である「t(トン)」は、「Metric ton(メトリック トン)」を意味し、更に、特に注釈のない限り、「ppm」は「重量ppm」を意味する。また、「重量」と「質量」、「重量%」と「質量%」、「重量部」と「質量部」は同義語として扱う。さらに、「~酸(塩)」は「~酸及び/又はその塩」を意味し、「(メタ)アクリル」は「アクリル及び/又はメタクリル」を意味する。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、ポリアクリル酸(塩)を主成分とする吸水性樹脂粉末であって、以下の(1)~(4)の各物性を満たすことを特徴とする。なお、「ポリアクリル酸(塩)を主成分とする吸水性樹脂粉末」とは、ポリアクリル酸(塩)を好ましくは50重量%以上、より好ましくは80重量%以上、更に好ましくは90重量%以上を含む、吸水性樹脂粉末を指し、本明細書においては、「ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末」と称することもある。
(1)ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)が42秒以下、又は、自由膨潤速度(FSR)が0.28g/(g・s)以上
(2)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が90重量%以上
(3)膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下
(4)下記式で規定される内部気泡率が0.1%~2.5%
内部気泡率(%)=(真密度-見かけ密度)/真密度×100
以下、上記(1)~(4)の各物性及びその他の物性について、説明する。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)が42秒以下、又は、自由膨潤速度(FSR)が0.28g/(g・s)以上である。なお、ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)及び自由膨潤速度(FSR)は何れも、吸水性樹脂粉末の吸水速度を示す物性である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、粒度が150μm以上850μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が90重量%以上である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、下記式で規定される内部気泡率が0.1%~2.5%である。
内部気泡率(%)=(真密度-見かけ密度)/真密度×100
上記内部気泡率を0.1%~2.5%とすることで、嵩が小さくなり、運搬用容器(例えば、フレキシブルコンテナバッグ)1つ当りの充填量を増加することができ、その結果として輸送コストの抑制が図れるため、好ましい。また、ダメージによる独立気泡の破壊が起こりにくく、ダメージに対して強い吸水性樹脂粉末となるため、好ましい。
本発明に係るポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末は、上記(1)~(4)の物性を満たした上で、以下の(5)~(9)の各物性の何れか1つ以上を更に満たすことが好ましい。
(6)食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)が10×10-7・cm3・s・g-1以上
(7)粒度が150μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が5重量%以下
(8)粒度が850μm以上である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が5重量%以下
(9)遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)が10g/g以上
以下、上記(5)~(9)の各物性について、説明する。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、4.83kPaの加圧下における加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)が、好ましくは20g/g以上、より好ましくは21g/g以上、更に好ましくは22g/g以上、特に好ましくは23g/g以上である。上記加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)の上限値は、特に限定されないが、他の物性とのバランスの観点から、好ましくは35g/g以下、より好ましくは30g/g以下、更に好ましくは28g/g以下である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、2.07kPaの加圧下における食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)(単位:×10-7・cm3・s・g-1/以下、単位の表記を省略する)が、好ましくは10以上、より好ましくは20以上、更に好ましくは30以上、更により好ましくは50以上、特に好ましくは70以上、最も好ましくは90以上である。SFCが、10以上であることにより、紙オムツ等の吸収性物品の吸収体に用いた際のモレを防止することができるため、好ましい。なお、当該食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)は、膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下であることによって向上させることができると考えられる。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、吸水性樹脂粉末の物性向上の観点から、目開き150μmの篩(JIS標準篩)を通過する微細な粒子の含有量が少ないほど好ましい。したがって、粒度が150μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合は、篩分級に供される吸水性樹脂粉末全体に対して、好ましくは5重量%以下、より好ましくは4重量%以下、更に好ましくは3重量%以下である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、吸水性樹脂粉末の物性向上の観点から、目開き850μmの篩(JIS標準篩)を通過しない粗大な粒子の含有量が少ないほど好ましい。したがって、粒度が850μm以上である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合は、篩分級に供される吸水性樹脂粉末全体に対して、好ましくは5重量%以下、より好ましくは3重量%以下、更に好ましくは1重量%以下である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)が、好ましくは10g/g以上、より好ましくは20g/g以上、更に好ましくは25g/g以上、特に好ましくは30g/g以上である。上記遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)の上限値は、特に限定されないが、他の物性とのバランスの観点から、好ましくは50g/g以下、より好ましくは45g/g以下、更に好ましくは40g/g以下である。上記遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)が、上記範囲内であることにより、紙オムツ等の吸収性物品の吸収体として使用できるため、好ましい。
本発明に係るポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末は、上述したように、膨潤時のゲル崩壊が少なく、その結果優れた加圧下吸水倍率および通液性を示すとともに、吸水速度にも優れる。
本発明において、重合工程とは、アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液を重合して、含水ゲル状架橋重合体を得る工程である。なお、本明細書において、「アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液」(以下、本明細書において、単に「単量体水溶液」と称することがある)とは、アクリル酸(塩)を主成分とする単量体水溶液をいう。ここで、アクリル酸(塩)を主成分とする単量体水溶液とは、単量体として、アクリル酸(塩)を好ましくは50モル%~100モル%、より好ましくは70モル%~100モル%、更に好ましくは90モル%~100モル%、特に好ましくは実質100モル%含む単量体水溶液をいう。
本発明で得られる吸水性樹脂粉末は、その原料として、アクリル酸(塩)を主成分として含む単量体を使用し、通常、水溶液状態で重合される。アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液中の単量体(モノマー)濃度は、好ましくは10重量%~80重量%、より好ましくは20重量%~80重量%、更に好ましくは30重量%~70重量%、特に好ましくは40重量%~60重量%である。
