Aliphatic Polyester Fiber With In-Fiber Ester for Water Wettability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermoplastic resins used in fibers are generally hydrophobic, limiting their applications, and existing methods to enhance hydrophilicity, such as surface treatments, are not effective in maintaining hydrophilicity in aqueous environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating 50% or more aliphatic polyester and 10% or more of a water-insoluble ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and fatty acid with a solidification point of 30°C or more into the fiber structure, ensuring the compound is evenly distributed within the fiber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermoplastic resins are used as fiber material, then fiber strength and processability are improved, but hydrophilicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining aliphatic polyester (component A) with ester compounds of polyhydric alcohols and fatty acids (component B). This composite structure allows the fiber to maintain the strength properties of thermoplastic resins while incorporating hydrophilic components that improve wettability with aqueous solvents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating component B (ester compound) specifically at the fiber surface and interface regions. This localized placement of hydrophilic substance ensures that the bulk fiber maintains its structural strength while the surface exhibits enhanced hydrophilicity for better aqueous solvent interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If surface treatments are applied to enhance hydrophilicity, then wettability is improved, but durability in aqueous environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating hydrophilic ester compounds (component B) into the fiber structure during the manufacturing process, rather than applying surface treatments after fiber production. This ensures hydrophilicity is built-in from the start and maintains durability in aqueous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by making the fiber itself hydrophilic through the inclusion of polyhydric alcohol ester compounds, eliminating the need for external surface treatments. The fiber's own composition provides the hydrophilic property, ensuring long-term reliability in aqueous environments.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The fibers exhibit enhanced wettability with aqueous solvents and maintain hydrophilicity over time, even in water, making them suitable for applications like cosmetic materials and medical scaffolds.
Implementation Method 1
the fibers exhibit enhanced wettability with aqueous solvents and maintain hydrophilicity over time
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A fiber includes 50 mass% or more of a component A below and 10 mass% or more of a component B below with respect to a mass of a whole fiber. The fiber includes the component A and the component B inside the fiber. The component A is an aliphatic polyester. The component B is a compound that is an ester compound of a polyhydric alcohol and a fatty acid, is water-insoluble, has a solidification point of 30°C or more, and includes a fatty acid group having 14 or more and less than 24 carbon atoms.