HONEYCOMB STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAME

Abstract

A honeycomb structure comprising a plurality of cell channels that pass through an interior of the honeycomb structure and are partitioned by partition walls, wherein the partition walls comprise a solid organic compound having an amino group, an organic binder, and an inorganic binder.

Claims

1. A honeycomb structure comprising: a plurality of cell channels that pass through an interior of the honeycomb structure and are partitioned by partition walls, wherein the partition walls comprise a solid organic compound having the amino group, an organic binder, and an inorganic binder.

2. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group is water-insoluble.

3. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein a content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the partition walls is 40 to 94% by mass, a content of the inorganic binder in the partition walls is 3 to 50% by mass, and a content of the organic binder in the partition walls is 3 to 20% by mass.

4. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein a content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the partition walls is 40 to 90% by mass, a content of the inorganic binder in the partition walls is 5 to 35% by mass, and a content of the organic binder in the partition walls is 5 to 10% by mass.

5. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group is a weakly basic anion exchange resin having the amino group.

6. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises one or more selected from a styrene-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group and an acrylic-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group.

7. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises a primary amine as a functional group.

8. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises an aromatic ring.

9. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more inorganic binders selected from fibrous and granular inorganic binders.

10. The honeycomb structure according to claim 1, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more inorganic binders selected from clay, diatomaceous earth, layered clay minerals, montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, activated clay, acid clay, hectorite, halloysite, attapulgite, silica, alumina, talc, chlorite, vermiculite, mica, illite, pyrophyllite, sericite, kaolin, sepiolite, boehmite, palygorskite, bentonite, colloidal silica and alumina sol.

11. The honeycomb structure according to claim 10, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more selected from sepiolite, boehmite, bentonite, silica, kaolin, and talc.

12. The honeycomb structure according to claim 11, wherein the inorganic binder comprises sepiolite.

13. A method for producing a honeycomb structure, comprising: a step of kneading a forming raw material comprising a solvent, a solid organic compound having an amino group, an organic binder, and an inorganic binder to prepare a green body; and a step of forming a honeycomb structure from the green body, the honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell channels that pass through an interior of the honeycomb structure and are partitioned by partition walls.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group is water-insoluble.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein a content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 40 to 94% by mass, a content of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 3 to 50% by mass, and a content of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 3 to 20% by mass.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein a content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 40 to 90% by mass, a content of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 35% by mass, and a content of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 10% by mass.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group is a weakly basic anion exchange resin having the amino group.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises one or more selected from a styrene-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group and an acrylic-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises a primary amine as a functional group.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein the solid organic compound having the amino group comprises an aromatic ring.

21. The method according to claim 13, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more inorganic binders selected from fibrous and granular inorganic binders.

22. The method according to claim 13, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more inorganic binders selected from clay, diatomaceous earth, layered clay minerals, montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, activated clay, acid clay, hectorite, halloysite, attapulgite, silica, alumina, talc, chlorite, vermiculite, mica, illite, pyrophyllite, sericite, kaolin, sepiolite, boehmite, palygorskite, bentonite, colloidal silica and alumina sol.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the inorganic binder comprises one or more selected from sepiolite, boehmite, bentonite, silica, kaolin, and talc.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the inorganic binder comprises sepiolite.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG. 1 is A schematic perspective view of a honeycomb structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cross section parallel to the height direction (the direction in which the cells extend) of a honeycomb structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a method for measuring the hardness of a green body using a hardness tester.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the shape and dimensions of the tip of a hardness tester.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the spring properties of a spring material used in a hardness tester.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments, and any change, improvement or the like of the design may be appropriately added based on ordinary knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(1. Honeycomb Structure)

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a honeycomb structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-section parallel to the height direction (the direction in which the cells extend) of the honeycomb structure shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] The honeycomb structure 100 of this embodiment comprises an outer peripheral side wall 102 and partition walls 112 arranged on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral side wall 102, extending from a first end surface 104 to a second end surface 106, and partitioning a plurality of cells 108 that form fluid flow paths (cell channels). The plurality of cells 108 are arranged parallel to each other. The honeycomb structure 100 according to this embodiment is a flow-through type in which both ends of each cell 108 are open on the first end surface 104 and the second end surface 106, and when a gas containing CO.sub.2 such as the atmosphere flows in through the first end surface 104 where the inlets of the plurality of cells 108 are located, the CO.sub.2 is adsorbed as it passes through the plurality of cells 108, and gas with a reduced CO.sub.2 concentration flows out from the second end surface 106 where the outlets of the plurality of cells 108 are located.