本発明においては、得られる吸水性樹脂粉末の吸水性能の観点から、内部架橋剤を使用することが好ましい。該内部架橋剤としては特に限定されないが、例えば、アクリル酸との重合性架橋剤、カルボキシル基との反応性架橋剤、又はこれらを併せ持った架橋剤等が挙げられる。
本発明において使用される重合開始剤は、重合形態によって適宜選択され、特に限定されないが、例えば、光分解型重合開始剤、熱分解型重合開始剤、レドックス系重合開始剤等が挙げられる。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法においては、その重合方法として噴霧液滴重合又は逆相懸濁重合を採用して粒子状の含水ゲル架橋重合体を得てもよいが、得られる吸水性樹脂粉末の通液性(SFC)及び自由膨潤速度(FSR)並びに重合制御の容易性等の観点から、水溶液重合が好ましい。該水溶液重合としても特に限定されるものではないが、より好ましくは連続水溶液重合、更に好ましくは高濃度連続水溶液重合、特に好ましくは高濃度・高温開始連続水溶液重合が採用され、重合形態として無攪拌型のベルト重合又は攪拌型のニーダー重合が好ましい。なお、攪拌型のニーダー重合とは、含水ゲル状架橋重合体(重合率が好ましくは10モル%以上、より好ましくは50モル%以上の含水ゲル状架橋重合体)を好ましくは攪拌、より好ましくは攪拌及び細分化しながら重合することを意味する。また、無攪拌型のベルト重合の前後において、単量体水溶液(重合率が10モル%未満)を適宜攪拌してもよい。
本発明において、ゲル粉砕工程とは、上述した定義に示したとおりであり、言い換えれば、上述した重合中又は重合後の含水ゲル状架橋重合体を細分化して、粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体(以下、本明細書において「粒子状含水ゲル」と称することもある)を得る工程である。なお、下記〔3-4〕粉砕工程・分級工程での「粉砕」と区別して、本工程は「ゲル粉砕」という。
(1)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)が18J/g~60J/g
(2)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))が9J/g~40J/g
の少なくとも一つを満たすゲル粉砕を行う。
(4)得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量平均粒子径(D50)が350μm~2000μm
(5)得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)が0.2~1.0
(ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分)
ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分は、物性の観点から、10重量%~80重量%であり、より好ましくは30重量%~80重量%、更に好ましくは40重量%~80重量%、特に好ましくは45重量%~60重量%、最も好ましくは50重量%~60重量%である。上記樹脂固形分が10重量%以上の場合、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の軟度が上昇せず、逆に上記樹脂固形分が80重量%以下である場合、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の硬度が上昇しないため、粒子形状や粒度分布の制御が容易になるので好ましい。かような含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分は、重合濃度や重合中の水分蒸発、重合工程への吸水性樹脂微粉の添加(微粉リサイクル工程)、必要により重合後の水添加や部分乾燥等で適宜制御することができる。なお、本明細書において、「ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体」とは、ゲル粉砕工程に供される直前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体を意味し、「ゲル粉砕される含水ゲル状架橋重合体」と記載されることもある。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末には、粒子内部に無機化合物が存在する粒子が含まれることが好ましい。粒子内部に無機化合物が含まれることにより、吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤時のゲルの崩壊による微粒子ゲルの発生を抑制することができ、優れた加圧下吸水倍率、吸水速度、及び通液性を有する吸水性樹脂粉末を得ることができる。
[M12+ 1-xM23+ x(OH-)2]x+・[(An-)x/n・mH2O]x- ・・・(1)
(一般式(1)中、M12+は2価の金属カチオンを示し、M23+は3価の金属カチオンを示し、An-はn価の陰イオンを示し、H2Oは水を示す)で表される、層状化合物の構造として知られているハイドロタルサイト様構造を有していることが好ましい。
本工程では、無機化合物を添加するとともに、ゲル粉砕を行う。本発明では、ゲル粉砕工程において、無機化合物を添加することが重要であり、これにより、無機化合物が粒子状含水ゲルに練りこまれ、得られた吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤時のゲルの崩壊による微粒子ゲルの発生を抑制することができる。それゆえ、本発明に係る製造方法により得られる、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末は、優れた加圧下吸水倍率、吸水速度、及び通液性を示す。
本発明において、最初のゲル粉砕工程(好ましくは、重合の進行と同時に行われるゲル粉砕)以降に吸水性樹脂微粒子が添加される。添加量としては、ゲルの固形分に対して、10重量%以上であり、好ましくは12重量%以上、より好ましくは15重量%以上である。上限は30重量%である。添加される吸水性樹脂微粒子が30重量%を超えると、目的の性能(例えばSFCなど)が低下してしまう虞が生じる。
本工程で使用されるゲル粉砕装置としては、特に限定されるものではなく、バッチ型又は連続型のニーダー、特にバッチ型又は連続型の双腕型ニーダー等;複数の回転撹拌翼を備えたゲル粉砕機;1軸押出機、2軸押出機、ミートチョッパー等のスクリュー型押出機等が挙げられる。
本発明では、本ゲル粉砕工程において、樹脂固形分が10重量%以上80重量%以下の含水ゲル状架橋重合体に、上記無機化合物及び/又は吸水性樹脂微粒子を添加するとともに、上記(1)及び(2)の少なくとも一つを満たすゲル粉砕を行う。
上記(3)を満たすゲル粉砕では、含水ゲル状架橋重合体のゲル粉砕の際、ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)を18J/g~60J/gとする製造方法を達成手段のひとつとして、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分の重量平均分子量の増加量が10000Da~500000Daとなるようにゲル粉砕を行う。
上記(4)及び/又は上記(5)を満たすゲル粉砕では、得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量平均粒子径(D50)が350μm~2000μm、及び/又は、得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)が0.2~1.0となるまでゲル粉砕を行う。
本発明において上記ゲル粉砕は、重合中又は重合後に行われ、より好ましくは重合後の含水ゲル状架橋重合体に対して行われる。ゲル粉砕される含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重合率は、好ましくは90モル%以上、より好ましくは93モル%以上、更に好ましくは95モル%以上、特に好ましくは97モル%以上である。また、上限は好ましくは99.5モル%である。ゲル粉砕される含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重合率は、好ましくは90モル%以上であれば、吸水性樹脂粉末に含まれる残存モノマーを低減できるため好ましい。
本発明のゲル粉砕工程で使用されるゲル粉砕装置が、スクリュー押出機である場合、そのスクリュー押出機のスクリュー軸回転数は、そのケーシングの内径によって回転羽根の外周速度が変わるため、一概に規定できないが、軸回転数は、好ましくは90rpm~500rpm、より好ましくは100rpm~400pm、更に好ましくは120rpm~200rpmである。上記軸回転数が90rpm以上の場合、ゲル粉砕に必要なせん断・圧縮力が得られ、また、上記軸回転数が500rpm以下である場合、含水ゲル状架橋重合体に与えるせん断・圧縮力が過剰とならないため、物性低下を招きにくく、ゲル粉砕装置にかかる負荷が小さく破損の虞がない。また、この時の回転羽根の外周速度は、好ましくは0.5m/s~5m/s、より好ましくは0.5m/s~4m/sである。また、本発明におけるゲル粉砕装置の温度は、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の付着等を防ぐために、好ましくは40℃~120℃、より好ましくは60℃~100℃に加熱又は保温される。
