Humidifying composition, humidifying member, and humidifying device

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure provides a humidity control composition capable of greatly reducing the corrosiveness to metals, reducing the generation of unpleasant odor, and being highly safe while maintaining the humidity control performance. An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a humidity control composition characterized by a humidity control component of a deliquescent salt that forms a hydrate crystal at a prescribed critical relative humidity, and a water-absorbing material having a high water-absorbing property with respect to an electrolyte aqueous solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a humidity-regulating composition, a humidity-regulating component, and a humidity-regulating device. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-022479, filed February 19, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, a humidity-regulating composition was disclosed.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, in order to provide an inexpensive, highly hygroscopic, and safe hygroscopic composition with a low probability of metal corrosion, a moisture-regulating composition is disclosed, which contains at least one of sodium acetate and potassium acetate and a water-absorbing binder, and the ratio (Ac:B) of the total amount of sodium acetate and said potassium acetate (Ac) to the amount of water-absorbing binder (B) is in the range of 2:3 to 4:1 by mass.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-245489 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve However, the humidity-regulating composition described in Patent Document 1 uses only sodium acetate, which is corrosive and therefore poses a risk of corrosion.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of this disclosure aims to provide a humidity-regulating composition that can significantly reduce corrosivity to metals, reduce the generation of unpleasant odors, and is highly safe while maintaining humidity-regulating performance.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem One aspect of this disclosure relates to a humidity-regulating composition characterized by a deliquescent salt that forms hydrate crystals at a specified critical relative humidity; and a water-absorbing material that is highly absorbent of electrolyte aqueous solutions.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a humidity-regulating component characterized in that it comprises the above-described humidity-regulating composition and a carrier substrate supporting the humidity-regulating composition.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a humidity control device, characterized in that it includes: the humidity control component and an air supply device for supplying air to the humidity control component.

[0009] Invention Effects As explained above, according to one aspect of this disclosure, by having a deliquescent salt that forms hydrate crystals at a specified critical relative humidity and a water-absorbing material that is highly absorbent relative to an electrolyte aqueous solution, it is possible to provide a humidity-regulating composition that maintains humidity-regulating performance while suppressing the release of carboxylic acids that volatilize in the environment, significantly reducing corrosiveness to metals, reducing the generation of unpleasant odors, and being highly safe. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the humidity-regulating composition involved in this disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0011] Figure 2 It is the adsorption isotherm of the humidifying component.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the humidity regulating component involved in this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic perspective view of the humidity regulating component involved in this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 5 This is the front view of the substrate.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a front view of a modified example of the supporting substrate.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a front view of a modified example of the supporting substrate.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a front view of a modified example of the supporting substrate.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a deformed example of a substrate.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of a deformed example of a substrate.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a front view of a modified example of the supporting substrate.

[0021] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidity control device involved in this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below do not unreasonably limit the content of the present disclosure as described in the technical solution, and not all configurations described in these embodiments are necessary as solutions provided by the present disclosure. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, the X-axis is defined as the airflow direction, the Y-axis as the width direction, and the Z-axis as the height direction.

[0023] [Humidity-regulating components] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the humidity-regulating composition 10 of this disclosure. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the humidity-regulating composition 10 of this disclosure includes a humidity-regulating component 11 and a water-absorbing material 12. The humidity-regulating component 11 is impregnated in the water-absorbing material 12.

[0024] Humidity-regulating component 11 is a deliquescent salt that forms hydrate crystals at a specified critical relative humidity. Humidity-regulating component 11 absorbs and releases humidity from the air, resulting in a large humidity regulation capacity.

[0025] The moisture-regulating component 11 can be embedded in the absorbent material 12 or exist on the outside of the absorbent material 12.

[0026] Here, "humidification" refers to adjusting the relative humidity of the surrounding air to a level close to the equilibrium humidity of the humidity-regulating component 11. Specifically, for example, if a relative humidity of 50%RH is set as the equilibrium humidity of the humidity-regulating component 11, then when the relative humidity of the surrounding air is higher than 50%RH, the humidity-regulating component 11 absorbs (absorbs) moisture, and when the relative humidity of the surrounding air is lower than 50%RH, the humidity-regulating component 11 releases (releases) moisture.