[0050] The shape of the end surfaces of the honeycomb structure is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a round shape such as a circle, an ellipse, a racetrack shape, or an oval shape, a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a quadrangle, or any other irregular shape. The overall external shape of the honeycomb structure can typically be a pillar shape. The honeycomb structure 100 shown in FIG. 1 has circular end surfaces and is cylindrical shape as a whole.

[0051] When the honeycomb structure has a pillar shape, its height (the length from the first end surface to the second end surface) is not particularly limited and may be set appropriately depending on the application and required performance. There is no particular limitation on the relationship between the height of the honeycomb structure and the maximum diameter of each end surface (the maximum length of the diameters passing through the center of gravity of each end surface of the honeycomb structure). Therefore, the height of the honeycomb structure may be longer than the maximum diameter of each end surface, or the height of the honeycomb structure may be shorter than the maximum diameter of each end surface.

[0052] There is no particular limitation on the length of the honeycomb structure in the direction in which the cells extend (the height direction). However, while a longer length can increase the amount of CO.sub.2 adsorption, if the length is too long, the pressure loss will increase, so the length is preferably 20 to 350 mm, more preferably 20 to 300 mm, and even more preferably 20 to 250 mm.

[0053] There is no particular limitation on the maximum diameter of each end surface of the honeycomb structure. However, while a larger maximum diameter can increase the amount of CO.sub.2 adsorption, if the maximum diameter is too large it becomes more difficult to produce, so the maximum diameter is preferably 20 to 450 mm, more preferably 20 to 400 mm, and even more preferably 20 to 350 mm.

[0054] The partition walls and outer peripheral side wall of the honeycomb structure comprise a solid organic compound having an amino group (one or more selected from NH, NHR, and NRR (R and R represent organic groups)), an organic binder, and an inorganic binder. As the solid organic compound having the amino group, the organic binder, and the inorganic binder, one type may be used alone, and two or more types may be used in combination, respectively.

[0055] While not intending to limit the present invention by any theory, a solid organic compound having the amino group adsorb CO.sub.2 by reacting with CO.sub.2 to form carbamates or bicarbonates. Both the organic binder and the inorganic binder are useful for ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure, but the organic binder also contributes to improving the formability, and the inorganic binder also contributes to improving the water resistance and suppressing cracks during drying. To ensure formability, it is preferable to use a water-soluble organic binder, but if the water-soluble organic binder is contained in the honeycomb structure, the water resistance is reduced. Therefore, when the inorganic binder, which is generally water-insoluble, is added to the honeycomb structure, the effect of suppressing the decrease in water resistance can be obtained.

[0056] As used herein, water-insoluble refers to the property that when 11 g of the substance to be tested is added to 1 L of water at 20 C. and stirred for 30 minutes at 500 rpm, and the liquid portion is removed by suction filtration using filter paper type 5C specified in JIS P3801-1995, then the mass of the solid portion when dried is 10 g or more.

[0057] From the viewpoint of achieving a good balance among CO.sub.2 adsorption performance, crack suppression during drying, and water resistance, in a preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 40 to 94% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 3 to 50% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 3 to 20% by mass. In a more preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 40 to 90% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 5 to 40% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 5 to 15% by mass. In an even more preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 40 to 90% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 5 to 35% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 5 to 10% by mass.

[0058] The partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall may comprise components other than the solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, and the organic binder. For example, a surfactant, a pore-forming material, etc. may be added. However, in a typical embodiment, the total content of the solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, and the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 90% by mass or more. In a more typical embodiment, the total content of the solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, and the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is 95% by mass or more. Furthermore, the total content of the solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, and the organic binder in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side walls may be 99% by mass or more.

[0059] From the viewpoint of water resistance, it is desirable that the solid organic compound having the amino group is water-insoluble. In addition, the solid organic compound having the amino group may have any one of NH.sub.2, NHR, and NRR (R and R represent organic groups), or may have two or more of these in combination. Among amino groups, it is particularly preferred to have a primary amine (NH.sub.2) as a functional group. It is also preferred that the solid organic compound having the amino group contains an aromatic ring.