ゲル温度、即ち、ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の温度は、粒度制御や物性の観点から、好ましくは40℃~120℃、より好ましくは60℃~120℃、更に好ましくは60℃~110℃、特に好ましくは65℃~110℃である。上記ゲル温度が40℃以上の場合、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の特性上、硬度が上昇しにくいため、ゲル粉砕時に粒子形状や粒度分布の制御が容易になる。また、上記ゲル温度が120℃以下である場合、逆に含水ゲル状架橋重合体の軟度が上昇しすぎないため、粒子形状や粒度分布の制御が容易になる。かようなゲル温度は、重合温度や重合後の加熱、保温又は冷却等で適宜制御することができる。
ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体のゲルCRCは、好ましくは10g/g~35g/g、より好ましくは10g/g~32g/g、更に好ましくは10g/g~30g/g、特に好ましくは15g/g~30g/gである。上記ゲルCRCが10g/g~35g/gである場合、ゲル粉砕時の粒子形状や粒度分布の制御が容易になるため好ましい。かようなゲルCRCは、重合時の架橋剤添加量、その他重合濃度等で適宜制御することができる。なお、高CRCを有する吸水性樹脂が好ましいことは周知の事実であるが、上記ゲルCRCが35g/gを超える場合、粒子形状や粒度分布の制御がしにくくなる場合があることが見出された。
本発明において、ゲル粉砕後の粒子状含水ゲルの樹脂固形分は、物性の観点から、好ましくは10重量%~80重量%、より好ましくは30重量%~80重量%、更に好ましくは50重量%~80重量%である。ゲル粉砕後の粒子状含水ゲルの樹脂固形分を上記範囲とすることで、乾燥によるCRCの上昇が制御しやすく、また、乾燥によるダメージ(水可溶分の増加等)が少ないため、好ましい。なお、ゲル粉砕後の樹脂固形分は、ゲル粉砕前の樹脂固形分や必要により添加する水、更にはゲル粉砕時の加熱による水分蒸発等によって、適宜制御することができる。
上記ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体又はゲル粉砕後の粒子状含水ゲルの物性を評価するためには、製造装置から必要量及び必要頻度でサンプリング及び測定を行う必要がある。本発明では、ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分の重量平均分子量を基準にして評価を行うが、この値が十分に平均化された数値となるようにする必要がある。そこで、例えば、連続ニーダーやミートチョッパー等による連続式のゲル粉砕で吸水性樹脂粉末の生産量が1t/hr~20t/hr又は1t/hr~10t/hrの場合、含水ゲル状架橋重合体100kg毎に2点以上、合計で少なくとも10点以上のサンプリング及び測定を行えばよく、また、バッチ式のゲル粉砕(例えば、バッチ式ニーダー)の場合、バッチサンプルから少なくとも10点以上のサンプリング及び測定を行い、粒子状含水ゲルの物性を評価すればよい。
本発明のゲル粉砕工程においては、含水ゲル状架橋重合体に水を添加してゲル粉砕することもできる。なお、本発明において、「水」には、固体、液体、及び気体の少なくとも1つの形態を含むものとする。
上述したように、含水ゲル状架橋重合体に水を添加してゲル粉砕することが好ましいが、水以外に他の添加剤、中和剤等を含水ゲル状架橋重合体に添加・混練してゲル粉砕することもでき、こうして得られた吸水性樹脂を改質してもよい。具体的には、ゲル粉砕時に、上記〔3-1〕で述べた塩基性物質を含む水溶液(例えば、10重量%~50重量%の水酸化ナトリウム水溶液)を添加して中和(特に前述した中和率の範囲内)してもよい。更に、重合開始剤や還元剤、キレート剤を0.001重量%~3重量%(対樹脂固形分)、ゲル粉砕時に添加・混合して、残存モノマーの低減や着色改善、耐久性を付与してもよい。
本発明において、乾燥工程とは、上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲルを乾燥し、乾燥重合体を得る工程である。より具体的には、上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体を、乾燥機を用いて150℃~250℃の乾燥温度で乾燥し、乾燥重合体を得る工程である。
本工程での乾燥温度は、150℃~250℃、より好ましくは160℃~220℃、更に好ましくは170℃~200℃である。該乾燥温度を150℃~250℃とすることで、乾燥時間の短縮と得られる乾燥重合体の着色低減の両立が可能となる。更に、得られる吸水性樹脂粉末の通液性や吸水速度が向上する傾向がある。なお、乾燥温度が250℃以下であることにより、高分子鎖がダメージを受けにくいため、物性の低下を抑えることができる。また、乾燥温度が150℃以上であることにより、吸水速度の向上が見られ、未乾燥物の生成が抑えられるため未乾燥物に起因する後の粉砕工程時の詰まりを防ぐことができる。
本工程での乾燥時間は、粒子状含水ゲルの表面積及び乾燥機の種類等に依存するため、目的とする含水率となるように適宜設定すればよい。上記乾燥時間は、通常は、好ましくは1分間~10時間、より好ましくは5分間~2時間、更に好ましくは10分間~120分間、特に好ましくは20分間~60分間である。
本工程において、乾燥機として通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機を用いる場合の熱風の風速は、垂直方向(上下方向)に、好ましくは0.8m/s~2.5m/s、より好ましくは1.0m/s~2.0m/sである。上記風速を0.8m/s以上とすることにより、乾燥時間が短縮され、得られる吸水性樹脂粉末の通液性及び吸水速度が向上する。また、上記風速が2.5m/s以下であることにより、安定した乾燥を行うことができ、得られる乾燥重合体の含水率を所望の範囲に制御しやすい。なお、上記風速は、通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機を例として、水平移動するバンド面に対して垂直方向に通過する熱風の平均流速で表す。従って、熱風の平均流速は、該通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機に送風される風量を通気ベルトの面積で除すればよい。
本工程において、乾燥機として通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機を用いる場合に、当該通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機で用いられる熱風は、少なくとも水蒸気を含有し、かつ露点が好ましくは30℃~100℃、より好ましくは30℃~80℃である。熱風の露点及び更に好ましくは粒子状含水ゲルの粒度を上記範囲に制御することにより、残存モノマーを低減することができ、更に、乾燥重合体の嵩比重の低下を防止することができる。なお、上記露点は、粒子状含水ゲルの含水率が少なくとも10重量%以上、好ましくは20重量%以上の時点での値とする。
上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲルは、本乾燥工程で乾燥され、乾燥重合体とされるが、その乾燥減量(粉末1gを180℃で3時間加熱して乾燥した後の乾燥減量)から求められる樹脂固形分は、好ましくは80重量%を超え、より好ましくは85重量%~99重量%、更に好ましくは90重量%~98重量%、特に好ましくは92重量%~97重量%である。
上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲルの、乾燥機に投入される直前の粒子状含水ゲルの表面温度は、好ましくは40℃~110℃、より好ましくは60℃~110℃、更に好ましくは60℃~100℃、特に好ましくは70℃~100℃である。上記表面温度が40℃以上であれば、乾燥時に風船状乾燥物ができず、粉砕時に微粉の発生量が少なく、物性低下を招かないため好ましい。上記表面温度が110℃以下である場合、乾燥後の吸水性樹脂の劣化(例えば、水可溶分の増加等)や着色が生じないため好ましい。
本工程は、上記乾燥工程にて得られた乾燥重合体を、粉砕・分級して、表面処理工程に供する吸水性樹脂粉末を得る工程である。なお、上記〔3-2〕ゲル粉砕工程とは、粉砕時の樹脂固形分、特に粉砕対象物が乾燥工程を経ている点(好ましくは、上記樹脂固形分まで乾燥されている点)で異なる。また、粉砕工程後に得られる吸水性樹脂粉末を粉砕物と称することもある。
本発明に係るポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法は、吸水性能(圧力に対する吸収性、通液性、吸収速度等)向上のため、好ましくは表面処理工程を更に含む。表面処理工程は、公知の表面架橋剤及び表面架橋方法を用いて行う表面架橋工程を含み、更に必要に応じてその他の添加工程を含む。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末は、表面架橋されていることがより好ましい。表面架橋は、公知の表面架橋剤及び表面架橋方法を用いて行うことができる。
