Asymmetric-Wettability Nanofiber Facial Mask Substrate for Moisture Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional facial masks with hydrophilic substrates suffer from uniform wetting, leading to excessive weight, operational inconvenience, unsanitary conditions, and rapid nutrient solution volatilization, while masks with asymmetric wettability are needed to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional moisturizing nanofiber facial mask substrate is prepared with one hydrophilic side for nutrient absorption and one hydrophobic side for moisture retention, using electrospinning to create a double-layered membrane with asymmetric wettability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a hydrophilic substrate is used for facial masks, then nutrient solution can be absorbed and applied to the face, but both sides of the mask become wet causing excessive weight and waste of active ingredients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different sides of the mask substrate: the face-contact side is made hydrophilic to absorb and retain nutrient solution, while the outer side is made hydrophobic to repel water and prevent excessive absorption. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by enabling selective absorption only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask substrate is designed with asymmetric wettability where one side has hydrophilic properties and the other has hydrophobic properties. This asymmetry allows the mask to absorb nutrients on the inner side while keeping the outer side dry, preventing uniform absorption that would lead to weight increase and ingredient waste.
2Quantity of substance
If both sides of the mask are wet, then nutrient solution is distributed evenly, but operation becomes inconvenient and unsanitary problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic side is specifically designed for nutrient absorption and face contact, while the hydrophobic side maintains dryness for external exposure. This local quality differentiation ensures that only the necessary side absorbs nutrients, keeping the mask easy to handle and sanitary.
3Quantity of substance
If the mask is fully wet, then nutrient solution is applied to the face, but rapid volatilization occurs in the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric wettability design creates a hydrophilic inner side for nutrient application and a hydrophobic outer side that acts as a barrier to environmental exposure. This asymmetry prevents rapid volatilization by limiting the mask's exposure to air while maintaining nutrient delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic outer side provides a protective barrier that reduces evaporative loss of nutrient solution, while the hydrophilic inner side maintains sufficient moisture for effective face application. This local quality differentiation balances nutrient delivery with prevention of volatilization.
4Quantity of substance
If a hydrophilic substrate is used, then moisture can be retained, but prolonged use leads to reverse absorption and loss of facial moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The mask substrate is designed with the hydrophilic side facing the face for nutrient absorption and the hydrophobic side facing outward to prevent environmental moisture ingress. This local quality differentiation ensures that moisture is retained where needed while preventing reverse absorption that would occur with uniform hydrophilicity.
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 substrate effectively absorbs nutrients on one side while keeping the other side dry, reducing weight, preventing volatilization, and enhancing hygiene, with improved water retention and air permeability.
Implementation Method 1
preparing a superhydrophilic electrospun fiber membrane on a substrate by electrospinning
Implementation Method 2
one side of the facial mask substrate is hydrophilic, and may absorb nutrient solution
Implementation Method 3
absorb nutrient solution and attach to the face
Implementation Method 4
a hydrophobic surface on the other side faces outward, which may keep itself dry
Implementation Method 5
locking in moisture of the hydrophilic layer to slow down volatilization of the moisture
Implementation Method 6
with improved water retention and air permeability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a unidirectional moisturizing nanofiber facial mask substrate with asymmetric wettability and preparation thereof. The preparation includes: preparing a superhydrophilic electrospun fiber membrane on a substrate by electrospinning; preparing a hydrophobic electrospun fiber membrane by electrospinning on a lateral surface of the superhydrophilic electrospun fiber membrane away from the substrate to form a double-layered membrane; and removing the substrate, and drying the double-layered membrane to obtain the asymmetric unidirectional moisturizing facial mask substrate with one side being superhydrophilic and the other side being hydrophobic. The superhydrophilic layer can absorb a nutrient solution and be applied to the skin surface, while the hydrophobic layer can keep itself dry, reduce the consumption of the nutrient solution and inhibit volatilization of the nutrient solution. The process is simple, uses readily available materials, and is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and low-cost, thus solving several key problems with current commercial facial mask substrates.