[0027] Figure 2 This is the adsorption isotherm of humidifying component 11. For example... Figure 2 As shown, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, and sodium formate are carboxylate salts that form hydrate crystals and promote rapid moisture absorption and release above a specified relative humidity. The relative humidity that causes such a change is called the critical relative humidity. The critical relative humidity for sodium acetate, sodium propionate, and sodium formate is in the range of 50% to 90% relative humidity. Within a specific humidity range of 50% to 90%, including the specified critical relative humidity, the moisture absorption per unit weight of the moisture-regulating component 11 increases by approximately 0% to 400%. Therefore, when used in an environment with an ambient humidity of 50% to 90%, the absolute amount of moisture absorbed or released is relatively large, thus providing a high degree of moisture regulation.

[0028] [Table 1] Table 1 shows the moisture absorption per unit weight of the moisture-regulating component at 50%RH and 90%RH, as well as the difference in moisture absorption between 90%RH and 50%RH.

[0029] Sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate have critical relative humidity ranges of 50%RH to 80%RH. Potassium acetate and potassium formate do not have a critical relative humidity, but they maintain high moisture absorption from low to high relative humidity. Compared to general moisture-absorbing materials such as silica gel B, they offer significantly greater humidity conditioning capabilities in humidity ranges above medium relative humidity. For example, when comparing the moisture absorption at 90%RH to that at 50%RH for sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium acetate, and potassium formate, the humidity conditioning capability is approximately 5 to 10 times that of silica gel B.

[0030] Therefore, the humidity-regulating component 11 is a carboxylate. Furthermore, the humidity-regulating component 11 is preferably selected from at least one of the group consisting of sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate. The critical relative humidity is around 50% for sodium formate and sodium propionate, and around 70% for sodium acetate. In humidity regulation of an environment containing the critical relative humidity, the absolute amount of moisture absorbed or released is large, thus exhibiting high humidity-regulating performance. For example, the comfortable humidity range in a living environment is 40% to 70%, and a large amount of humidity regulation can be expected within this range.

[0031] Humidity-regulating components may also include carboxylates as additives for adjusting critical relative humidity. Specific examples of such components include those that form the nucleation material for other deliquescent substances, polyols, or hydrate crystals. Specific examples of nucleating materials include at least one from the group consisting of carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups.

[0032] As deliquescent substances, they are classified into salts and water-soluble organic compounds. Specific examples of salts include potassium formate, ammonium formate, potassium acetate, lithium acetate, ammonium acetate, sodium lactate, potassium lactate, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, potassium propionate, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, lithium bromide, calcium bromide, sodium hydroxide, sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate, potassium carbonate, calcium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and lithium citrate. These salts may contain only one type or more. Specific examples of water-soluble organic compounds include sugars such as sucrose, amylopectin, glucose, p-xylene, fructose, mannitol, and sorbitol; carboxylic acids such as citric acid; and amides such as urea.

[0033] Examples of polyols include glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentanediol, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and triethylene glycol. Among these, polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups, such as glycerol, are more preferred. Furthermore, polyols can form dimers or polymers. Additionally, polyols may contain only one of the aforementioned materials or may contain two or more.

[0034] Specific examples of nucleating materials may include at least one from the group consisting of carboxylic acids having two or more carboxyl groups and amides having two or more amide groups.

[0035] Table 2 shows the characteristics of formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid, which are free from sodium formate, sodium acetate, and sodium propionate.

[0036] [Table 2] The acid dissociation constants, vapor pressures, olfactory thresholds, and metal corrosivity of formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid are shown in Table 2.

[0037] The acid dissociation constant is a quantitative indicator of the strength of an acid (the ease with which hydrogen ions dissociate); the lower the value, the stronger the acid. The order of ease of dissociation is propionic acid, acetic acid, and formic acid.

[0038] Vapor pressure is the pressure of a gas when it is in equilibrium with a liquid. The higher the vapor pressure, the easier it is to volatilize. The order of ease of volatilization is formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid. That is, although sodium propionate is easily dissociated, propionic acid is less likely to volatilize significantly compared to the other two carboxylic acids, therefore its predicted volatilization concentration in the environment is the lowest.