[0060] A specific example of the solid organic compound having the amino group is a weakly basic anion exchange resin having the amino group. Therefore, for example, the solid organic compound having the amino group includes one or more selected from a styrene-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group (for example, a copolymer of styrene and divinylbenzene) and an acrylic-based divinylbenzene polymer having the amino group (for example, a copolymer of divinylbenzene with one or both of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid).

[0061] From the viewpoint of CO.sub.2 adsorption performance, the exchange capacity of the weakly basic anion exchange resin is preferably 0.6 meq/mL or more, more preferably 1.0 meq/mL or more, and even more preferably 1.4 meq/mL or more. The exchange capacity of the weakly basic anion exchange resin is measured by treating 10 mL of the ion exchange resin measured by the tapping method with hydrochloric acid, washing off the excess hydrochloric acid with ethanol, and then passing ammonia water through it, and measuring the amount of chloride ions that flow out.

[0062] As the organic binder, for example, mention can be made to organic binders such as methylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl methylcellulose, polyvinyl acetal, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl butyral, polybutadiene, methacrylate ester, acrylic, ethyl cellulose, silicone, and polyolefin. In particular, by using a water-soluble organic binder such as methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl acetal, or polyethylene oxide, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact, the danger of organic solvent vapor during drying, and the production cost. For the organic binder, it is preferable that, when 11 g of the substance to be tested is added to 1L of water at 60 C., stirred at 500 rpm for 30 minutes, cooled to 20 C. after stirring is completed, and the liquid portion is removed by suction filtration using filter paper type 5C specified in JIS P3801-1995, then the mass of the solid portion when dried is 1 g or less. For the organic binder, it is more preferable that, when 21 g of the substance to be tested is added to 1L of water at 60 C., stirred at 500 rpm for 30 minutes, cooled to 20 C. after stirring is completed, and the liquid portion is removed by suction filtration using filter paper type 5C specified in JIS P3801-1995, then the mass of the solid portion when dried is 1 g or less. For the organic binder, it is more preferable that, when 31 g of the substance to be tested is added to 1L of water at 60 C., stirred at 500 rpm for 30 minutes, cooled to 20 C. after stirring is completed, and the liquid portion is removed by suction filtration using filter paper type 5C specified in JIS P3801-1995, then the mass of the solid portion when dried is 1 g or less.

[0063] The inorganic binder may be one or more inorganic binders selected from fibrous and granular inorganic binders, and among these, fibrous inorganic binders are preferred. Inorganic binders are generally water-insoluble and therefore act to increase the water resistance of the honeycomb structure. Further, it also acts to suppress cracks during drying. As used herein, a fibrous inorganic binder refers to an inorganic binder having an average aspect ratio of 3 or more. A granular inorganic binder refers to an inorganic binder having an average aspect ratio of less than 3. The average aspect ratio of the inorganic binder is determined by the following procedure: A test piece of the honeycomb structure is cut to an appropriate size, placed in a crucible, and heated to 500 C. in an electric furnace to remove organic matter. Next, the remaining inorganic binder is dispersed on a specimen stage for a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the magnification is adjusted to fit the inorganic binder so that 20 inorganic binder particles are entirely fit within one field of view. The longest diameter and the shortest diameter of arbitrary 20 inorganic binder particles among them are measured, and the average value of the longest diameter/shortest diameter is taken as the average aspect ratio of the inorganic binder. The longest diameter of one inorganic binder particle refers to the longest distance between two parallel lines sandwiching the inorganic binder particle on an SEM image. The shortest diameter of one inorganic binder particle refers to the shortest length among the distances between two parallel lines sandwiching the inorganic binder particle on an SEM image.

[0064] As specific examples of inorganic binders, mention can be made to one or more selected from clay, diatomaceous earth, layered clay minerals, montmorillonite, hydrotalcite, activated clay, acid clay, hectorite, halloysite, attapulgite, silica, alumina, talc, chlorite, vermiculite, mica, illite, pyrophyllite, sericite, kaolin, sepiolite, boehmite, palygorskite, bentonite, colloidal silica and alumina sol.

[0065] Among these, the inorganic binder preferably comprises one or more selected from sepiolite, boehmite, bentonite, silica, kaolin and talc, and more preferably comprises sepiolite.

[0066] Therefore, the total content of one or more selected from sepiolite, boehmite, bentonite, silica, kaolin, and talc in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is preferably 3 to 50% by mass, more preferably 5 to 40% by mass, and still more preferably 5 to 35% by mass. Furthermore, the content of sepiolite in the partition walls and the outer peripheral side wall is preferably 3 to 50% by mass, more preferably 5 to 40% by mass, and even more preferably 5 to 35% by mass.

