Fully-degradable air conditioner filter material based on natural loofah pulp and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a full-degradable air conditioner filter element material based on natural loofah and a preparation method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of water absorption and moisture retention of air conditioner filter elements. The method comprises the following steps: selecting natural loofah, pretreating the natural loofah, and obtaining loofah tablet embryo; adopting a radial cutting method to cut the loofah tablet embryo into a round tablet structure, and obtaining a loofah flexible framework; performing compression molding on the loofah flexible framework, and obtaining a loofah compression tablet; placing the loofah compression tablet in deionized water for soaking, and obtaining an air conditioner filter element material for an air conditioner filter element assembly; and after the loofah compression tablet loses water, repeating the compression and soaking steps. The application obtains the air conditioner filter element material by performing different pressure compression treatments on the natural loofah, fully utilizes the morphology and structure of the natural plant, has a simple preparation method and low cost, is fully degradable under natural conditions, is environment-friendly, realizes the reuse of the material in the air conditioner air supply system, and has environmental protection application value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water absorption and humidification of air conditioning filter elements, and in particular to a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter element material based on natural loofah sponge and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Current leading air conditioning technologies primarily push the limits of cooling and heating, continuously achieving technological breakthroughs. However, surveys show that power consumption has become the number one most frequent pain point for household air conditioner users, with low efficiency under low loads, resulting in neither energy savings nor comfort. In contemporary life, energy efficiency and the demand for comfort are increasingly becoming key terms in modern air conditioning use. Therefore, energy saving and comfort are gradually becoming the primary factors in choosing a household air conditioner.

[0003] Air conditioners, or air conditioning units, were originally primarily devices for regulating temperature. However, for modern people, the comfort of using air conditioners is paramount. The comfort of an air conditioner largely depends on the pleasantness of the air it delivers. Currently, the biggest problem with air conditioners is the direct blast of cold air. Prolonged exposure to direct cold air can easily lead to illness, while the heating air doesn't reach the user, resulting in excessive energy consumption. Uneven cooling and heating also lead to long-term energy waste.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of air conditioner filter to adjust the current air conditioning air supply method and realize a natural wind-like air supply technology, so as to fully guarantee people's comfort experience and achieve energy-saving and environmental protection effects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge and its preparation method. The air conditioning filter material is obtained by pressing natural loofah sponge under different pressures. It makes full use of the morphological structure of natural plants, and the manufacturing method is simple and inexpensive. It is fully biodegradable under natural conditions, environmentally friendly, and enables the reuse of materials in air conditioning systems, thus having environmental protection application value.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: a method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, comprising the following steps:

[0007] S1. Select natural loofah sponge, pre-treat it, and obtain loofah sponge tablet embryos;

[0008] S2. Using the radial cutting method, the loofah sponge pellet embryo is cut into a circular sheet structure to obtain a flexible skeleton of loofah sponge.

[0009] S3. Press the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge into shape to obtain a loofah sponge pressed sheet;

[0010] S4. After soaking the compressed loofah sponge in deionized water, an air conditioning filter material is obtained and used in the air conditioning filter assembly.

[0011] S5. After the loofah sponge tablets have lost water, repeat steps S3 to S4.

[0012] Preferably, in step S1, the pretreatment of the loofah sponge includes:

[0013] Cut the natural loofah sponge along its axis, clean it with pure water or hot water to remove dust and seeds, then dry it in an oven, repeat the cleaning and drying process, and seal and store the resulting loofah sponge tablets for later use.

[0014] Preferably, the temperature in the oven is 40–60°C, and the drying time is 1–2 hours.

[0015] Preferably, in step S2, the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge is plant fiber, and its interior is a three-dimensional network with a diameter of 400μm.

[0016] Preferably, in step S3, pressing and molding the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge includes:

[0017] The obtained flexible skeleton of loofah sponge is pressed by a circular mold with a diameter of 3-5 cm to obtain a porous circular block. Different pressures are applied to the obtained porous circular block by a tablet press with a molding pressure of 5-30 MPa to obtain loofah sponge tablets.

[0018] Preferably, the thickness of the loofah sponge pressed sheet after being pressed under different pressures is 0.68 to 1.676 mm, and the molding pressure is not greater than 40 MPa.

[0019] Preferably, the structure obtained by pressing the loofah sponge sheet under different pressures is an elastic porous circular block, the mass of which is 100-500mg and the diameter is 11-40mm.

[0020] Preferably, in step S4, the loofah sponge pressed sheet is soaked in deionized water for 12-24 hours. After the loofah sponge pressed sheet has absorbed water, it expands and returns to the natural loofah sponge structure, and is placed in the air conditioner filter assembly, where it loses water naturally.