[0039] The olfactory threshold for formic acid is "none". Additionally, the concentrations for acetic acid and propionic acid are 0.006 ppm and 0.0057 ppm, respectively. It is predictable that if acetic acid and propionic acid are generated as free compounds from the humidifying component 10, and their concentrations in the environment reach or exceed the olfactory threshold, an unpleasant odor will be perceived. Therefore, by using the absorbent material 12 described later, the pH of the humidifying component 10 can be maintained at an alkaline level, thereby inhibiting the release of carboxylic acids, suppressing the concentration of carboxylic acids volatilized in the environment, and significantly reducing the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0040] Regarding the corrosivity of metals, it is recorded in the literature "Copper Corrosion Modes in Formic Acid, Acetic Acid, and Propionic Acid Environments" (Zairyou-to-Kankyo 64, 452-457 (2015)). Among formic acid, acetic acid, and propionic acid, propionic acid has the least corrosivity.

[0041] The humidity-regulating composition 10 disclosed herein includes a water-absorbing material 12. In addition to the humidity-regulating component 11, the humidity-regulating composition 10 also includes the water-absorbing material 12, thereby maintaining and improving humidity-regulating performance (absorption and release performance). Therefore, the water-absorbing material 12 has high water absorption relative to the electrolyte aqueous solution.

[0042] The absorbent material 12 functions to retain the moisture-regulating component 11. Because the absorbent material 12 retains the moisture-regulating component 11, a moisture-regulating composition 10 with a high surface area to volume ratio can be achieved. Therefore, the moisture-regulating composition 10 can increase the rate of moisture absorption or release. Furthermore, as described above, the absorbent material 12 can maintain the pH of the moisture-regulating composition 10 near alkalinity. Compared to selecting sodium acrylate as the absorbent resin polymer as the absorbent material 12, selecting a salt-resistant resin as the absorbent material 12 better maintains alkalinity, thus reducing odor. The moisture-regulating composition 10 disclosed herein can balance increasing moisture regulation capacity with reducing odor generation and the risk of metal corrosion.

[0043] In addition, the absorbent material 12 has the following effects: it contains an aqueous solution of the moisture-regulating component 11 to increase the component load; it increases the response speed of moisture absorption or release by increasing the surface area; the absorbent material 12 itself is also hygroscopic; due to the tackifying properties of the absorbent material 12 itself, the coatability of the mixed solution of the moisture-regulating component 11 and the absorbent material 12 is improved, thereby increasing the component load on the substrate.

[0044] Here, if a high concentration of deliquescent carboxylates is mixed with ionic superabsorbent resin in the presence of water, the carboxylic acid will become free. The volatile carboxylic acid will cause an unpleasant odor, and if it adheres to metallic substances, it may cause rusting. Maintaining a neutral to alkaline pH by adding only a pH adjuster to the moisture-regulating component 11 can suppress the release of carboxylic acid, but the pH adjuster is locally present in the moisture-regulating component 11, resulting in an unstable effect. Furthermore, when the pH adjuster is an electrolyte, the total moisture-regulating component 11 containing the electrolyte in the superabsorbent resin decreases, thus reducing its moisture-regulating performance.

[0045] Therefore, the humidity-regulating composition 10 comprises: a humidity-regulating component 11 of deliquescent salts, which forms hydrate crystals at a specified critical relative humidity; and a water-absorbing material 12, which has high water absorption relative to the electrolyte aqueous solution. This allows it to maintain humidity-regulating performance, suppress pH fluctuations, inhibit the dissociation of carboxylic acids, significantly reduce corrosion to metals, and minimize the generation of unpleasant odors. Furthermore, as a hygroscopic property, it has a critical relative humidity within a range of approximately 50% to 90%, rapidly absorbing moisture in high humidity environments above the critical relative humidity and rapidly releasing and regenerating moisture in low humidity environments below the critical relative humidity, thus increasing the amount of humidity-regulating water content.