表面架橋剤の使用量は、表面処理に供する吸水性樹脂粉末100重量部に対して、好ましくは0.001重量部~10重量部、より好ましくは0.01重量部~5重量部である。表面架橋剤は、好ましくは水とともに使用される。使用される水の量は、表面処理に供する吸水性樹脂粉末100重量部に対して、好ましくは0.5重量部~20重量部、より好ましくは0.5重量部~10重量部である。無機表面架橋剤と有機表面架橋剤とを併用する場合も、表面処理に供する吸水性樹脂粉末100重量部に対して、無機表面架橋剤と有機表面架橋剤とが、それぞれ、好ましくは0.001重量部~10重量部、より好ましくは0.01重量部~5重量部である。
上記表面架橋剤溶液を表面処理に供する吸水性樹脂粉末に混合すると、表面架橋剤溶液中の水等により表面処理に供する吸水性樹脂粉末は膨潤する。該膨潤した吸水性樹脂粉末は、加熱により乾燥される。このとき、加熱温度としては80℃~220℃であることが好ましい。また、加熱時間は10分間~120分間であることが好ましい。
本工程において、無機表面架橋剤、より好ましくはイオン結合性表面架橋剤(例えば、多価金属塩)を使用して表面架橋を行う場合には、かかる無機表面架橋剤は、上述した有機表面架橋剤に代えて、又は上述した有機表面架橋剤に加えて使用することができる。無機表面架橋剤は、上記有機表面架橋剤と同時に添加されてもよいし、又は別途添加されてもよい。
(造粒工程等)
上記工程以外に、必要により、蒸発モノマーのリサイクル工程、造粒工程、微粉除去工程等を設けてもよく、経時色調の安定性効果やゲル劣化防止等のために、上記各工程の何れか一部又は全部に、以下の添加剤を必要により使用してもよい。即ち、水溶性又は水不溶性のポリマー、滑剤、キレート剤、消臭剤、抗菌剤、水、界面活性剤、水不溶性微粒子、酸化防止剤、還元剤等を、吸水性樹脂に対して、好ましくは0重量%超30重量%以下、より好ましくは0.01重量%~10重量%を添加混合することができる。これらの添加剤は、表面処理剤として使用することもできる。
本発明に係るポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率は、以下の手法により求められる。即ち、i)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満であるように分級された吸水性樹脂粉末を0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液で1時間膨潤させ、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、ii)上記i)で得られた膨潤ゲル粒子を篩で湿式分級し、各篩の目開きに残った膨潤ゲルの粒子の量から求めた各篩を通過した膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合と、湿式分級で使用した篩の目開きから換算された乾式分級での目開きとをプロットしたグラフを作成し、iii)上記ii)で作成したグラフから特定した、乾燥分級での粒度180μm未満の粒子の重量割合(単位:重量%)から、吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が求められる。
(手順1)含水率が10重量%以下の吸水性樹脂粉末を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて分級し、
(手順2)上記吸水性樹脂粉末の全部又は一部を膨潤液で膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、
(手順3)上記膨潤ゲル粒子を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて更に分級し、各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合を求め、
(手順4)上記手順2に供する吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積、及び、上記手順3で得られる膨潤ゲル粒子の重量又は体積から膨潤倍率を算出し、
(手順5)上記膨潤倍率に基づいて、手順1で使用した篩の目開きを手順3での篩の目開きに、又は、手順3で使用した篩の目開きを手順1での篩の目開きに、それぞれ換算し、
(手順6)上記手順5にて換算された篩の目開きと、上記手順3で得られた各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合とのプロットから、膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率を求める手順。
本発明に係るポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の評価方法は、上記〔2〕に記載した各物性を満たした上で、下記の特定の含水率を有する吸水性樹脂粉末を使用して評価する。本発明に係る評価方法は、かような吸水性樹脂粉末を使用することによって、膨潤液による膨潤を引き起こすことができ、その結果、膨潤前後の状態を比較することが可能となる。
(手順1)第1分級操作
本発明に係る評価方法は、特定の含水率を有する吸水性樹脂粉末について、篩を用いて分級する操作が含まれる(手順1;第1分級操作)。当該分級(第1分級)は、乾燥状態の吸水性樹脂粉末に対して行われるため、乾式分級が好ましい。なお、本発明に係る評価方法における「分級」は、吸水性樹脂粉末又は膨潤ゲル粒子を粒子径ごとに分別する操作のことをいう。したがって、吸水性樹脂粉末の製造プロセスにおける分級工程での「分級」とは区別される。
本発明に係る評価方法は、上記手順1で得られた吸水性樹脂粉末を膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子を得る膨潤操作が含まれる(手順2;膨潤操作)。当該膨潤は、上記吸水性樹脂粉末の全部又は一部を膨潤液で膨潤させることにより行われる。すなわち、一態様においては、上記第1分級操作において、特定の粒子径を有する吸水性樹脂粉末に分別して、該分別した吸水性樹脂粉末を本手順2で膨潤させる。又は、他の態様として、上記第1分級操作において、特定の粒子径を有する吸水性樹脂粉末に分別することなく、全部の吸水性樹脂粉末について膨潤操作を適用してもよい。
本発明に係る評価方法は、上記手順2で得られた膨潤ゲル粒子を、篩を用いて分級する操作が含まれる(手順2;第2分級操作)。当該分級(第2分級)は、水分を含んだ膨潤ゲル粒子に対して行われるため、湿式分級が好ましい。なお、本手順2における分級は、湿式分級であること以外は、上記(手順1)での第1分級操作を同様である。
また、上記各篩上に残留した膨潤ゲル粒子の重量から、各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合を求める。
本発明に係る評価方法は、膨潤倍率を算出する操作が含まれる(手順4;膨潤倍率の算出)。本手順4において、上記手順2に供する吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積、及び、上記手順3で得られる膨潤ゲル粒子の重量又は体積から膨潤倍率が算出される。
なお、上記膨潤ゲル粒子の重量Zは、膨潤液を用いて吸水性樹脂粉末(重量a)を膨潤させた後の膨潤液と吸水性樹脂粉末の総重量(膨潤ゲル粒子の重量)である。膨潤ゲル粒子の重量Zは、吸水性樹脂粉末を膨潤させた直後に測定してもよく、吸水性樹脂粉末を膨潤させた後、分級工程(第二分級工程)を経た後に測定してもよい。
本発明に係る評価方法は、目開きを換算する操作が含まれる(手順5;目開きの換算)。即ち、本手順5は、上記手順4で求めた膨潤倍率に基づき、膨潤前後における吸水性樹脂粉末と膨潤ゲル粒子との粒子径を比較可能な状態に補正する操作であり、その具体的な方法は、特に限定されない。
(手順6)膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率の算出
本発明に係る評価方法は、上記手順1~手順5から得られた値に基づいて、膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率を算出する操作が含まれる(手順6;膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率の算出)。本手順6は、上記手順1~手順5から得られた値に基づいて行われるが、上記手順5において、第1分級操作及び第2分級操作で得られる結果は、粒度分布に関する情報についての結果であればよい。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の用途は特に限定されないが、好ましくは紙オムツ、生理用ナプキン、失禁パット等の吸収性物品に使用される。これまで原料由来の臭気や着色等が問題になっていた高濃度オムツ(紙オムツ1枚当りの吸水性樹脂使用量が多い紙オムツ)、特に上記吸収性物品の吸収体上層部に使用した場合に、優れた性能を発揮する。
(1)ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)が42秒以下、又は、自由膨潤速度(FSR)が0.28g/(g・s)以上、