[0021] Preferably, in step S5, after the loofah sponge pressed sheet has naturally lost water balance, it is soaked in deionized water for a second time, and then dried at a drying temperature of 40-60°C for 12-24 hours until constant weight is achieved, and steps S3-S4 are repeated.

[0022] The present invention also provides a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge. The air conditioning filter material is prepared by the above-mentioned method for preparing air conditioning filter materials. The water absorption ratio of the air conditioning filter material is greater than 2.0 and the water retention time is greater than 8 hours.

[0023] According to specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects:

[0024] (1) The fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge provided by the present invention has a core structure of natural loofah sponge network fiber structure. The water-absorbing and moisturizing air conditioning filter material with natural loofah sponge structure is completely biodegradable in the natural environment and belongs to environmentally friendly materials. The post-treatment products still have bio-friendly properties and no toxic side effects.

[0025] (2) This invention utilizes the intricate porous structure and grooved channels of the loofah fibers in the natural loofah sponge compressed material, which facilitates the storage and rapid circulation of moisture. With the help of the distribution system, the air quickly passes through the moisture-absorbing loofah sponge to release moisture, which can moderately regulate the ambient temperature and make the human body feel a comfortable coolness. The dry loofah sponge absorbs moisture in a humid environment with the help of the air supply system, which raises the indoor temperature and keeps the indoor environment dry. On the other hand, it keeps the body surface dry, so that the human body can achieve the best comfort experience. At the same time, the porous fiber natural loofah sponge structure is the structure of the fiber itself, which has good stability and durability. The elastic structure of the fiber can ensure the water absorption and moisturizing effect of the air conditioning filter element for multiple cycles of repeated use.

[0026] (3) The fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah provided by the present invention has the advantages of high elasticity and good water absorption and moisturizing ability. The preparation method is simple and the cost is low. It is fully biodegradable under natural conditions, environmentally friendly, and realizes the reuse of materials in the air conditioning system, which has environmental protection application value. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the preparation method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 A magnified micrograph of the compressed sheet formed from loofah fibers provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3A scanning electron microscope image of a loofah fiber molding and pressing sheet provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 A water retention curve diagram of the compressed sheet formed from loofah fibers provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 The image shows a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the loofah fiber provided in this embodiment of the invention after it has absorbed water and completely lost water under natural conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] The purpose of this invention is to provide a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge and its preparation method. The air conditioning filter material is obtained by pressing natural loofah sponge under different pressures. It makes full use of the morphological structure of natural plants, and the manufacturing method is simple and inexpensive. It is fully biodegradable under natural conditions, environmentally friendly, and enables the reuse of materials in air conditioning systems, thus having environmental application value.

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, including the following steps:

[0038] S1. Select natural loofah sponge, pre-treat it, and obtain loofah sponge tablet embryos;

[0039] The natural loofah sponge is cut along its axis and cleaned with pure water or hot water to remove dust and seeds. Then it is dried in a 60℃ oven for 2 hours. The process of cleaning and drying is repeated, and the resulting loofah sponge tablets are sealed and stored for later use.

[0040] S2. Using the radial cutting method, the loofah sponge pellet embryo is cut into a circular sheet structure to obtain a flexible skeleton of loofah sponge.

[0041] The flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge is made of plant fiber, and its interior is a three-dimensional network with a diameter of 400μm.

[0042] S3. Press the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge into shape to obtain a loofah sponge pressed sheet;

[0043] The process involves pressing the obtained flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge using a circular mold with a diameter of 4 cm to obtain a porous circular block. This porous circular block is then subjected to a pressure of 5 MPa using a tablet press to obtain a compressed loofah sponge tablet. After being pressed at 5 MPa, the thickness of the compressed loofah sponge tablet is 1.676 ± 0.124 mm, and the forming pressure is no greater than 40 MPa. The resulting structure after pressing at 5 MPa is an elastic porous circular block. After cutting, the mass of the porous circular block is 100 mg, and its diameter is 12.1 mm.

[0044] S4. After soaking the compressed loofah sponge in deionized water, an air conditioning filter material is obtained and used in the air conditioning filter assembly.

[0045] The loofah sponge pressed tablets are soaked in deionized water for 24 hours. After the loofah sponge pressed tablets have absorbed water, they expand and return to the natural loofah sponge structure. They are then placed in the air conditioner filter assembly and lose water naturally.

[0046] S5. After the loofah sponge tablets have lost water, repeat steps S3 to S4.