[0046] The absorbent material 12 is preferably a water-absorbing resin capable of absorbing high-concentration electrolyte solutions and maintaining an alkaline pH. Furthermore, the absorbent material 12 preferably contains a non-ionic water-absorbing resin with high absorption capacity for high-concentration electrolyte solutions.

[0047] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preferring a water-absorbing resin that can maintain an alkaline pH value, the water-absorbing material 12 preferably contains an ionic water-absorbing resin with sulfonic acid groups.

[0048] Specific examples of ionic resins include copolymers of monomers composed of sulfonyl (meth)acrylate monomers, (meth)acrylate monomers, and other polymerizable monomers as needed.

[0049] Specific examples of nonionic resins include: vinyl acetate copolymers, maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyalkylene oxides, etc.

[0050] Alternatively, the absorbent material 12 can also be a clay mineral. Examples of clay minerals include sepiolite, palygorskite, kaolinite pearlite, dolomite, and other silicate minerals, as well as zeolite.

[0051] The moisture conditioning amount of the moisture conditioning composition 10 is determined by the concentration of the moisture conditioning component 11 and the water absorption amount (internal content) of the absorbent material 12. To maximize this, the weight ratio of the moisture conditioning component 11 to the absorbent material 12 is adjusted. Therefore, the ratio of the absorbent material 12 to the moisture conditioning component 11 is preferably in the range of 1:1 to 1:6 by mass. As the coating liquid for the moisture conditioning composition 10, the viscosity that can be coated is limited to a selected range. If the moisture conditioning component 11 is too high, the risk of dehydration in the high humidity range increases; on the other hand, if the moisture conditioning component 11 is too low, the moisture content may be smaller.

[0052] Further details on ionic and nonionic resins.

[0053] The swelling principle of ionic resins is based on the following factors: the affinity between the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and the solution; the osmotic pressure generated due to the variable ion concentration being higher inside the gel than outside the solution; and the ion repulsion force of the electrolyte structure inside the SAP.

[0054] Ionic resins, as a structural feature, possess electrolyte structures such as carboxyl groups. Their characteristics include high gel strength, high absorption rate for pure water, and low absorption rate for electrolyte solutions. Specific examples of these substances include cross-linked acrylic (salt) polymers, hydrolysates of starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, neutralized starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, and saponified acrylate-vinyl acetate copolymers.

[0055] As a structural feature of ionic resins, ionic resins preferably have sulfonic acid groups, which are strong electrolytes. As a characteristic, the large negative charge of the sulfonic acid groups results in a high absorption rate compared to electrolyte solutions containing polyvalent ions, while electrolyte solutions containing monovalent ions have low absorption rates and are expensive. Furthermore, specific examples of these substances include copolymers and crosslinks of monomers composed of sulfonyl (meth)acrylate monomers, (meth)acrylate monomers, and other polymerizable monomers as needed.

[0056] Ionic resins are formed by crosslinking electrolyte polymers with ionic groups. Examples of their components include sodium acrylates, sodium acrylate polymers, polyacrylates, and vinyl alcohol-acrylate copolymers. Depending on the type of polymer, the crosslinking method, and the manufacturing process, various substances exist. Even resins with the same composition can exhibit significantly different properties due to variations in the degree of crosslinking, the density of ionized groups, and the manufacturing method.

[0057] Sodium polyacrylate (SPO) possesses numerous hydrophilic carboxyl groups, exhibiting high water retention. Through cross-linking during polymerization, it becomes a resin with a mesh-like structure. When the resin is wetted by water, the electrostatic repulsion between negatively charged carboxylate ions causes the mesh-like structure to expand, widening the mesh. Water then penetrates into the mesh-like structure within the resin, causing it to swell. The finer the mesh, the higher the water retention capacity. Furthermore, the hydrogen ions of the carboxyl groups are replaced by sodium ions, thereby increasing water absorption. When the sodium ion concentration inside the gel is higher than that of the solvent outside the gel, osmotic pressure is generated to eliminate this concentration difference, causing the solvent to penetrate the gel. If water, acting as the solvent, penetrates into the gel through osmotic pressure, water retention occurs.