[0067] There is no particular limitation on the average thickness of the partition walls, but from the viewpoint of ensuring strength, it is preferably 50 m or more, more preferably 60 m or more, and even more preferably 70 m or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing pressure loss, the average thickness of the partition walls is preferably 600 m or less, more preferably 550 m or less, and even more preferably 500 m or less. Therefore, the average thickness of the partition walls is preferably, for example, 50 to 600 m, more preferably 60 to 550 m, and even more preferably 70 to 500 m. As used herein, the thickness of the partition wall is defined as a crossing length of a line segment that crosses the partition wall when the centers of gravity of adjacent cells are connected by this line segment in a cross-section orthogonal to the direction in which the cells extend. In addition, the average thickness of the partition walls refers to the average value of the thicknesses of all the partition walls of the honeycomb structure.

[0068] The partition walls may be porous. When the partition walls are porous, the porosity of the partition walls is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and further preferably 15% or more, from the viewpoint of improving the adsorption performance of the CO.sub.2 adsorbent and of suppressing the pressure loss when a fluid is caused to flow through the cells. In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring the strength of the honeycomb structure, the porosity of the partition walls is preferably 80% or less, more preferably 75% or less, and even more preferably 70% or less. Therefore, the porosity of the partition walls is preferably, for example, 5 to 80%, more preferably 10 to 75%, and even more preferably 15 to 70%. As used herein, porosity is measured by the mercury intrusion method using a mercury porosimeter in accordance with JIS R1655: 2003.

[0069] There is no particular limitation on the cell density (the number of cells per unit cross-sectional area). However, from the viewpoint of improving the contact area between the adsorbent on the partition walls and the passing gas, the cell density is preferably 30 cells/cm.sup.2 or more, more preferably 40 cells/cm.sup.2 or more, and even more preferably 50 cells/cm.sup.2 or more. In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring a gas flow path and reducing pressure loss, the cell density is preferably 2000 cells/cm.sup.2 or less, more preferably 1200 cells/cm.sup.2 or less, and even more preferably 900 cells/cm.sup.2 or less. Therefore, the cell density is preferably, for example, 30 to 2000 cells/cm.sup.2, more preferably 40 to 1200 cells/cm.sup.2, and even more preferably 50 to 900 cells/cm.sup.2. As used herein, the cell density is calculated by dividing the number of cells in the honeycomb structure by the area of one end surface of the honeycomb structure excluding the outer peripheral side wall.

[0070] There is no limitation on the shape of the cells in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the cells extend (the height direction of the honeycomb structure), but it is preferably a quadrangle, a hexagon, an octagon, a circle, or a combination thereof. Among these, a quadrangle and a hexagon are preferred. By using such cell shapes, pressure loss when a fluid is caused to flow through the honeycomb structure is reduced.

(2. Method for Capturing CO.SUB.2.)

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for capturing CO.sub.2 using the honeycomb structure according to the above-described embodiment. Specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for capturing CO.sub.2, which includes flowing a first gas through the plurality of cell channels of the honeycomb structure according to the above-mentioned embodiment, adsorbing CO.sub.2 in the first gas by the solid organic compound having the amino group while the first gas passes through the plurality of cell channels, and discharging the first gas with a reduced CO.sub.2 concentration from the honeycomb structure.

[0072] As the first gas, it is not particularly limited as long as it contains CO.sub.2, and examples thereof include environmental air (outdoor air as well as indoor air), factory exhaust gas, ship exhaust gas, and power plant exhaust gas.

(3. Method for Producing Honeycomb Structure)

[0073] A preferred example of the method for producing a honeycomb structure according to the present invention will be described below. In one embodiment, a method for producing a honeycomb structure according to the present invention comprises a step A of kneading a forming raw material comprising a solvent, a solid organic compound having an amino group, an organic binder, and an inorganic binder to prepare a green body; and a step B of forming a honeycomb structure from the green body, the honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell channels that pass through an interior of the honeycomb structure and are partitioned by partition walls.

(Step A)

[0074] In the step A, a forming raw material comprising a solvent, a solid organic compound having the amino group, an organic binder, and an inorganic binder is kneaded to prepare a green body. As the solvent (dispersion medium), mention can be made to water and a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent such as alcohol, with water being particularly preferred.