[0047] In this process, after the compressed loofah sponge has naturally lost water and reached equilibrium, it is soaked in deionized water for a second time, and then dried at a drying temperature of 60°C for 24 hours until constant weight is achieved. Steps S3 to S4 are repeated to obtain a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] This embodiment provides a method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, including the following steps:

[0050] S1. Select natural loofah sponge, pre-treat it, and obtain loofah sponge tablet embryos;

[0051] The natural loofah sponge is cut along its axis and cleaned with pure water or hot water to remove dust and seeds. Then it is dried in a 60℃ oven for 2 hours. The process of cleaning and drying is repeated, and the resulting loofah sponge tablets are sealed and stored for later use.

[0052] S2. Using the radial cutting method, the loofah sponge pellet embryo is cut into a circular sheet structure to obtain a flexible skeleton of loofah sponge.

[0053] The flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge is made of plant fiber, and its interior is a three-dimensional network with a diameter of 400μm.

[0054] S3. Press the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge into shape to obtain a loofah sponge pressed sheet;

[0055] The process involves pressing the obtained flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge using a circular mold with a diameter of 4 cm to obtain a porous circular block. This porous circular block is then subjected to a pressure of 15 MPa using a tablet press to obtain a compressed loofah sponge tablet. After being pressed at 15 MPa, the thickness of the compressed loofah sponge tablet is 1.342 ± 0.278 mm, and the forming pressure does not exceed 40 MPa. The resulting structure is an elastic porous circular block, which, after cutting, has a mass of 500 mg and a diameter of 33.08 mm.

[0056] In addition, the magnified structure of the compressed sheet of loofah sponge fiber was observed using a biological microscope, and the results were as follows: Figure 2 The results are shown below, and the fiber structure of the compressed loofah fiber sheet was observed using scanning electron microscopy, yielding the following results. Figure 3 The results are shown.

[0057] S4. After soaking the compressed loofah sponge in deionized water, an air conditioning filter material is obtained and used in the air conditioning filter assembly.

[0058] The loofah sponge tablets were soaked in deionized water for 24 hours. After the tablets absorbed water, they expanded and returned to their natural loofah sponge structure. These tablets were then placed in an air conditioning filter assembly and allowed to lose water naturally. The water loss time was measured by placing the 24-hour water-saturated loofah sponge in a naturally sealed environment. The results are as follows: Figure 4 As shown, after the loofah sponge had completely lost water, the fiber structure of the loofah sponge was observed using a scanning electron microscope, and the results are as follows. Figure 5 As shown.

[0059] S5. After the loofah sponge tablets have lost water, repeat steps S3 to S4.

[0060] In this process, after the compressed loofah sponge has naturally lost water and reached equilibrium, it is soaked in deionized water for a second time, and then dried at a drying temperature of 60°C for 24 hours until constant weight is achieved. Steps S3 to S4 are repeated to obtain a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge.

[0061] pass Figure 2 The magnified structure of the loofah sponge shows that the natural loofah sponge exhibits an interwoven and interconnected fibrous network structure, and from... Figure 3 The results show that the fibers of the compressed loofah sponge are cross-arranged. The compressed loofah sponge sheet has a mass of 500 mg, a thickness of 1.342 ± 0.278 mm, and a saturated water absorption mass of 2.94 mg after 24 hours of soaking, corresponding to a water absorption ratio of 5.88.Figure 4 The results show that the water loss rate is linearly related to time, with a complete water loss time of 41.82 hours. Figure 5 The results also show that its fiber structure is in a contracted state, with an overall pleated structure. Its cross-sectional structure shows that the loofah fibers exhibit a hollow structure and abundant groove channels, further demonstrating its rich water absorption channels.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] This embodiment provides a method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, including the following steps:

[0064] S1. Select natural loofah sponge, pre-treat it, and obtain loofah sponge tablet embryos;

[0065] The natural loofah sponge is cut along its axis and cleaned with pure water or hot water to remove dust and seeds. Then it is dried in a 60℃ oven for 2 hours. The process of cleaning and drying is repeated, and the resulting loofah sponge tablets are sealed and stored for later use.

[0066] S2. Using the radial cutting method, the loofah sponge pellet embryo is cut into a circular sheet structure to obtain a flexible skeleton of loofah sponge.

[0067] The flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge is made of plant fiber, and its interior is a three-dimensional network with a diameter of 400μm.

[0068] S3. Press the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge into shape to obtain a loofah sponge pressed sheet;

[0069] The process involves pressing the obtained flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge using a circular mold with a diameter of 4 cm to obtain a porous circular block. This porous circular block is then pressed using a tablet press at a pressure of 25 MPa to obtain a compressed loofah sponge tablet. After being pressed at 25 MPa, the thickness of the compressed loofah sponge tablet is 0.68 ± 0.02 mm, and the forming pressure does not exceed 40 MPa. The resulting structure after pressing at 25 MPa is an elastic porous circular block with a mass of 300 mg and a diameter of 20.61 mm.