(2)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が90重量%以上、
(3)膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下、
(4)下記式で規定される内部気泡率が0.1%~2.5%、
内部気泡率(%)=(真密度-見かけ密度)/真密度×100。
2.共有結合性表面架橋剤によって表面架橋されているとともに、加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)が20g/g以上であることを特徴とする、1に記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
3.食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)が10×10-7・cm3・s・g-1以上であることを特徴とする、1又は2に記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
4.粒度が150μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が5重量%以下であることを特徴とする、1~3のいずれかに記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
5.吸水性樹脂粉末の粒子内部に無機化合物が存在する粒子が含まれることを特徴とする、1~4のいずれかに記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
6.さらに、多価金属塩を含むことを特徴とする、1~5のいずれかに記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
7.上記無機化合物は、無機粒子であることを特徴とする、5又は6に記載の吸水性樹脂粉末。
8.アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液の重合工程と、重合中又は重合後の含水ゲル状架橋重合体のゲル粉砕工程と、ゲル粉砕後の乾燥工程とを含む、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法であって、
上記ゲル粉砕工程において、樹脂固形分が10重量%以上80重量%以下の含水ゲル状架橋重合体に、無機化合物を添加するとともに、下記(1)~(4)
(1)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)が18J/g~60J/g、
(2)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))が9J/g~40J/g、
(3)含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分の重量平均分子量が10000Da~500000Da増加、
(4)得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量平均粒子径(D50)が350μm~2000μm、かつ、粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)が0.2~1.0となるまでゲル粉砕、
の少なくとも一つを満たすゲル粉砕を行った後、
上記乾燥工程において、上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体を、乾燥機を用いて150℃~250℃の乾燥温度で乾燥することを特徴とする、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法。
9.更に、吸水性樹脂に表面処理を行う表面処理工程を含むことを特徴とする、8に記載の製造方法。
10.上記乾燥機が通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機であり、ゲル粉砕が上記(4)を満たす場合、通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機に投入するときの、粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分が10重量%~80重量%であり、上記通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機での乾燥温度が150℃~250℃であり、かつ、熱風の風速が垂直方向(上下方向)に0.8m/s~2.5m/sであることを特徴とする、8又は9に記載のポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法。
11.上記無機化合物は、無機粒子であることを特徴とする、8~10のいずれかに記載の製造方法。
12.上記無機粒子は、鉱産物、多価金属塩、多価金属酸化物、多価金属水酸化物、酸化物複合体、ハイドロタルサイト様化合物、またはこれらの2種以上の組合せであることを特徴とする、8~11のいずれかに記載の製造方法。
13.上記無機化合物は、水溶液又は水分散液として添加されることを特徴とする、8~12のいずれかに記載の製造方法。
14.ゲル粉砕される上記含水ゲル状架橋重合体の含水率が20重量%~90重量%であること特徴とする、8~13のいずれかに記載の製造方法。
15.ゲル粉砕される上記含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重合率が90モル%~99.5モル%であること特徴とする、8~14のいずれかに記載の製造方法。
1.アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液を重合して含水ゲル状架橋重合体を得る重合工程、上記重合工程で得られた含水ゲル状架橋重合体をゲル粉砕して粒子状の含水ゲル状架橋重合体を得るゲル粉砕工程、及び、
上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状の含水ゲル状架橋重合体を乾燥する乾燥工程、
とを含む、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法であって、
上記ゲル粉砕工程が2回以上実施され、
最初のゲル粉砕工程の期間中及び/又はその終了後に、粒子径150μm未満の吸水性樹脂微粒子を添加する工程を更に含み、
上記吸水性樹脂微粒子が添加された後の、樹脂固形分が10重量%~80重量%である含水ゲル状架橋重合体と吸水性樹脂微粒子との混合物について、下記(a)又は(b)の何れかを満たすゲル粉砕工程を少なくとも1回行い、
(a)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)が18J/g~39J/g
(b)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))が9J/g~30J/g
得られた粒子状の含水ゲル状架橋重合体を乾燥温度150℃~250℃で乾燥する、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法。
2.上記吸水性樹脂粉末の表面層の架橋密度を高くする表面架橋工程を更に含み、該吸水性樹脂粉末のAAP(加圧下吸水倍率)が20g/g以上となるまで表面架橋を行う、1に記載の製造方法。
3.上記吸水性樹脂粉末の表面層の架橋密度を高くする表面架橋工程を更に含み、該吸水性樹脂粉末のSFC(食塩水流れ誘導性)が10×10-7・cm3・s・g-1以上となるまで表面架橋を行う、1又は2に記載の製造方法。
4.上記吸水性樹脂微粒子の添加量が10重量%以上である、1~3の何れかに記載の製造方法。
5.上記最初のゲル粉砕工程が重合工程の進行と同時に行われる、1~4の何れかに記載の製造方法。
6.上記乾燥工程に供される粒子状の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分が10重量%~80重量%である、1~5の何れかに記載の製造方法。
7.上記乾燥工程で使用される乾燥機が通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機であり、該乾燥機における熱風の風向が通気ベルトに対して垂直方向に上向き及び/又は下向きであり、熱風の風速が0.8m/s~2.5m/sである、1~6の何れかに記載の製造方法。
8.上記吸水性樹脂微粒子の添加が表面架橋剤の存在下でも行われる、2~7の何れかに記載の製造方法。
(手順1)含水率が10重量%以下の吸水性樹脂粉末を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて分級し、
(手順2)上記吸水性樹脂粉末の全部又は一部を膨潤液で膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、
(手順3)上記膨潤ゲル粒子を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて更に分級し、各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合を求め、
