Bio-based PEC compositions as binders for fiber based materials, textiles, woven and nonwoven materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-based materials, textiles, and nonwoven materials lack high wet and dry tensile strength, stability, and softness, and are not environmentally benign or biodegradable, as they rely on synthetic polymers and face stability issues in tap water.
Innovation Solution
A biopolymer-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composition using chitosan as a cationic polymer and anionic polymers derived from nature, such as polysaccharides, with specific charge and weight ratios, pH control, and additives, providing high tensile strength and stability while being environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic polymers are used as binders for fiber-based materials, then tensile strength is improved, but environmental benignity and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by using bio-based polyelectrolytes (chitosan and natural polysaccharides) instead of synthetic polymers, maintaining binding functionality while improving environmental compatibility and biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite PEC composition combining cationic chitosan and anionic polysaccharides in specific ratios, achieving synergistic effects that provide both tensile strength and environmental benignity
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional PEC compositions are used, then material stability is improved, but wet tensile strength deteriorates due to instability in tap water
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes pH parameters (maintaining pH 2-7) and charge ratios (anionic: cationic ≤ 1:1) to achieve both stability in tap water and high wet tensile strength, resolving the contradiction between stability and wet strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses biodegradable natural polysaccharides that can be processed in tap water without requiring long-term stability, accepting controlled degradation as a beneficial outcome for environmental sustainability
3Strength
If synthetic polyelectrolytes are used to achieve high tensile strength, then dry strength is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the molecular structure parameters by selecting naturally occurring polymers (chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, alginate, carrageenan) that inherently possess both binding capability and biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention leverages the natural biodegradation capability of polysaccharides, allowing the material to self-decompose into harmless products after use, eliminating the need for artificial degradation processes
4Strength
If PEC composition concentration is increased to improve tensile strength, then dry and wet strength are improved, but stability in tap water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the concentration parameters and pH parameters simultaneously, finding the optimal range where both high tensile strength and tap water stability are achieved without compromise
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 PEC composition enhances dry and wet tensile strength, stability, and softness of fiber-based materials, textiles, and nonwovens, maintaining stability in tap water for at least half a year, and reduces environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
PECs are the association complexes formed between oppositely charged particles such as polymer-polymer, polymer-drug and polymer-drug-polymer. These complexes are formed due to electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a bio-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composition suitable as a binder for fiber based materials, textiles, woven and nonwoven materials. The PEC composition comprises cationic biopolymer, anionic biopolymer acid and a polymer, and is further characterized in that −the net charge of the PEC is cationic, −the charge ratio of the anionic polymer and the cationic polymer is ≤1, −the cationic biopolymer is chitosan, wherein the concentration of cation is 0.005-30%, −the anionic biopolymer is polyanions derived from nature, − the acid is a Brønsted acid and/or a Lewis acid, wherein the Brønsted acid is selected from any organic and/or inorganic acids, wherein the Lewis acid is selected from any cationic mono- or multivalent atom, − the weight ratio between cation and anion is 1:0.1 to 1:20, −the weight ratio between the cation and acid is 1:0.01 to 1:30, −chitosan has a degree of deacetylation being 66-100 %, and −the p H is less than 7. The present invention further relates to a method for preparing the PEC composition, uses of the PEC composition, as well as method of treating materials with the PEC composition.