[0075] From the viewpoint of achieving a good balance among CO.sub.2 adsorption performance, crack suppression during drying, and water resistance, in a preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 40 to 94% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 3 to 50% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 3 to 20% by mass. In a preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 40 to 90% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 40% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 15% by mass. In an even more preferred embodiment, the content of the solid organic compound having the amino group in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 40 to 90% by mass, the content of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 35% by mass, and the content of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent is 5 to 10% by mass.

[0076] The content of the solvent in the forming raw material is determined so as to obtain a green body hardness suitable for extrusion. The green body hardness is preferably in the range of 14 to 26 mm, more preferably 15 to 25 mm, and even more preferably 16 to 24 mm. Here, in this specification, the green body hardness is measured by the following method. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a method for measuring the hardness of a green body using a hardness tester, in which (a) is an overall view of the hardness tester, (b) is a measurement state when the green body is soft, and (c) is a measurement state when the green body is hard. In addition, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the shape and dimensions of the tip portion of the hardness tester. The hardness tester 1 is constructed by connecting a conical tip portion 4 and a support 3 with a spring material 2, and these are housed in a cylindrical sheath 5 (FIG. 3(a)). FIG. 5 is a graph showing the spring properties of the spring material 2 used. When measuring the hardness of the green body, first, a cubic sample of 20 mm20 mm20 mm is taken from the green body, the sample is placed on a flat surface, and the tip portion 4 of the hardness meter 1 is inserted vertically from above into the green body 6, 7 until the sheath 5 comes into contact. The insertion is performed so that the speed of the sheath is 1 mm/s. Next, the length (a1, a2) of the support portion 3 protruding above the sheath portion 5 is read 3 seconds after the sheath portion 5 comes into contact with the green body 6, 7, and the value (mm) at this time is defined as the hardness of the green body 6, 7. Therefore, the larger the value is, the higher the hardness of the green body is. As used herein, the hardness of the green body is measured by averaging the measured values at two arbitrary locations. It should be noted that L.sub.0, L.sub.1, and L.sub.2 indicate the lengths of the spring material 2. Hardness testers employing such a hardness measurement method are commercially available, and for example, the NGK-type hardness tester (model number: NGK-01) produced by NGK Insulators, Ltd. can be used.

[0077] The preferred properties, types and blending ratios of the solid organic compound having the amino group have already been described, but will be supplemented as below. The solid organic compound having the amino group used as a forming raw material is preferably porous. Furthermore, for the reason of preventing clogging during extrusion, the solid organic compound having the amino group preferably has a median diameter (D50) based on a volume-based cumulative particle size distribution obtained by a laser diffraction/scattering method of 200 m or less, more preferably 100 m or less, even more preferably 50 m or less, even more preferably 30 m or less, and even more preferably 15 m or less. For the reason of availability, the median diameter (D50) of the solid organic compound having the amino group is preferably 0.1 m or more, more preferably 0.5 m or more, and even more preferably 1 m or more. Therefore, the median diameter (D50) of the solid organic compound having the amino group is, for example, preferably 0.1 to 100 m, more preferably 0.5 to 50 m, even more preferably 1 to 50 m, even more preferably 1 to 30 m, and even more preferably 1 to 15 m.

[0078] The preferred properties, types and blending ratios of the organic binder are as described above. The water-soluble organic binder dissolves during kneading. Therefore, there are no particular limitations on the shape and size, and it is sufficient to use an organic binder in a generally available form. When using a water-insoluble organic binder, it will dissolve during kneading if an organic solvent is used. Therefore, there are no particular restrictions on the shape or size, and it is sufficient to use an organic binder in a commonly available form.

[0079] The preferred properties, types and blending ratios of the inorganic binder have already been described, but will be supplemented as below. The inorganic binder used as a forming raw material is preferably porous. In addition, for the reason of preventing clogging during extrusion, the inorganic binder preferably has a median diameter (D50) determined from a volume-based cumulative particle size distribution obtained by a laser diffraction/scattering method of 200 m or less, more preferably 100 m or less, even more preferably 50 m or less, even more preferably 30 m or less, and even more preferably 15 m or less. For the reason of availability, the median diameter (D50) of the inorganic binder is preferably 0.01 m or more, more preferably 0.05 m or more, and even more preferably 0.1 m or more. Therefore, the median diameter (D50) of the inorganic binder is, for example, preferably 0.01 to 200 m, more preferably 0.05 to 100 m, and even more preferably 0.1 to 100 m.