(手順4)上記手順2に供する吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積、及び、上記手順3で得られる膨潤ゲル粒子の重量又は体積から膨潤倍率を算出し、
(手順5)上記膨潤倍率に基づいて、手順1で使用した篩の目開きを手順3での篩の目開きに、又は、手順3で使用した篩の目開きを手順1での篩の目開きに、それぞれ換算し、(手順6)上記手順5にて換算された篩の目開きと、上記手順3で得られた各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合とのプロットから、膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率を求める、
ことを特徴とする評価方法。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末のボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)は、JIS K7224で規定される「高吸水性樹脂の吸水速度試験法」に準拠して測定した。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の自由膨潤速度(FSR)は、国際公開第2009/016055号に開示されたFSR試験方法に準拠して測定した。
本測定は、吸水性樹脂粉末が吸液し、膨潤した際に粒子の割れなどによって発生する、微粒子の量を定量化することを目的としたものである。
次に、以下の式から本測定における0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液での膨潤倍率αを求める。
次に、膨潤したゲル粒子の大きさを膨潤前の粒子径に換算するために、以下の式で各ふるいの目開きの大きさxから膨潤前の粒子径相当の目開きXを計算する。
上記で求めた各篩のX及びYから求められる、各篩を通過した粒子の割合をグラフにプロット(各篩を通過した粒子の割合は積算プロットする。すなわち、その篩を通過した粒子の全量をプロットする。)し、プロット上の180μmに相当する通過粒子割合を求める(上記Xの値において、180μmより小さい篩と大きい篩に相当する2点間の直線式から180μmに相当する通過粒子割合をもとめる)。吸水性樹脂粉末から150μmよりも小さい粒子径を除去したが、ここで150μmではなく180μmとしているのは、乾式分級と湿式分級では分級効率が異なるためである。こうして求めた、180μmに相当する通過粒子割合を膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率(%)とした。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の内部気泡率は、以下の手法により測定した。即ち、下記(見かけ密度)に記載した方法で測定した見かけ密度(これをρ1(単位:g/cm3)とする)、及び下記(真密度)に記載した方法で測定した真密度(これをρ2(単位:g/cm3)とする)を用いて、下記式(11)に従って、吸水性樹脂粉末の内部気泡率を算出した。
吸水性樹脂粉末の水分を除去した後、所定重量の吸水性樹脂粉末について樹脂内部に存在する外部に繋がっていない空間(独立気泡)を含んだ体積から求めた見かけ密度を、乾式密度計を用いて測定した。
吸水性樹脂内部に存在する独立気泡の径は通常1~300μmであるが、粉砕時には、独立気泡に近い部分から優先的に粉砕される。そこで、粒度が45μm未満となるまで吸水性樹脂粉末を粉砕すると、得られた吸水性樹脂粉末には独立気泡がほとんど含まれない。従って、45μm未満まで粉砕された吸水性樹脂粉末の乾式密度を真密度として評価した。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)は、ERT442.2-02に準拠して測定した。なお、本発明では、荷重条件を2.06kPa(0.3psi、21g/cm2)から4.83kPa(0.7psi、49g/cm2)に変更して測定した。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)は、米国特許第5669894号に開示されたSFC試験方法に準拠して測定した。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)は、ERT441.2-02に準拠して測定した。即ち、吸水性樹脂粉末0.200gを秤量し、不職布製の袋(大きさ:60mm×60mm)に均一に入れてヒートシールした後、25℃±3℃に調温した0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液1000mL中に浸漬した。30分経過後、袋を引き上げ、遠心分離機(株式会社コクサン社製遠心機、形式:H-122)を用いて、250G、3分間の条件で脱水した。
msi:測定前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量(g)
mb:自由膨潤して水切り後のBlank(不織布のみ)の重量(g)
mwi:自由膨潤して水切り後の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量(g)
Wn;含水ゲル状架橋重合体の固形分(重量%)
である。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末の含水率は、ERT430.2-02に準拠して測定した。また、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の含水率は、試料を2g、乾燥温度を180℃、乾燥時間を16時間にそれぞれ変更した以外は、ERT430.2-02に基づいて測定した乾燥減量から算出した(単位:重量%)。なお、測定は1サンプルに付き5回行い、その平均値を採用した。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末のExt(水可溶分)は、ERT470.2-02に準拠して測定した。即ち、容量250mLの蓋付きプラスチック容器に、吸水性樹脂1.000gと0.90重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液200mlとを入れ、長さ3.5cm×直径6mmの円筒型スターラーで500rpm、16時間攪拌を行い、吸水性樹脂中の水可溶分を抽出した。この抽出液を濾紙(ADVANTEC東洋株式会社、品名:JIS P 3801、No.2、厚さ0.26mm、保留粒度5μm)1枚を用いて濾過し、得られた濾液50.0gを測定液とした。
VHCl.s:溶解したポリマーを含む濾液をpH10からpH2.7にするのに必要なHCl量(ml)
VHCl.b:Blank(0.9重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液)をpH10からpH2.7にするのに必要なHCl量(ml)
CHCl:HCl溶液の濃度(mol/l)
Mw:アクリル酸(塩)ポリマー中のモノマーユニットの平均分子量(g/mol)
(例えば、中和率73モル%の場合のMwは、88.1g/mol)
Fdil:溶解したポリマーを含む濾液の希釈度
ms:測定前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量(g)
Wn:含水ゲル状架橋重合体の固形分(重量%)
である。
水可溶分の重量平均分子量は、上述したExt及びゲルExtの測定操作で溶解したポリマーの重量平均分子量をGPCで測定した値であり、以下、該GPC測定について説明する。
ガードカラム:SHODEX GF-7B
カラム:TOSOH GMPWXLを2本直列につないで使用
検出器:ビスコテック社製TDA302(系内温度は30℃で保持)
溶媒:リン酸2水素ナトリウム2水和物60mM・リン酸水素2ナトリウム12水和物20mM水溶液
流速:0.5ml/min
注入量:100μl
装置校正はポリオキシエチレングリコール(重量平均分子量(Mw)22396、示差屈折率(dn/dc)=0.132、溶媒屈折率1.33)を標準サンプルとして用いて行った。
本発明に係る吸水性樹脂粉末のPSDは、ERT420.2-02に準拠して測定した。なお、吸水性樹脂粉末の重量平均粒子径(D50)及び粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)については、欧州特許第0349240号に記載された測定方法に準拠して測定した。また、含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量平均粒子径(D50)及び粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)は、以下の方法で測定した。
X:分級、水切り後に各篩上に残留した含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量%(%)
w:分級、水切り後に各篩上に残留した含水ゲル状架橋重合体のそれぞれの重量(g)
W:分級、水切り後に各篩上に残留した含水ゲル状架橋重合体の総重量(g)
R(α):固形分α重量%の含水ゲル状架橋重合体に換算したときの篩の目開き(mm)
r:20重量%塩化ナトリウム水溶液中で膨潤した含水ゲル状架橋重合体が分級された篩の目開き(mm)
