Antimicrobial Fiber Core-Sheath Structure Abrasion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antimicrobial fibers and fabrics are not durable enough to resist abrasion and washing, and they can lead to the development of resistant bacterial strains, necessitating the need for improved antimicrobial materials that are resistant to being worn off or washed away during use.
Innovation Solution
Development of fibers comprising a component polymer composition and an antimicrobial composition where the antimicrobial composition includes a metal complexed with a complexing polymer, specifically using metals like copper, silver, gold, and zinc, with a complexing polymer comprising monomer residues that enhance the antimicrobial properties and stability of the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial compositions are used on fabric surfaces, then antimicrobial properties are provided, but the compositions are not durable and are abraded away or washed off during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite fiber structure where antimicrobial inorganic particles (silver, copper, zinc, tin) are embedded within a polymer matrix. This composite approach integrates the antimicrobial agents permanently into the fiber structure, preventing their loss through abrasion or washing while maintaining continuous antimicrobial activity throughout the fabric's lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a core-sheath fiber configuration where the core contains antimicrobial inorganic particles embedded in a polymer matrix, while the sheath provides structural protection. This nested structure ensures the antimicrobial agents remain protected and retained within the fiber, eliminating their loss during use while maintaining durability.
2Quantity of substance
If inorganic antimicrobial additives are distributed in certain areas of the fiber, then the amount of antimicrobial agents used is reduced, but the durability and resistance to bacterial resistance remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates antimicrobial inorganic particles within the core region of the fiber, creating a localized high-density antimicrobial zone. This local quality approach reduces the overall quantity of antimicrobial agents needed while maintaining effective antimicrobial protection through the fiber's structure, preventing both loss and bacterial resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
By forming a composite structure with inorganic antimicrobial particles integrated into the polymer core, the patent achieves durable antimicrobial properties with reduced agent quantity. The composite matrix provides structural stability that prevents particle loss and maintains long-term effectiveness against bacterial resistance.
3Reliability
If antimicrobial agents are incorporated into fibers, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but the agents are prone to developing resistant bacterial strains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different inorganic antimicrobial metals (silver, copper, zinc, tin) into a single composite fiber structure. This merging of multiple antimicrobial mechanisms creates a synergistic effect that prevents bacterial resistance, as bacteria cannot easily develop resistance to multiple different metallic antimicrobial agents simultaneously while maintaining effective antimicrobial efficacy.
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 resulting fibers exhibit enhanced durability and resistance to bacterial resistance, maintaining antimicrobial efficacy even after repeated use and washing, while ensuring the antimicrobial agents remain integrated within the fabric.
Implementation Method 1
the antimicrobial composition comprises a metal complexed with a complexing polymer
Data Source
AI summary
Fibers that durably contain antimicrobial materials such that the antimicrobial materials are resistant to being abraided away or washed off during use. The antimicrobial materials contained in the fibers are not prone to the development of resistant strains of bacteria. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the fibers.