Antimicrobial Cleaning Substrate With Cu2O Microparticle Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antimicrobial substrates, such as cleaning and washing textiles, often have low antimicrobial efficacy due to nanoscale copper particles being fully enclosed within the polyester matrix, leading to rapid loss of effect and physiological concerns from particle release.

Innovation Solution

Using copper(I) oxide microparticles with a size range of 1-10 micrometers, attached to textile or sponge-like substrates via a film-forming elastomeric coating, which provides a controlled release of Cu ions and maintains antimicrobial effectiveness through a polymer binder system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nanoscale copper particles are used for antimicrobial treatment, then high antimicrobial effect is achieved, but rapid particle dissolution leads to loss of effect and physiological harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectVSAvoidphysiological harm from particle release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter from nanoscale (high surface energy, rapid dissolution) to microparticle scale (1-10 μm, lower surface energy, controlled dissolution). This parameter change reduces the harmful dissolution rate while maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness through the elastomeric coating that enables controlled Cu ion release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric coating acts as an intermediary between the copper particles and the environment. It provides a controlled release mechanism for Cu ions, preventing rapid dissolution of bare nanoscale particles while maintaining antimicrobial activity. The coating mediates the interaction between particles and biological systems, reducing physiological harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If copper particles are enclosed within polyester matrix during yarn production, then particles are fixed in substrate, but antimicrobial effect is reduced due to limited particle exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle fixationVSAvoidantimicrobial effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts copper particles from the bulk polyester matrix and places them on the surface, attached via elastomeric coating. This extraction allows particles to be both fixed (through coating adhesion) and exposed (on surface), resolving the contradiction between fixation stability and antimicrobial effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric coating creates a local zone on the fiber surface with different properties from the bulk polyester. This local modification enables controlled particle attachment and Cu ion release at the surface while maintaining the structural integrity of the bulk material, achieving both fixation and exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If high quantities of copper particles are used to compensate for rapid dissolution, then antimicrobial effect is maintained, but ecological acceptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectVSAvoidecological harm from copper quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric coating enables continuous, controlled release of Cu ions over time, replacing the need for high initial copper quantities. The coating acts as a reservoir that sustains antimicrobial activity through gradual ion release, reducing total copper usage while maintaining effect reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution achieves a significant reduction in bacterial viability, with 100% reduction against Staphylococcus aureus and 84% against Klebsiella pneumoniae, while being physiologically harmless and maintaining antimicrobial properties through multiple washes.

Implementation Method 1

The substance is insoluble in water but soluble in dilute acids. The coating provides a controlled release of Cu ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled dissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a film-forming, elastomeric coating being attached to the surface of the substrate, which consists of an elastomeric carrier substance and copper (I) oxide particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3056604B1Plaster, washing and/or polishing substrate consisting of textile and/or non-woven and/or spongy structures for cleaning surfaces of any type with antimicrobial properties

Publication Date: 2018.05.23 REZI MICROFASERPROD

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AI summary

Cleaning, washing and/or polishing substrate (10) consisting of textile and/or fleece-like and/or spongy structures for cleaning surfaces of any type with antimicrobial properties using copper(1) oxide microparticles (9) with a particle size in the range of 1-10 micrometers, an elastomeric coating (4) consisting of an elastomeric carrier substance (8) and the copper(1) oxide particles (9) bound therein being adhered to the surface of the substrate (10). .