[0058] When sulfonic acid groups are introduced into ionic superabsorbent resins, they become ionic superabsorbent resins with sulfonic acid groups. Sodium polyacrylate superabsorbent resin with sulfonic acid groups is an example of an ionic superabsorbent resin with sulfonic acid groups. Since sulfonic acid groups are dissociable groups and have a large negative charge, superabsorbent resins with sulfonic acid groups effectively enhance their hydrophilicity and water absorption properties even in solutions containing polyvalent metal ions.

[0059] As a principle of swelling in nonionic resins, nonionic resins swell due to the functional groups and affinity in their structure.

[0060] Nonionic resins are characterized by their presence of hydrophilic segments. Other characteristics include weak gel strength, slow water absorption rate, and low absolute value of water absorption ratio. Specific examples of these substances include cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol modified products and cross-linked partially cross-linked polyethylene oxide products.

[0061] [Humidity regulating components] Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of the humidity regulating component 100 according to the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the humidity regulating component 100 of this disclosure includes the aforementioned humidity regulating component 10 and a carrier substrate 20 that supports the humidity regulating component 10.

[0062] The substrate 20 carries the humidity-regulating composition 10. The humidity-regulating composition 10 is uniformly adhered to and carried on the surface of the substrate 20.

[0063] The humidity-regulating component 100 achieves humidity-regulating properties by bearing the humidity-regulating component 10 on the support substrate 20. For example, by means of... Figure 3 As shown, air is supplied in the X direction, allowing air to circulate on the substrate 20 carrying the moisture-regulating component 10, thereby absorbing or releasing moisture from the air and thus enabling moisture regulation.

[0064] The substrate 20 can be Figure 3 A prism like the one shown can also be Figure 4 A cylinder as shown.

[0065] Preferably, the support substrate 20 is a component made of resin, ceramic, or metal. This allows for efficient heat exchange in addition to the moisture replacement by the humidifying component 10. Furthermore, the support substrate 20 has at least a portion that is breathable.

[0066] The supporting substrate 20 can also be a heat storage substrate. Alternatively, the supporting substrate 20 can also be a non-woven fabric.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a front view of the carrier substrate 20 of the humidity regulating component 100 disclosed herein. Figures 6 to 11 This is a front view of a modified example of the support substrate 20.

[0068] The substrate 20 can also be Figure 5 The triangle shown Figure 6 The waveform shown Figure 7 The honeycomb shape shown Figure 8 The substrate 20 can be a quadrilateral as shown. Alternatively, it can have a pleated or corrugated structure. This increases the surface area of ​​the ventilated substrate, allowing for efficient contact with circulating air and further improving moisture absorption and release efficiency.

[0069] Furthermore, the substrate 20 can also be a hollow column shape. By setting it to such a hollow column shape, a large amount of moisture-regulating component 11 can be carried, thus increasing the moisture absorption capacity.

[0070] Furthermore, the carrier substrate 20 can also be formed as Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The fin shape shown. Figure 9The substrate 20 shown is a structure with several protrusions (needle wings) on a plate. Figure 10 The supporting substrate 20 shown is a structure in which several plates are arranged perpendicularly to a plate, and it is a finned structure.

[0071] In addition, the supporting substrate 20 can also be a single plate with a wavy structure; a single plate with porous fins; an offset structure with protrusions on the top and bottom of the single plate and these protrusions being staggered from each other; a structure in which the single plate is bent into a wavy shape to form protrusions and continuously forms a U-shape; a structure in which small wavy structures are further formed on the surface of the protrusions; a structure with porous structures on the side of the protrusions; and a structure with porous structures on both the surface and side of the protrusions, etc.

[0072] Alternatively, the supporting substrate 20 can also be a sponge metal structure. Sponge metal is composed of a metal with numerous pores, similar to a sponge. Because of its many pores, the sponge metal structure can effectively achieve both moisture and heat exchange simultaneously.

[0073] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the substrate 20 can also be formed by overlapping and rolling up a corrugated plate and a flat plate. This structure has a larger surface area, enabling more efficient moisture and heat exchange.