[0080] The honeycomb formed body can be prepared by kneading a raw material composition containing a ceramic raw material, a dispersion medium, a pore-forming material, and a binder to form a green body, and then extrusion molding the green body. Additives such as dispersants can be added to the raw material composition as needed. In extrusion molding, a die having a desired overall shape, cell shape, partition wall thickness, cell density, and the like can be used.

[0081] The kneading can be carried out using a known kneader, and it is desirable to carry out the kneading for a time required for each forming raw material to be uniformly distributed in the green body.

(Step B)

[0082] In the step B, the green body is formed into a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell channels that pass through the interior of the honeycomb structure and are partitioned by partition walls. Typically, in the step B, a honeycomb structure is extrusion molded such that it has an outer peripheral side wall and partition walls arranged on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral side wall, extending from the first end surface to the second end surface, and partitioning a plurality of cells that form fluid flow paths (cell channels). In extrusion molding, a die having a desired overall shape, cell shape, partition wall thickness, cell density, and the like can be used.

[0083] The honeycomb structure immediately after forming contains a solvent, and it is desirable to remove the solvent by a drying step. In the drying step, a conventionally known drying method such as hot gas drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, reduced pressure drying, vacuum drying, freeze drying, and the like can be used. Among these, hot gas drying, microwave drying, dielectric drying, or a combination thereof is preferred, as it allows the entire formed body to be dried quickly and uniformly. From the viewpoint of suppressing decomposition of the solid organic compound having the amino group and the organic binder during drying, it is preferable to dry the honeycomb structure in an air atmosphere at 50 to 150 C., more preferably in an air atmosphere at 60 to 140 C., and even more preferably in an air atmosphere at 70 to 130 C.

EXAMPLES

[0084] Hereinafter, the following examples are provided to provide a better understanding of the present invention and its advantages, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

(1. Raw Material)

[0085] As a solid organic compound having the amino group, the following commercially available water-insoluble weakly basic anion exchange resin was prepared. [0086] A styrene-based divinylbenzene polymer having a primary amine as a functional group with an exchange capacity of 2.0 meq/mL [0087] An acrylic-based divinylbenzene polymer having a primary amine functional group with an exchange capacity of 2.7 meq/mL

[0088] These ion exchange resins were in the form of porous particles. Table 1 shows the median diameter (D50) based on the cumulative particle size distribution on a volume basis measured by a laser diffraction/scattering method.

[0089] As inorganic binders, commercially available sepiolite, boehmite, bentonite, colloidal silica, alumina sol, kaolin, and talc were prepared. Table 1 shows the respective shapes and the median diameter (D50) based on the cumulative particle size distribution on a volume basis measured by a laser diffraction/scattering method.

[0090] As the organic binder, commercially available methyl cellulose was prepared. 31 g of this methyl cellulose was added to 1 L of water at 60 C., stirred at 500 rpm for 30 minutes, cooled to 20 C. after stirring was completed. The liquid portion was removed by suction filtration using filter paper type 5C specified in JIS P3801-1995, then the mass of the solid portion when dried was 1 g or less.

[0091] As the solvent, industrial water was used.

(2. Production of Honeycomb Structure)

[0092] The solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, the organic binder, and the solvent were mixed in the mass ratio shown in Table 1 according to the test number to obtain a forming raw material for each test number. In addition, the addition amount of solvent was adjusted for each test number so that the green body hardness measured with an NGK hardness tester (model number: NGK-01) produced by NGK Insulators, Ltd. became 17 mm. Next, the forming raw materials were kneaded for 30 minutes in a vacuum kneader to prepare a cylindrical green body. The contents of the solid organic compound having the amino group, the inorganic binder, and the organic binder in Table 1 refer to the contents when the total of these materials is taken as 100% by mass. In addition, the amount of the solvent refers to parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total of the solid organic compound having the amino group, the organic binder, and the inorganic binder. In addition, the colloidal silica was provided as a dispersion with a solid content of 50% by mass, and the alumina sol was provided as a dispersion with a solid content of 5% by mass, but only the solid content was described in Table 1.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Forming raw material Solid organic compound having the amino group Styrene-based Acrylic-based divinylbenzene divinylbenzene polymer polymer having a primary having a primary amine as amine as Inorganic binder a functional a functional Colloidal Alumina group group Sepiolite Boehmite Bentonite silica sol Kaolin Talc Porous Porous Porous Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Solid Organic binder Shape granular granular fibrous granular granular granular fibrous granular granular Methylcellulose D50[m] 10 10 10 0.1 100 0.05 0.1 10 10 Example 1 94% 3% 3% Example 2 90% 5% 5% Example 3 85% 10% 5% Example 4 75% 20% 5% Example 5 75% 20% 5% Example 6 60% 35% 5% Example 7 50% 40% 10% Example 8 40% 50% 10% Example 9 87% 3% 10% Example 10 77% 3% 20% Example 11 75% 20% 5% Example 12 75% 20% 5% Example 13 75% 20% 5% Example 14 75% 20% 5% Example 15 75% 20% 5% Example 16 75% 20% 5% Comparative 95% 5% Example 1 Comparative 97% 3% Example 2

