Polymer particles so uniform that there is no need to classify them

Techno - commercial information on plastics Industry - News on Plastics Industry - Plastemart.com

Using a technology from Nippon Oil, a polymer particle with high homogeneity can be manufactured that is so homogeneous that it does not require classification apparatus as part of the production process. Unique emulsification equipment makes the extremely narrow size distribution possible. Conventional emulsification techniques use homogenizers that vary in shearing force and produce a wide distribution of particle sizes and particles that recombine after forming. Such variable output requires a classification process. The Nippon Oil technology, however, produces polymer particles in a narrow distribution without the need for classification equipment. Lab-scale equipment currently can produce 4 kg/hr. Scale-up presents no anticipated difficulties. The technology can respond to various emulsification conditions and can produce particle diameters from a few micrometers to hundreds of micrometers.

Benefits:

		Produces a polymer particle with narrow diameter distribution. This makes size classification unnecessary as part of the production process
		The technology is capable of high productivity. Lab-scale equipment produces 4 Kg/hr. Scale-up of the equipment is easy with no anticipated difficulties
		A wide variety of polymers can be used, in a wide range of pressures and temperatures.

Development Summary
The technology was developed for research into emulsifying and micro-encapsulating Super Aromatic Solvent. Production equipment that is capable of 120Kg/hr is under development.

IP Summary
Patent information has not been disclosed.

(Article contributed by Prof. Dinesh J Desai, HOD-Chem. Engg., LD College of Engg, Ahmedabad)