Antibacterial Copolymer Resin for Durable, Heat-Stable Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antibacterial agents for polymers face challenges in maintaining antibacterial durability, thermal stability, and safety, particularly when applied to materials like general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), leading to issues such as discoloration, toxicity, and reduced effectiveness under high-temperature processing.

Innovation Solution

A copolymer resin comprising a first unit derived from a specific monomer and a second unit from alkylacrylate or alkylmethacrylate, where the antibacterial agent is integrated as a monomer within the polymer chain, providing long-lasting antibacterial properties and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inorganic antibacterial agents (silver, copper) are added to GPPS, then thermal stability and antibacterial properties are improved, but cost increases and discoloration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial durabilityVSAvoiddiscoloration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive inorganic antibacterial agents with a cost-effective organic antibacterial monomer that can be permanently incorporated into the polymer chain, achieving durable antibacterial protection without the high cost and discoloration issues of metal-based agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by copolymerizing the antibacterial monomer with GPPS monomers, integrating the antibacterial function directly into the polymer matrix rather than using separate inorganic additives, thereby eliminating discoloration while maintaining effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If inorganic antibacterial agents are added to GPPS, then antibacterial properties are improved, but toxicity concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes toxic inorganic antibacterial agents with a safe, biocompatible organic monomer that provides equivalent or superior antibacterial activity without the health risks associated with heavy metals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical nature of the antibacterial agent from inorganic metal compounds to organic compounds with specific functional groups (quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, or sulfonium salts) that provide antibacterial activity through a different mechanism, eliminating toxicity while maintaining efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If organic antibacterial agents are applied to products, then cost is reduced and antibacterial effects are improved, but antibacterial durability deteriorates due to elution

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidantibacterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antibacterial agent with the polymer matrix by incorporating the antibacterial monomer into the polymer chain during copolymerization, creating an integrated structure where the antibacterial function cannot separate or elute from the base material, ensuring long-term durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous antibacterial action by permanently fixing the antibacterial monomer units within the polymer chain, allowing the material to maintain its antibacterial properties throughout its service life without degradation or loss of effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If antibacterial agents are added to GPPS, then antibacterial properties are improved, but basic physical properties of the polymer resin may be degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantibacterial propertiesVSAvoidphysical properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition parameters by controlling the ratio of antibacterial monomer to GPPS monomer, ensuring that the antibacterial function is sufficient while the structural integrity and physical properties of the polymer are maintained through appropriate compositional balance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 copolymer resin exhibits excellent antibacterial properties, maintains effectiveness under high temperatures, and is safe for human use, avoiding issues of discoloration and elution, with broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria and molds.

Implementation Method 1

the copolymer having a structure represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 exhibits excellent antibacterial properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibacterial activity:

Implementation Method 2

maintains effectiveness under high temperatures, and is safe for human use, avoiding issues of discoloration and elution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal stability:

Data Source

PatentEP4628514A1Antibacterial resin and molded body comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.10.08 LG CHEM LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The present specification relates to an antibacterial resin including a copolymer including: a first unit derived from a monomer represented by Chemical Formula 1; and a second unit derived from an alkylacrylate or an alkylmethacrylate, and a molded article including the same.