[0093] The obtained cylindrical green body was formed using an extrusion machine having a predetermined die structure to obtain a cylindrical undried honeycomb structure in which each cell had a quadrangular shape in a cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the cells extended. Formability of the undried honeycomb structure corresponding to each test number was evaluated by visually inspecting the honeycomb structure during extrusion molding. The formability was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the Formability column of Table 2. [0094] Circle (): the honeycomb structure was formed without any cracks in the partition walls. [0095] Triangle: cracks were observed in the partition walls, but the honeycomb structure was formed. [0096] Cross (X): the honeycomb structure could not be maintained due to insufficient shape stability.

[0097] The obtained undried honeycomb structure was dried by high frequency dielectric heating, and then dried for 2 minutes in an air atmosphere at a temperature of 100 C. using a microwave dryer, and both end surfaces were cut off in a predetermined length to prepare a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structures obtained by the above producing method according to the respective test numbers had circular end surfaces with a diameter of 60 mm and a height (length in the direction in which the cells extended) of 120 mm. The cell density was 300 cells/cm.sup.2, the average thickness of the partition walls was 200 m, and the porosity varied depending on the test number but was in the range of 15 to 70%. The honeycomb structures were prepared in the number required for each test.

(3. Component Analysis of Honeycomb Structure)

(a) Organic Binder

[0098] The honeycomb structures obtained by the above producing method according to the respective test numbers were crushed in an agate mortar, dispersed in water at 20 C., and stirred with a magnetic stirrer for 24 hours. In this way, the organic binder was eluted in water. After that, the solid residue was dried to determine the mass loss, and it was found that for the honeycomb structures of all the test numbers, the mass loss essentially corresponded to the mass of the organic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent. Therefore, it was found that the content of the organic binder can be quantitatively analyzed from the honeycomb structure. Furthermore, when the molecular structure of the water into which the organic binder had been eluted was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), the molecular structure shown in Table 2 was detected. This confirmed that the organic binder had dissolved into the water.

(b) Inorganic Binder

[0099] The honeycomb structures obtained by the above producing method according to the respective test numbers were intensively heated at 800 C. for 3 hours to remove the organic binder and the solid organic compound having the amino group. After that, the solid residue was dried and the mass of the solid residue was determined, and it was found that for the honeycomb structures of all the test numbers, the mass of the solid residue substantially corresponded to the mass of the inorganic binder in the forming raw material excluding the solvent. Therefore, it was found that the inorganic binder content can be quantitatively analyzed from the honeycomb structure. Furthermore, when the solid residue was analyzed for crystalline substances using X-ray diffraction (XRD), the substances shown in Table 2 were detected.

(c) Solid Organic Compound Having the Amino Group

[0100] The molecular structure of the solid residue was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the molecular structure shown in Table 2 was detected, confirming the presence of a water-insoluble solid organic compound having the amino group. In addition, from the results of (a) and (b), for the honeycomb structures of all the test numbers, the mass of the solid organic compound having the amino group substantially corresponds to the remaining mass obtained by subtracting the masses of the organic binder and the inorganic binder from the mass of the honeycomb structure.

(4. Properties of Honeycomb Structure)

[0101] The honeycomb structures having the respective test numbers obtained by the above producing method were evaluated as follows.