[0074] The average particle size of the absorbent material 12 is preferably 5 to 100 μm, more preferably 10 to 50 μm. By selecting an absorbent material 12 within this particle size range, the specific surface area is increased, improving the response speed of the humidifying composition 10 to water absorption or release, thus enhancing the water exchange efficiency. Furthermore, when the humidifying composition 10 is adjusted to a coating liquid and coated onto the substrate 20, selecting an absorbent material 12 within the aforementioned particle size range allows for adjustment to a coatable viscosity due to the thickening properties of the absorbent material 12, enabling coating without the need for additional adhesives. This prevents the surface of the absorbent material 12 from being covered by adhesives, thus avoiding reduced contact efficiency with air, and allows for efficient water exchange using the humidifying composition 10. Additionally, the average particle size is set to the particle size under dry conditions. The particle size of dozens of randomly selected absorbent resin particles is measured using image analysis, and the calculated average value is set as the average particle size.

[0075] Humidity control device Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidity control device 1000 disclosed herein. The humidity control device 1000 disclosed herein includes the aforementioned humidity control component 100, an air supply device 30 for blowing air to the humidity control component 100, and a pipe 40 for housing them.

[0076] The air supply device 30 consists of a fan, motor, etc. Using the air supply device 30, air is directed, for example, in one direction, towards the humidification unit 100. In this way, moisture can be absorbed or released according to the relative humidity of the flowing air, thus regulating the relative humidity of the outflowing air. For example, if the humidity of the incoming air is higher than the equilibrium humidity of the humidification unit 11, the humidification unit 100 can provide dry air by absorbing moisture. If the humidity of the incoming air is lower than the equilibrium humidity of the humidification unit 11, the humidification unit 100 can provide humidified air by releasing moisture.

[0077] By reversing the rotation direction of the fan via the air supply device 30, air is supplied to the humidification unit 100 from two directions. In a summer environment where one side is indoors and the other outdoors, the high-humidity air flowing in from outdoors absorbs moisture, providing low-humidity air to the indoors. When the air supply direction is reversed, the low-humidity air from the indoors releases moisture from the humidification unit 11, thereby exhausting the high-humidity air to the outdoors. Thus, humidified air is continuously supplied to the indoors, enabling ventilation that suppresses changes in relative humidity. If the supporting substrate 20 has heat storage properties, heat exchange can occur simultaneously with the moisture exchange of the air.

[0078] The tube 40 is only required to accommodate the humidification component 100 and the air supply device 30; there are no limitations. To ensure good heat exchange efficiency, the tube 40 is preferably made of metal.

[0079] Examples of the humidity control device 1000 disclosed herein include time-division type total heat exchange ventilation device with air supply direction changing over time, dehumidifier, dryer, dishwashing dryer, etc.

[0080] [Example] The following describes the humidity-regulating composition and humidity-regulating component of this disclosure in detail through examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples described herein.

[0081] (Example 1) Based on a deliquescence concentration of 16% at 90% relative humidity, the mixing ratio of the absorbent material and the moisture-regulating component is in the range of 1:1 to 1:6 by mass, so as to achieve a viscosity standard of 100 to 500 cP that can be coated onto the substrate.

[0082] Sodium propionate is used as a humidifying agent. Additionally, a salt-resistant resin is used as the absorbent material.

[0083] A material made by mixing moisture-regulating components with water-absorbing materials is carried on a ceramic honeycomb substrate.

[0084] (Example 2) A nonionic resin was used as the absorbent material. Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[0085] (Example 3) Sodium formate was used as the humidifying agent. Other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[0086] (Example 4) A nonionic resin was used as the absorbent material. Other conditions were the same as in Example 3.

[0087] (Example 5) Assume the substrate is a sheet formed of nonwoven fabric. Based on a deliquescence concentration of 12% at 90% relative humidity, the mixing ratio of the absorbent material and the moisture-regulating component is in the range of 1:1 to 1:6 by mass, resulting in a viscosity of 5 to 100 cP applied to the substrate. Potassium acetate is used as the moisture-regulating component. Additionally, a salt-resistant resin is used as the absorbent material.

[0088] (Example 6) Potassium formate was used as the humidifying agent. Other conditions were the same as in Example 5.

[0089] (Comparative Example 1) Sodium propionate was used as the humidifying agent. Additionally, no absorbent material was used. All other conditions were the same as in Example 1.