[0070] S4. After soaking the compressed loofah sponge in deionized water, an air conditioning filter material is obtained and used in the air conditioning filter assembly.

[0071] The loofah sponge pressed tablets are soaked in deionized water for 24 hours. After the loofah sponge pressed tablets have absorbed water, they expand and return to the natural loofah sponge structure. They are then placed in the air conditioner filter assembly and lose water naturally.

[0072] S5. After the loofah sponge tablets have lost water, repeat steps S3 to S4.

[0073] In this process, after the compressed loofah sponge has naturally lost water and reached equilibrium, it is soaked in deionized water for a second time, and then dried at a drying temperature of 60°C for 24 hours until constant weight is achieved. Steps S3 to S4 are repeated to obtain a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge.

[0074] Therefore, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0075] (1) The fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge provided by the present invention has a core structure of natural loofah sponge network fiber structure. The water-absorbing and moisturizing air conditioning filter material with natural loofah sponge structure is completely biodegradable in the natural environment and belongs to environmentally friendly materials. The post-treatment products still have bio-friendly properties and no toxic side effects.

[0076] (2) This invention utilizes the intricate porous structure and grooved channels of the loofah fibers in the natural loofah sponge compressed material, which facilitates the storage and rapid circulation of moisture. With the help of the distribution system, the air quickly passes through the moisture-absorbing loofah sponge to release moisture, which can moderately regulate the ambient temperature and make the human body feel a comfortable coolness. The dry loofah sponge absorbs moisture in a humid environment with the help of the air supply system, which raises the indoor temperature and keeps the indoor environment dry. On the other hand, it keeps the body surface dry, so that the human body can achieve the best comfort experience. At the same time, the porous fiber natural loofah sponge structure is the structure of the fiber itself, which has good stability and durability. The elastic structure of the fiber can ensure the water absorption and moisturizing effect of the air conditioning filter element for multiple cycles of repeated use.

[0077] (3) The fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah provided by the present invention has the advantages of high elasticity and good water absorption and moisturizing ability. The preparation method is simple and the cost is low. It is fully biodegradable under natural conditions, environmentally friendly, and realizes the reuse of materials in the air conditioning system, which has environmental protection application value.

[0078] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the systems disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0079] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Select natural loofah sponge, pre-treat it, and obtain loofah sponge tablet embryos; S2. Using the radial cutting method, the loofah sponge pellet embryo is cut into a circular sheet structure to obtain a flexible skeleton of loofah sponge. S3. Pressing the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge into shape to obtain a pressed loofah sponge sheet; including: The obtained flexible skeleton of loofah sponge is pressed by a circular mold with a diameter of 3~5cm to obtain a porous circular block. Different pressures are applied to the obtained porous circular block by a tablet press with a molding pressure of 5~30MPa to obtain loofah sponge tablets. S4. After soaking the compressed loofah sponge sheets in deionized water, an air conditioning filter material is obtained for use in air conditioning filter assemblies; including: The compressed loofah sponge is soaked in deionized water for 12-24 hours. After the compressed loofah sponge has absorbed water, it expands and returns to its natural loofah sponge structure. Then, it is placed in the air conditioner filter assembly and loses water naturally. S5. After the loofah sponge slices have lost water, repeat steps S3-S4; including: After the loofah sponge pressed tablets have naturally lost water balance, they are soaked in deionized water for a second time, and then dried at a drying temperature of 40~60℃ for 12~24h until constant weight is achieved. Steps S3~S4 are repeated.

2. The method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, the pretreatment of the loofah sponge includes: Cut the natural loofah sponge along its axis, clean it with pure water or hot water to remove dust and seeds, then dry it in an oven, repeat the cleaning and drying process, and seal and store the resulting loofah sponge tablets for later use.

3. The method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature in the oven is 40~60℃, and the drying time is 1~2 hours.

4. The method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S2, the flexible skeleton of the loofah sponge is made of plant fiber, and its interior is a three-dimensional network with a diameter of 400 μm.

5. The method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the loofah sponge pressed sheet is 0.68~1.676mm after being pressed under different pressures, and the molding pressure is no greater than 40MPa.

6. The method for preparing a fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge according to claim 1, characterized in that, After being pressed under different pressures, the loofah sponge sheet is obtained as an elastic porous circular block with a mass of 100~500mg and a diameter of 11~40mm.

7. A fully biodegradable air conditioning filter material based on natural loofah sponge, characterized in that, The air conditioning filter material is prepared by the method of any one of claims 1 to 6, and the water absorption ratio of the air conditioning filter material is greater than 2.0 and the water retention time is greater than 8 hours.

Images