The principle and characteristics of jellyfish granules!

Hydrophilic masterbatch (usually referring to plastic masterbatch with hydrophilic function) is a functional masterbatch that, through special formula design, can endow plastic products with hydrophilic properties. It is widely used in scenarios where the hydrophilicity of material surfaces needs to be improved (such as textile fibers, packaging materials, filter materials, etc.). Its principle and characteristics are as follows:

I. Core Principles: Surface Energy Modification and Molecular Design

The core function of hydrophilic water particles is to alter the surface energy of plastic substrates, endowing the originally hydrophobic (or low-hydrophilic) material surface with the ability to adsorb moisture and be compatible with water. This is mainly achieved through the following two mechanisms:

Introduce hydrophilic groups

High-molecular additives containing hydrophilic groups (such as hydroxyl -OH, carboxyl -COOH, amino -NH ₂, sulfonic acid -SO ₃H, etc.) or surfactants (such as polyethylene glycol derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol fragments, etc.) are added to the masterbatch. These components will migrate to the material surface during the plastic processing, enriching the surface with hydrophilic groups. Through forming hydrogen bonds or polar interactions with water molecules, they enhance the material's adsorption capacity for water.

Build microstructure channels

Some hydrophilic particles will add fillers with microporous structures (such as modified silica, zeolite, etc.), or through formula design, form a micro-concave-convex structure on the surface of the product. These structures can adsorb moisture through capillary action and, in combination with hydrophilic groups, further enhance hydrophilicity.

Ii. Main Features

Long-lasting hydrophilicity

Unlike ordinary surface-coated hydrophilic coatings (which are prone to wear and failure), hydrophilic jellyfish particles achieve their functions through internal component migration or molecular binding. Their hydrophilicity lasts longer and they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly even after friction or washing (such as textile fibers).

Compatibility and processability

Carrier resins are usually matched with target substrates (such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyester (PET), etc.) to ensure that the masterbatch is uniformly integrated with the substrate during processing (injection molding, extrusion, spinning, etc.) without affecting the mechanical properties of the product (such as strength and toughness).

The processing temperature should be adapted to the base material to prevent hydrophilic additives from decompression due to high temperatures (for example, the processing temperature of polyethylene glycol-based additives should be controlled below 200℃).

Functional adjustability

The hydrophilicity of the product can be regulated by adjusting the types and addition ratios of hydrophilic additives.

Low proportion addition can achieve "antistatic" (reducing surface static electricity adsorption of dust, as the water film can conduct charges).

High proportion addition can achieve "rapid water absorption" (such as improving the water permeability of wet wipe packaging film and filter materials).

Additional functions

Antistatic: The water film formed by hydrophilic groups can reduce the surface resistance of materials and decrease the accumulation of static electricity (such as anti-pilling for textile fibers and anti-dust adhesion for packaging films).

Moisture permeability: Some hydrophilic particles can enhance the water vapor transmission rate of products (such as breathable films), balancing the requirements of waterproofing and moisture permeability.

Biocompatibility: If biodegradable hydrophilic additives (such as starch derivatives) are used, the environmental friendliness and biosafety of the material can also be enhanced (such as medical packaging materials).

Iii. Typical Application Scenarios

In the textile field, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polypropylene can improve their moisture absorption and enhance wearing comfort by adding hydrophilic particles (such as sportswear fabrics).

In the packaging field: After adding hydrophilic water particles to food packaging films, surface condensation can be reduced and the adhesion of printing can be enhanced (as hydrophilic surfaces are more likely to combine with ink).

Filter materials: Water treatment filter membranes and air filter materials are modified by hydrophilic particles to enhance the adsorption efficiency for water or polar molecules.

In the agricultural field: After adding hydrophilic water particles to agricultural films, it can reduce the condensation of surface fog and improve the light transmittance (anti-fog function).

Summary

Hydrophilic water particles endow plastic materials with hydrophilic properties at the molecular level through a combination of "chemical group modification" and "physical structure assistance". Their core advantages lie in their long-lasting functionality, good compatibility with substrates, and the ability to adjust performance according to requirements. They are important functional additives for improving the surface properties of polymer materials.

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