[0090] (Comparative Example 2) Sodium formate was used as the humidifying agent. Other conditions were the same as in Comparative Example 1.

[0091] (Comparative Example 3) Potassium acetate was used as the humidifying agent. An ionic superabsorbent polymer was used as the absorbent material. Other conditions were the same as in Example 5.

[0092] (Comparative Example 4) Potassium acetate was used as the humidifying agent. No absorbent material was used. All other conditions were the same as in Example 5.

[0093] (Comparative Example 5) Potassium formate was used as the humidifying agent. Ionic absorbent polymer was used as the absorbent material. Other conditions were the same as in Example 5.

[0094] (Comparative Example 6) Potassium formate was used as the humidifying agent. No absorbent material was used. Other conditions were the same as in Example 5.

[0095] (Refer to Example 1) Sodium propionate is used as a moisture-conditioning component. In addition, an ionic resin composed of sodium polyacrylate is used as an absorbent material.

[0096] (Refer to Example 2) Sodium formate was used as the humidifying agent. Other conditions were set to be the same as in Reference Example 1.

[0097] The salt-resistant resins used in Examples 1, 3, 5, and 6 are ionic water-absorbing resins composed of sodium polyacrylate with sulfonic acid groups, specifically, sulfonyl acrylate-acrylic acid copolymer crosslinkers. For crosslinked sodium polyacrylate, sodium carboxylate and a portion of the carboxylic acid are sulfonated in a certain proportion, and sulfonic acid groups are introduced into the copolymer through the -COO-(CH2)m-SO3H structure.

[0098] Cross-linked sodium polyacrylate is a substance that forms a mesh-like structure by copolymerizing cross-linking monomers during the polymerization of acrylic acid and acrylate. The polymer absorbs water by allowing water to enter the mesh-like structure formed through cross-linking. Through cross-linking, the polymers are bonded together by covalent bonds, thus preventing dissolution even in the presence of water. Typically, polyacrylates used as superabsorbent resins have a cross-linked structure. Sulfonyl acrylate-acrylic acid copolymer cross-linked materials are materials that improve the initial absorption rate of high-concentration electrolyte solutions by introducing sulfonic acid groups into cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, which acts as a superabsorbent resin.

[0099] The nonionic resins used in Examples 2 and 4 are polyepoxide-based water-absorbing resins. Nonionic resins absorb water by binding to water molecules through hydrogen bonds formed by their hydrophilic groups, but do not bind to metal ions.

[0100] The ionic resins used in Comparative Examples 3, 5, Reference Examples 1, and 2 are cross-linked polymers of acrylic acid and acrylate, specifically cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. The acrylic acid / sodium acrylate ratio is not limited. A higher acrylic acid ratio results in a resin closer to acidity.

[0101] The above conditions and results are shown in Table 3. It should be noted that the standardized load capacity refers to a value used to compare the amount of moisture-regulating components carried per unit volume of ceramic honeycomb in the examples and comparative examples, etc., and was standardized based on the load capacity without the use of the absorbent material in Comparative Example 1 or Comparative Example 2. The larger the value, the more moisture-regulating components the supporting substrate has. Since Comparative Example 1 did not use absorbent material, it is "1", while in the examples using absorbent material, it is 1.8 or 2.0. Due to the presence of absorbent material, there are many moisture-regulating components in the supporting substrate.

[0102] [Table 3] As shown in Table 3, in the humidity-regulating compositions (Examples 1-4) containing humidity-regulating components and absorbent materials, pH fluctuations and the dissociation of carboxylic acids can be suppressed while maintaining humidity-regulating performance, significantly reducing corrosivity to metals, stabilizing the composition, and reducing the generation of unpleasant odors. Furthermore, in the humidity-regulating compositions of Examples 1-4, the pH is 6-7 when an ionic absorbent resin is added to the absorbent resin, and 7-8 when a salt-tolerant resin and a nonionic resin are added. The pH shifts further towards alkalinity when salt-tolerant resin and nonionic resin are added to the absorbent resin, thus significantly reducing corrosivity to metals and the generation of unpleasant odors. In addition, the humidity-regulating compositions of Examples 1-4 exhibit excellent moisture absorption and release capabilities, demonstrating high humidity-regulating performance.

