Aqueous Textile Coating Composition for Wash-Durable Evaporative Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current textile coating compositions based on sulfonated styrenic block copolymers face challenges with solvent handling and disposal, and they lack durability during multiple laundering cycles, leading to a loss of coating performance.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous emulsion of midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer combined with poly(vinyl alcohol), applied onto fabrics with heat and optional pressure, to create a coating that withstands at least 50 wash cycles while maintaining evaporative cooling properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solvent-based coating compositions are used, then the coating provides good initial performance and evaporative cooling effect, but the coating lacks durability and deteriorates after multiple wash cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sulfonated styrenic block copolymer (providing evaporative cooling) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (providing durability and wash resistance). This composite coating system allows both functions to coexist: the copolymer maintains cooling performance while the PVA matrix provides structural integrity through multiple wash cycles, resolving the contradiction between initial performance and long-term durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the coating by incorporating poly(vinyl alcohol) at specific concentrations (5-50 wt% of total coating solids) and adjusting the ratio of copolymer to PVA. This parameter optimization ensures the coating achieves both the evaporative cooling effect and the durability required to withstand 50+ wash cycles
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aqueous emulsion is used instead of organic solvent, then environmental friendliness and safety improve, but coating durability and performance retention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic to aqueous while compensating for potential performance loss by optimizing the polymer composition and ratios. The specific formulation of sulfonated copolymer with PVA in water maintains both environmental benefits and coating durability, proving that parameter substitution can achieve multiple goals simultaneously
3Duration of action of stationary object
If poly(vinyl alcohol) is added to enhance wash durability, then coating lifespan through wash cycles improves, but the complexity of the coating formulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects poly(vinyl alcohol) as a multi-functional additive that simultaneously provides wash durability, film formation, and compatibility with the sulfonated copolymer. This single material performs multiple functions, reducing the need for additional specialized additives and keeping the overall formulation relatively simple despite the enhanced performance requirements
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 provides a stable and durable coating that retains its enhanced evaporative cooling effect and wash durability, outperforming traditional solvent-based systems by ensuring the coating composition remains intact and functional after extensive washing.
Implementation Method 1
an aqueous emulsion of a midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer and a poly(vinyl alcohol)
Implementation Method 2
dissolving the poly(vinyl alcohol) into the emulsion
Implementation Method 3
applying heat and optionally pressure
Implementation Method 4
applying heat and optionally pressure
Implementation Method 5
the polymer swells and binds with moisture. The moisture may then be released to the environment. It thereby provides an enhanced evaporative cooling effect
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention concerns a textile coating composition comprising an aqueous emulsion of a midblock sulfonated styrenic block copolymer and a poly(vinyl alcohol). It also concerns a method for preparing the textile coating composition and its application. It also concerns fabrics on which the coating compositions have been applied.