Antimicrobial Zeolite with Hydrogen and Silver Ions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antimicrobial zeolite compositions undergo color changes over time, especially under severe conditions like prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, which can lead to product discoloration and reduced commercial value.
Innovation Solution
Development of antimicrobial zeolite with ion-exchangeable ions partially or wholly replaced with hydrogen ions and silver ions, maintaining stability and preventing color changes when incorporated into resin compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial zeolite (with silver ions) is used, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but color change occurs with time especially under ultraviolet light exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the zeolite by introducing hydrogen ions alongside silver ions, replacing conventional zeolite with only silver ions. This parameter change (adding hydrogen ions at specific ratios) stabilizes the zeolite structure against UV-induced color changes while preserving antimicrobial activity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ion-exchange structure within the zeolite by combining hydrogen ions and silver ions together. This composite approach allows the material to simultaneously achieve antimicrobial properties (from silver ions) and color stability (from hydrogen ions), resolving the contradiction between functionality and stability
2Reliability
If silver ions are incorporated into zeolite to provide antimicrobial activity, then antimicrobial effect is achieved, but the zeolite undergoes color change under severe conditions such as prolonged UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Hydrogen ions act as an intermediary or stabilizing agent within the zeolite structure. They mediate between the antimicrobial silver ions and the harmful UV radiation, protecting the silver ions from UV-induced degradation and preventing color changes while allowing the antimicrobial effect to persist
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the ion-exchange parameters by controlling the ratio of hydrogen ions to silver ions (specifically 0.05-5 times the molar amount of silver ions). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient antimicrobial activity while achieving color stability under severe conditions including prolonged UV exposure
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 antimicrobial zeolite composition effectively prevents color changes, maintaining antimicrobial properties and extending the use of antimicrobial zeolite in various products without discoloration, enhancing their commercial viability.
Implementation Method 1
comprises a zeolite material whose ion-exchangeable metal ions are replaced with antimicrobial metal ions such as silver, copper and/or zinc ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention herein provides antimicrobial zeolite which hardly causes any color change with the elapse of time even when it is incorporated into a resin to form an antimicrobial resin composition. The present invention thus relates to antimicrobial zeolite which comprises zeolite whose ion-exchangeable ions are partially or wholly replaced with hydrogen ions and silver ions; and an antimicrobial resin composition which comprises the foregoing antimicrobial zeolite in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 80% by mass.