(a) Evaluation of Cracks Occurred During Drying

[0102] A cylindrical honeycomb structure having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 120 mm was cut in a direction perpendicular to the height direction to obtain a cylindrical honeycomb structure having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 100 mm. The state of cracks in the partition walls when observing the cut surface of the cut honeycomb structure, and the state of fissure-like cracks when observing the outer peripheral surface were checked visually and with a scale, and evaluation was performed according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the Cracks at drying column of Table 2. [0103] Circle (): no visible cracks [0104] Triangle: cracks visible to the naked eye were observed, but less than 3 mm width [0105] Cross (X): cracks greater than 3 mm width

(b) Evaluation of Water Resistance

[0106] A cube of 25 mm25 mm25 mm (length in the direction in which the cells extended) was cut out from near the center of a cylindrical honeycomb structure having a diameter of 60 mm and a height of 120 mm. Moist air (humidity 96% or more) at 55 C. was passed through the cells in the cut-out cubic at a flow rate of 0.01 m.sup.3/s for 1 hour. Thereafter, the state of the cube was checked visually and with a scale, and evaluation was performed according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the Water resistance column of Table 2. [0107] Circle (): when the cube is placed on a horizontal surface with each of three perpendicular faces at the bottom, the height (the maximum height from the horizontal surface) is measured. The difference between the maximum and minimum heights measured in the three directions is less than 2 mm. [0108] Triangle: the difference between the maximum and minimum heights measured in the three directions using the above method is 2 mm or more. [0109] Cross (X): the honeycomb structure is not maintained and collapses during air passage.

(c) Evaluation of CO.SUB.2 .Adsorption Performance

[0110] The honeycomb structure was subjected to the following test. The honeycomb structure was cut into a size of 20 mm20 mm10 mm. As a pretreatment, the honeycomb structure was heated to 60 C. in a dryer to desorb CO.sub.2. The sample was then placed in a 4-liter sealed container for 20 minutes to absorb atmospheric CO.sub.2. A CO.sub.2 concentration sensor was placed inside the container, and the decrease in CO.sub.2 after 20 minutes was visually checked. The CO.sub.2 adsorption performance in this test was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in the CO.sub.2 adsorption performance column of Table 2. [0111] Circle (): the decrease in CO.sub.2 concentration from the initial value is more than 100 vol ppm. [0112] Triangle: the decrease in CO.sub.2 concentration from the initial value is more than 50 vol ppm but less than 100 vol ppm. [0113] Cross (X): the decrease in CO.sub.2 concentration from the initial value is less than 50 vol ppm.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Property evaluation of honeycomb structure Component analysis of honeycomb structure CO.sub.2 FT-IR analysis of solid residue FT-IR of organic XRD analysis after Cracks Water adsorption after organic binder elution binder eluate intensive heating Formability at drying resistance performance Example 1 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 2 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 3 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 4 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 5 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 6 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 7 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 8 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 9 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 10 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Sepiolite detected ring detected groups detected Example 11 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Boehmite detected ring detected groups detected Example 12 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Bentonite detected ring detected groups detected Example 13 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Uncertain and ring detected groups detected unidentifiable Example 14 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Broad boehmite ring detected groups detected detected Example 15 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Kaolin detected ring detected groups detected Example 16 Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal Talc detected ring detected groups detected Comparative Primary amine and aromatic Ether and acetal X X Example 1 ring detected groups detected Comparative Primary amine and aromatic Sepiolite detected X Example 2 ring detected

[0114] The honeycomb structures of Examples 1 to 16, which contained the solid organic compound having the amino group, the organic binder, and the inorganic binder, had CO.sub.2 adsorption capacity, generated less CO.sub.2 during production, and further had excellent properties in terms of formability, cracks at drying, as well as water resistance. In particular, Examples 2 to 8, which contained a predetermined amount of fibrous sepiolite, showed the highest evaluation in terms of cracks at drying.

[0115] On the other hand, the honeycomb structure of Comparative Example 1 contained the solid organic compound having the amino group and the organic binder, but did not contain the inorganic binder, and showed unsatisfactory results in terms of cracks at drying and water resistance.

[0116] The honeycomb structure of Comparative Example 2 contained a solid organic compound having the amino group and the inorganic binder, but did not contain the organic binder, and therefore could not be formed.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0117] 1: Hardness tester [0118] 2: Spring material [0119] 3: Support portion [0120] 4: Tip portion [0121] 5: Sheath portion [0122] 6, 7: Green body [0123] a1, a2: Protruding length [0124] 100: Honeycomb structure [0125] 102: Outer peripheral side wall [0126] 104: First end surface [0127] 106: Second end surface [0128] 108: Cell [0129] 112: Partition wall