Aluminosilicate Glass with Copper Ions for Antimicrobial Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for durable antimicrobial glass compositions that exhibit continuous antimicrobial properties without requiring additional activation, suitable for use in consumer electronics and other applications where microorganism transfer is a concern, and that provide controlled antimicrobial activity.
Innovation Solution
A glass composition including SiO2, Al2O3, copper-containing oxides, and other oxides, with a high percentage of Cu1+ ions and a cuprite phase, which forms a durable and degradable phase structure, leaching copper ions to provide antimicrobial activity, and is combined with a carrier to form antimicrobial articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antimicrobial properties are imparted to glass using conventional methods, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but the glass durability and chemical stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the glass composition by incorporating specific metal ions (copper, zinc, silver) at controlled concentrations (0.1-10 wt% each) and adjusting the base glass composition (silica 40-70 wt%, alumina 10-30 wt%, oxides 10-30 wt%). This allows the glass to maintain chemical stability while exhibiting antimicrobial properties through the leaching of metal ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glass material that combines the stable glass matrix (providing durability and chemical resistance) with antimicrobial metal ions (copper, zinc, silver) dispersed throughout the structure. This composite approach allows the glass to simultaneously achieve durability from the base material and antimicrobial activity from the metal ion components, resolving the contradiction between stability and antimicrobial efficacy.
2Reliability
If antimicrobial glass compositions are developed, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but the complexity of the glass composition and manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional requirements into a single glass composition by incorporating antimicrobial metal ions (copper, zinc, silver) directly into the base glass matrix during the melting and forming process. This integration eliminates the need for separate antimicrobial coating applications or post-treatments, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining durable antimicrobial properties through the unified glass structure.
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 glass composition achieves a significant reduction in bacterial and viral concentrations, maintaining antimicrobial efficacy for extended periods, effectively reducing microorganism transfer and providing durable, long-lasting antimicrobial protection.
Implementation Method 1
leaching copper ions to provide antimicrobial activity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention pertain to glass compositions, glasses and articles. The articles include an aluminosilicate glass, which may include P2O5 and K2O.