[0103] On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, which lacks a water-absorbing material, the moisture conditioning performance is insufficient. Similarly, in Comparative Example 2, which also lacks a water-absorbing material, the moisture conditioning performance is insufficient. Furthermore, in Reference Example 1, where an ionic resin was added to the water-absorbing material, the mixture of the moisture-conditioning component and the water-absorbing material (coating solution) has poor flowability, making it difficult to coat onto the substrate, and the moisture conditioning performance is also insufficient.

[0104] When potassium acetate is used in the moisture-conditioning component, the presence of acetic acid is determined by the odor of the coating additive. Formic acid released from potassium formate has a weak odor, making it impossible to determine whether an odor has volatilized. It is known that all absorbent materials exhibit the same pH change trend relative to acid release as potassium acetate; therefore, pH is used alone to determine the presence of acid release. A stable pH on the acidic side and low carboxylic acid release indicate low metal corrosivity.

[0105] In Comparative Example 4, which lacks absorbent material, an odor of acetic acid is produced. Furthermore, the amount of moisture-regulating component retained in the substrate depends solely on the substrate's absorbency; due to insufficient load-bearing capacity, the moisture-regulating performance is inadequate.

[0106] In Examples 5 and 6, which included absorbent resin, the moisture-regulating component loading was improved compared to Comparative Examples 4 and 6, which did not use absorbent material, resulting in high moisture-regulating performance. Comparative Example 3, which used an ionic resin as the absorbent material, confirmed the presence of acetic acid odor. Furthermore, in Comparative Examples 3 and 5, which included an ionic resin, a pH shift towards the acidic side was confirmed, confirming the release of acid from the pH.

[0107] In Example 5, where a salt-resistant resin was used as the absorbent material, no acetic acid odor was detected, and pH fluctuations were suppressed, confirming that no acetic acid release occurred. In Example 6, pH fluctuations were suppressed. In Examples 5 and 6, where the salt-resistant resin was used, no acid release was detected, reducing corrosiveness to metals and the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0108] In summary, the humidity-regulating composition, humidity-regulating component, and humidity-regulating device disclosed herein can maintain humidity-regulating performance while suppressing the release of carboxylic acids that volatilize in the environment, thereby significantly reducing corrosiveness to metals and the generation of unpleasant odors.

[0109] Furthermore, while the various embodiments and examples of this disclosure have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that many modifications can be made without substantially departing from the new aspects and effects of this disclosure. Therefore, all such modifications should be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0110] For example, at least once in the specification or drawings, a term described together with a different term that is more general or synonymous may be replaced with a different term at any point in the specification or drawings. Furthermore, the configuration and operation of the humidity control components, humidity control parts, and humidity control devices are not limited to the descriptions of the various embodiments and examples of this disclosure, and various modifications can be implemented.

Claims

1. A humidity-regulating composition, characterized in that, It possesses: The humidifying component of deliquescent salts, which form hydrate crystals at a specified critical relative humidity; and Absorbent material, which has a high degree of water absorption to electrolyte aqueous solutions.

2. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidity-regulating component is a carboxylate.

3. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidity-regulating component is selected from at least one of the following groups: sodium formate, sodium acetate, sodium propionate, potassium acetate, and potassium formate.

4. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The humidity-regulating component contains additives that adjust the critical relative humidity.

5. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absorbent material comprises an ionic absorbent resin having sulfonic acid groups.

6. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that... The absorbent material comprises an ionic absorbent resin composed of sodium polyacrylate having sulfonic acid groups.

7. The humidity-regulating composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absorbent material comprises a nonionic absorbent resin.

8. A humidity regulating component, characterized in that, include: The humidity-regulating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and A substrate that carries the moisture-regulating composition.

9. The humidity regulating component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The carrier substrate is a component made of resin, ceramic or metal, at least a portion of which has a breathable structure.

10. The humidity regulating component according to claim 8, characterized in that, The average particle size of the absorbent material is 5~100μm.

11. A humidity regulating device, characterized in that, include: The humidity regulating component according to claim 8; as well as An air supply device delivers air to the humidity regulating component.

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