Antimicrobial coated textiles and method of preparation thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antimicrobial textiles coated with silver nanoparticles lose their antimicrobial properties after a few washes due to depletion of silver ions and have high manufacturing costs, along with cumbersome cleaning processes.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial coated textile is developed using a coating composition of 77.5 to 97.5 wt% silica, 0.05 to 2.5 wt% titanium dioxide, and 2.5 to 20 wt% oxide of a second metal (Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, or Zr) on a textile substrate, which is resistant to washing and has a photocatalytic property for easy cleanability and long-lasting antipathogenic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silver nanoparticles are used to coat textiles for antimicrobial properties, then bacterial growth inhibition is achieved, but the textile loses antimicrobial effectiveness after a few washes due to silver ion depletion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidduration of antimicrobial property

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing silver nanoparticles with a composite coating of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles. This parameter change maintains antimicrobial effectiveness while improving wash fastness, as the composite oxide coating does not deplete like silver ions and can be reapplied through photocatalytic activity during washing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies composite materials by combining titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in specific ratios (70:30 to 30:70) to create a synergistic coating that provides both antimicrobial properties and photocatalytic self-renewal capability, resolving the durability issue of single-material coatings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If silver nanoparticles are used for antimicrobial coating, then bacterial growth is inhibited, but the manufacturing cost becomes very high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive silver nanoparticles with inexpensive titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles, which are significantly cheaper materials. The coating can be applied as a thin layer at lower material cost while maintaining functional effectiveness through the photocatalytic self-renewal mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material selection parameters from precious metals to abundant metal oxides, fundamentally altering the cost structure while maintaining or improving performance through the addition of photocatalytic functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional antimicrobial coating is applied to textile, then bacterial growth is prevented, but the cleaning process becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial protectionVSAvoidcleaning process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by incorporating photocatalytic titanium dioxide that automatically breaks down organic soil and regenerates the coating during normal washing processes. The textile cleans itself through exposure to light and water, eliminating the need for special cleaning procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transitions in the photocatalytic process where titanium dioxide absorbs light energy to generate reactive oxygen species that decompose organic matter. The coating transitions from a static protective layer to an active self-cleaning system that responds to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 textile maintains antimicrobial properties even after multiple washes, is cost-effective, and exhibits easy cleanability through photocatalytic activity, providing long-lasting protection against bacterial growth.

Implementation Method 1

The coating comprises 77.5 to 97.45 wt. % silica, 0.05 to 2.5 wt. % titanium dioxide, and 2.5 to 20 wt. % an oxide of a second metal... exhibits easy cleanability through photocatalytic activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photo-oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a coating disposed on a surface of the textile fibers... is resistant to washes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

The coating comprises 77.5 to 97.45 wt. % silica, 0.05 to 2.5 wt. % titanium dioxide, and 2.5 to 20 wt. % an oxide of a second metal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11459698B1Antimicrobial coated textiles and method of preparation thereof

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS

AI summary

An antimicrobial coated textile is provided. The antimicrobial coated textile includes a textile substrate including a plurality of textile fibers and a coating. The coating includes 77.5 to 97.45 wt. % silica, 0.05 to 2.5 wt. % titanium dioxide, and 2.5 to 20 wt. % an oxide of a second metal, each based on a total weight of the coating. The second metal is selected from a group including zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zirconium (Zr), and the coating is disposed on a surface of the textile fibers. A method of preparing the antimicrobial coated textile is also provided.