である。
ゲル粉砕前の含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重合率は、含水ゲル状架橋重合体のpH滴定から算出されるポリマー量(mol)と、残存モノマー量(mol)とから算出する。
本発明の吸水性樹脂粉末について、そのゲル粒子形状保持力を図1に記載した測定装置200を用いて下記方法で測定した。以下、図1及び図2に示した符号も併せて記載する。
国際公開第2011/126079号公報の製造例1に準拠して、含水ゲル状架橋重合体(a)を製造した。
上記製造例1で得られた切断含水ゲル(a)を、先端部に直径100mm、孔径8mm、孔数54個及び厚さ10mmの多孔板が備えられたゲル粉砕装置(国際公開第2015/030129号に記載されたスクリューNo.S86-445及びバレルNo.B88-478を組み合わせた装置)に供給し、ゲル粉砕を行った。
比較例1において、ゲル粉砕時に添加する温水(90℃)をシリカ分散溶液に、その添加量を1.23g/秒に、それぞれ変更した以外は、比較例1と同様の操作を行った。なお、上記シリカ分散溶液は、脱イオン水にレオロシールQS-20(アモルファスシリカ;株式会社トクヤマ製)を11.84重量%分散させた溶液であり、温度を90℃に調整した。また、上記添加量(1.23g/秒)は、シリカ固形分量が、含水ゲル量に対して0.15重量%、含水ゲルの固形分量に対して0.29重量%であった。
比較例1において、ゲル粉砕時に添加する温水(90℃)をハイドロタルサイト分散溶液に、その添加量を1.23g/秒に、それぞれ変更した以外は、比較例1と同様の操作を行った。なお、上記ハイドロタルサイト分散溶液は、脱イオン水にハイドロタルサイト(製品名:DHT-6、協和化学工業株式会社製、Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3・4H2O[一般式(1)のx=0.25、m=0.50]、体積平均粒子径0.5μm)を11.84重量%分散させた溶液であり、温度を90℃に調整した。また、上記添加量(1.23g/秒)は、ハイドロタルサイト固形分量が、含水ゲル量に対して0.15重量%、含水ゲルの固形分量に対して0.29重量%であった。
製造例1において、ポリエチレングリコールジアクリレート(平均n数:9)を1.26重量部から0.84重量部に変更した以外は、製造例1と同様の操作を行った。
製造例2で得られた切断含水ゲル(b)を用いて、比較例1と同様の操作を行った。
比較例2において、ゲル粉砕時に添加する温水(90℃)をシリカ分散溶液に、その添加量を1.23g/秒に、それぞれ変更した以外は、比較例2と同様の操作を行った。なお、上記シリカ分散溶液は、脱イオン水にレオロシールQS-20(アモルファスシリカ;株式会社トクヤマ製)を11.84重量%分散させた溶液であり、温度を90℃に調整した。また、上記添加量(1.23g/秒)は、シリカ固形分量が、含水ゲル量に対して0.15重量%、含水ゲルの固形分量に対して0.29重量%であった。
比較例2において、ゲル粉砕時に添加する温水(90℃)をハイドロタルサイト分散溶液に、その添加量を1.23g/秒に、それぞれ変更した以外は、比較例2と同様の操作を行った。なお、上記ハイドロタルサイト分散溶液は、脱イオン水にハイドロタルサイト(製品名:DHT-6、協和化学工業株式会社製、Mg6Al2(OH)16CO3・4H2O[一般式(1)のx=0.25、m=0.50]、体積平均粒子径0.5μm)を11.84重量%分散させた溶液であり、温度を90℃に調整した。また、上記添加量(1.23g/秒)は、ハイドロタルサイト固形分量が、含水ゲル量に対して0.15重量%、含水ゲルの固形分量に対して0.29重量%であった。
上述した実施例及び比較例、並びに表1に示すように、無機化合物をゲル粉砕工程において添加した実施例では、無機化合物を添加しなかった比較例に比べて、加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)、通液性(SFC)、吸水速度(FSR)、吸水時間(Vortex)及び粒子崩壊率に優れた吸水性樹脂粉末が得られた。また、膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率に優れた吸水性樹脂粉末はゲル粒子形状保持力にも優れ、紙オムツ等の吸収性物品の使用感向上も期待できる。
シグマ型羽根を2本有する内容積10Lのジャケット付きステンレス型双腕型ニーダーに蓋を付けて形成した反応器に、アクリル酸430.6g、37重量%のアクリル酸ナトリウム水溶液4106.5g、純水403.8g、及びポリエチレングリコールジアクリレート(分子量523)10.42g(0.09モル%)を投入し、混合することで単量体水溶液(c)とした。
シグマ型羽根を2本有する内容積10Lのジャケット付きステンレス型双腕型ニーダーに蓋を付けて形成した反応器に、アクリル酸430.6g、37重量%のアクリル酸ナトリウム水溶液4106.5g、純水403.8g、及びポリエチレングリコールジアクリレート(分子量523)10.42g(0.09モル%)を投入し、混合することで単量体水溶液(5)とした。
実施例5において、ゲル粉砕装置の多孔板を、直径100mm、孔径12.5mm、孔数18個及び厚さ10mmの多孔板に変更した以外は、実施例5と同様の操作を行った。最終的に得られた吸水性樹脂粉末(6)の諸物性を表3に示す。また、実施例6でのゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)は20.4J/g、ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))は18.7J/gであった。
実施例5において、ゲル粉砕装置の多孔板を、直径100mm、孔径4.8mm、孔数12個及び厚さ10mmの多孔板に変更した以外は、実施例5と同様の操作を行った。最終的に得られた比較吸水性樹脂粉末(3)の諸物性を表3に示す。また、比較例3でのゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)は40.0J/g、ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))は37.0J/gであった。
31 散布部
32 吸水性樹脂粉末
33 トップシート
34 金網
35 投入口
36 上蓋
37 錘
200 ゲル粒子形状保持力測定装置
Claims (26)
- ポリアクリル酸(塩)を主成分とする吸水性樹脂粉末であって、以下の(1)~(4)の各物性を満たすことを特徴とする、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末:
(1)ボルテックス法による吸水時間(Vortex)が42秒以下、又は、自由膨潤速度(FSR)が0.28g/(g・s)以上、
(2)粒度が150μm以上850μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が90重量%以上、
(3)膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率が10重量%以下、
(4)下記式で規定される内部気泡率が0.1%~2.5%、
内部気泡率(%)=(真密度-見かけ密度)/真密度×100。 - 以下の(5)~(9)の各物性の何れか1つ以上を更に満たすことを特徴とする、請求項1に記載のポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末:
(5)加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)が20g/g以上、
(6)食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)が10×10-7・cm3・s・g-1以上、
(7)粒度が150μm未満である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が5重量%以下、
(8)粒度が850μm以上である吸水性樹脂粉末の割合が5重量%以下、
(9)遠心分離機保持容量(CRC)が10g/g以上。 - 上記吸水性樹脂粉末が、共有結合性表面架橋剤により表面架橋されていることを特徴とする、請求項1又は2に記載のポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末。
- 上記吸水性樹脂粉末の粒子内部に、無機化合物が存在する粒子が含まれることを特徴とする、請求項1~3の何れか1項に記載のポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末。
- 上記無機化合物が粒子状の無機粒子であり、該無機粒子が多価金属塩であることを特徴とする、請求項4に記載のポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末。
- アクリル酸(塩)系単量体水溶液の重合工程と、重合中又は重合後の含水ゲル状架橋重合体のゲル粉砕工程と、ゲル粉砕後の乾燥工程とを含む、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法であって、
