Method for producing spherical thermoplastic polymer particles

US11897169B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Andreas Bauder · Ludwigshafen am Rhein, DE
• Kerstin Muelheims · Ludwigshafen am Rhein, DE
• Michael Freese · Lemförde, DE
• Achim Stammer · Freinsheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 2020
• Grant date: Feb 13, 2024
• Expiry date: Jun 18, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08J2375/04
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A process for producing particles of a thermoplastic polymer in spherical form involves providing at least one thermoplastic polymer in a molten state and providing an aqueous solution of at least one surface-active substance. The aqueous solution is in a temperature range from 100 to 300° C. The process also involves dispersing the thermoplastic polymer in the aqueous solution to obtain an aqueous solution containing dispersed thermoplastic polymer, which is cooled down to a temperature below the solidification point of the thermoplastic polymer to obtain a suspension containing an aqueous solution and particles of the thermoplastic polymer suspended in a solid state and in spherical form. The particles can be separated from the suspension and, optionally, dried. The particles obtained from the process have a particle size distribution having a d[4,3] value of more than 10 μm and a d90.3 value of more than 20 μm.