Antiseptic Plastic Filler Composition with Metal and Titanium Oxide Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods struggle to effectively and efficiently reduce the persistence of viruses on plastic surfaces, such as stainless steel, due to the high intensity of exploitation and resource requirements for standard sanitization and disinfection.
Innovation Solution
A filler composition comprising particles with silver, copper, and zinc, along with titanium oxide (TiO2-x) with oxygen vacancies, dispersed in a polymer matrix, enhances antiseptic properties by promoting hydrophilicity and controlled release of metal ions, disrupting microbial processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard sanitisation and disinfection procedures are used, then micro-organisms are removed or destroyed, but significant resources are required and virus persistence remains long due to high intensity of exploitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by incorporating metal particles (silver, copper, zinc) and titanium oxide into the plastic matrix, creating a surface that automatically exhibits antiseptic properties without requiring external intervention. The metal particles continuously release ions that destroy microorganisms, and the titanium oxide provides photocatalytic activity under UV light, enabling the surface to self-sanitize without consuming additional resources or human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining metal particles (silver, copper, zinc) with titanium oxide and dispersing them within a plastic matrix. This composite structure integrates multiple functional components: metal particles provide continuous ion release for antimicrobial activity, titanium oxide enhances photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants, and the plastic matrix provides structural support. The synergistic combination achieves superior antiseptic effects while reducing resource consumption compared to conventional methods.
2Reliability
If metal particles are added to plastic to achieve antiseptic properties, then virus persistence is reduced, but the plastic processing temperature must be controlled to prevent metal particle aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the size distribution of metal particles (0.1-100 microns for core, sub-micron for shell) and optimizing the plastic processing temperature range (180-220°C). These parameter optimizations ensure that metal particles remain dispersed and do not aggregate during processing, while still achieving effective antiseptic properties. The specific particle size ranges and temperature controls prevent sintering and aggregation of metal particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses titanium oxide as an intermediary material that facilitates the dispersion and stabilization of metal particles within the plastic matrix. The titanium oxide particles act as spacers and protective agents, preventing direct contact and aggregation of metal particles during high-temperature processing. This intermediary approach simplifies manufacturing by enabling standard plastic processing techniques without requiring specialized equipment or procedures.
3Reliability
If titanium oxide is added to enhance antiseptic properties, then hydrophilicity is improved and ion release is controlled, but the composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by selecting titanium oxide as a multi-functional additive that simultaneously provides several benefits: (1) enhances hydrophilicity of the plastic surface through surface hydroxyl groups, (2) controls ion release rate from metal particles through adsorption and surface interactions, (3) provides photocatalytic activity for degrading organic contaminants, and (4) acts as a dispersant to prevent metal particle aggregation. This single material performs multiple functions, reducing the need for additional additives and simplifying the overall composition.
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 composition achieves improved antiseptic effects against bacteria, viruses, and fungi by ensuring effective hydrophilization and controlled ion release, suitable for high-temperature processing and application in various plastics, including injection-moulding processes.
Implementation Method 1
The particles constituting the ingredients of the filler composition dispersed in a matrix of polymer plastic provide improved hydrophilisation of a surface of said plastic
Implementation Method 2
enabling the release of silver from the material of the inner shell into the environment, in the silver (ionic) form and its amounts resulting in its antimicrobial effect
Implementation Method 3
WO2005072680 describes shaped articles made of plastic as well as film-forming compositions in the form of paints with the addition of white pigment: TiO2 or ZnO doped with metal ions: Mn or V - performing the function of active sites: reducing agents for capturing radicals generated by illuminating these materials with UV radiation
Implementation Method 4
The said composition characterises in that said filler composition further comprises at least 10 wt.% of particles consisting essentially of titanium oxide in the crystalline form of anatase with oxygen vacancies
Data Source
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AI summary
A filler composition for plastic, comprising particles with silver (Ag) comprising not less than 0.1 wt.% of silver, particles with copper (Cu) comprising not less than 0.5 wt.% of copper, and particles with zinc (Zn) comprising not less than 0.5 wt.% of zinc, the particles having a particle size of 50 nm to 10 µm, wherein said filler composition further comprises at least 10 wt.% of particles consisting essentially of titanium oxide in the crystalline form of anatase with oxygen vacancies (TiO2-x) with a particle size of 50 nm to 10 µm.