上記ゲル粉砕工程において、樹脂固形分が10重量%以上80重量%以下の含水ゲル状架橋重合体に、無機化合物及び/又は吸水性樹脂微粒子を添加するとともに、下記(1)~(2):
(1)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(GGE)が18J/g~60J/g、
(2)ゲル粉砕エネルギー(2)(GGE(2))が9J/g~40J/g、
の少なくとも一つを満たすゲル粉砕を行った後、
上記乾燥工程において、上記ゲル粉砕工程で得られた粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体を、乾燥機を用いて150℃~250℃の乾燥温度で乾燥することを特徴とする、ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の製造方法。 - 上記ゲル粉砕工程が下記(3)~(5)の条件の何れか1つ以上を更に満たすことを特徴とする、請求項6に記載の製造方法:
(3)含水ゲル状架橋重合体の水可溶分の重量平均分子量の増加量が10000Da~500000Da、
(4)得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重量平均粒子径(D50)が350μm~2000μm、
(5)得られる粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の粒度分布の対数標準偏差(σζ)が0.2~1.0。 - 上記ゲル粉砕工程が2回以上実施されており、最初のゲル粉砕工程が上記重合工程が行われる装置と同一の装置で、かつ、重合工程と同時に行われ、
上記無機化合物及び/又は吸水性樹脂微粒子の添加が、最初のゲル粉砕工程の期間中及び/又は2回目以降のゲル粉砕工程の期間中で行われることを特徴とする、請求項6又は7に記載の製造方法。 - 上記無機化合物が粒子状の無機粒子であり、該無機粒子が、鉱産物、多価金属塩、多価金属酸化物、多価金属水酸化物、酸化物複合体、ハイドロタルサイト様化合物、又はこれらの2種以上の組合せであり、上記無機粒子は水溶液又は水分散液として添加されることを特徴とする、請求項6~8の何れか1項に記載の製造方法。
- 上記吸水性樹脂微粒子の添加量が10重量%以上であることを特徴とする、請求項6~9の何れか1項に記載の製造方法。
- ゲル粉砕される上記含水ゲル状架橋重合体の含水率が20重量%~90重量%であり、かつ、ゲル粉砕される上記含水ゲル状架橋重合体の重合率が90モル%~99.5モル%である、請求項6~10の何れか1項に記載の製造方法。
- 上記乾燥工程に供される粒子状含水ゲル状架橋重合体の樹脂固形分が10重量%~80重量%であり、
上記乾燥工程で使用される乾燥機が通気ベルト式熱風乾燥機であり、該乾燥機における熱風の風向が通気ベルトに対して垂直方向に上向き及び/又は下向きであり、熱風の平均風速が0.8m/s~2.5m/sであることを特徴とする、請求項6~11の何れか1項に記載の製造方法。 - 上記ポリアクリル酸(塩)系吸水性樹脂粉末の表面層の架橋密度を高くする表面架橋工程を更に含み、下記(a)及び/又は下記(b)となるまで、表面架橋を実施することを特徴とする、請求項6~12の何れか1項に記載の製造方法:
(a)吸水性樹脂粉末の加圧下吸水倍率(AAP)が20g/g以上
(b)吸水性樹脂粉末の食塩水流れ誘導性(SFC)が10×10-7・cm3・s・g-1以上。 - 上記吸水性樹脂微粒子の添加が表面架橋剤の存在下でも行われることを特徴とする、請求項6~13の何れか1項に記載の製造方法。
- 吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤ゲル粒子崩壊率の評価方法:
(手順1)含水率が10重量%以下の吸水性樹脂粉末を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて分級し、
(手順2)上記吸水性樹脂粉末の全部又は一部を膨潤液で膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、
(手順3)上記膨潤ゲル粒子を、目開きが異なる2以上の篩を用いて更に分級し、各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合を求め、
(手順4)上記手順2に供する吸水性樹脂粉末の重量又は体積、及び、上記手順3で得られる膨潤ゲル粒子の重量又は体積から膨潤倍率を算出し、
(手順5)上記膨潤倍率に基づいて、手順1で使用した篩の目開きを手順3での篩の目開きに、又は、手順3で使用した篩の目開きを手順1での篩の目開きに、それぞれ換算し、
(手順6)上記手順5にて換算された篩の目開きと、上記手順3で得られた各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合とのプロットから、膨潤ゲル粒子の崩壊率を求める。 - 上記(手順1)では、粒度が150μm以上850μm未満になるように吸水性樹脂粉末を分級し、
上記(手順2)では、粒度を150μm以上850μm未満に分級した吸水性樹脂粉末を0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液で1時間膨潤させて、膨潤ゲル粒子とし、
上記(手順6)では、上記手順5にて換算された篩の目開きと、上記手順3で得られた各篩を通過する膨潤ゲル粒子の積算割合とをプロットしたグラフを作成し、当該グラフから特定した、乾燥分級における粒度180μm未満の粒子の重量割合(単位:重量%)から膨潤時ゲル粒子崩壊率を求めることを特徴とする、請求項15に記載の吸水性樹脂粉末の評価方法。 - 上記手順2で膨潤させる吸水性樹脂粉末は、粒子径が150μm以上850μm未満である粒子を90重量%以上含むことを特徴とする、請求項15に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順2で膨潤させる吸水性樹脂粉末は、上記手順1で、分級により分別された吸水性樹脂粉末であることを特徴とする、請求項15~17の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順1において、粒子径が300μm未満である微粒子を吸水性樹脂粉末から除去することを特徴とする、請求項15~18の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順2において、使用される膨潤液が0.9重量%の塩化ナトリウム水溶液であることを特徴とする、請求項15~19の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順2において、吸水性樹脂粉末の膨潤時間が30分間以上であることを特徴とする、請求項15
~20の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。 - 上記手順3において、目開き300μm以下の篩を少なくとも1つ以上用いて分級することを特徴とする、請求項15~21の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順1及び手順3の少なくとも何れかにおいて、1枚あたりの篩の面積に対する膨潤ゲル粒子の投入量が、0.01kg/m2~40kg/m2であることを特徴とする、請求項15~22の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順3が、湿式分級により行われることを特徴とする、請求項15~23の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記手順1及び手順3の少なくとも何れかの分級効率が90%以上であることを特徴とする、請求項15~24の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
- 上記膨潤ゲル粒子の重量を測定する前に隙間水を除去することを特徴とする、請求項15~25の何れか1項に記載の評価方法。
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EP3279238B1 (en) | 2021-07-14 |
KR102512769B1 (ko) | 2023-03-23 |
US20200122120A1 (en) | 2020-04-23 |
JP6457067B2 (ja) | 2019-01-23 |
KR20170132799A (ko) | 2017-12-04 |
EP3279238A1 (en) | 2018-02-07 |
JPWO2016158975A1 (ja) | 2018-02-22 |
US10603653B2 (en) | 2020-03-31 |
US11020726B2 (en) | 2021-06-01 |
CN111269440A (zh) | 2020-06-12 |
US20180185820A1 (en) | 2018-07-05 |
CN111269440B (zh) | 2023-06-16 |
CN107428949B (zh) | 2020-03-17 |
EP3279238A4 (en) | 2018-12-05 |
CN107428949A (zh) | 2017-12-01 |
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