Manufacture of superabsorbents in high internal phase emulsions

US6835783B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC · US

Inventors

• Herbert Gartner · Baden-Baden, DE
• Steven W. Mork · Midland, US
• Heike Herr · Achern, DE
• Reed A. Shick · Midland, US
• John Klier · Midland, US
• Christopher J. Tucker · Midland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 15, 2001
• Grant date: Dec 28, 2004
• Expiry date: Aug 15, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61L15/60
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention refers to a high internal phase polyclectrolyte emulsions which are useful for the manufacture of superabsorbent polymers having two phases: i) a continuous oil phase and the ii) a dispersed aqueous phase containing the aqueous monomer solution prior to polymerization and the polyelectrolyte in water-soluble, or water-swellable or very slightly crosslinked form after polymerization, wherein the polymerization occurs in the dispersed aqueous phase and wherein the dispersed aqueous phase contains a high concentration of polyclectrolyte. The present invention also refers to a process for preparing such emulsions and for inverting these emulsions so as to form films or other patterns of the superabsorbent polymer. Absorbent structures containing SAP films or other patterns prepared by the present invention are also contemplated.