Bio-based polyelectrolyte complex compositions with increased hydrophobicity comprising fatty compounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) compositions for fiber-based materials and textiles lack stability, mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity, with previous solutions using synthetic polymers and not achieving desired dry and wet strength enhancements or long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
A bio-based PEC composition comprising chitosan as a cationic biopolymer, anionic biopolymers derived from nature, and fatty compounds, with a cationic net charge, balanced charge ratio, and specific pH and concentration levels, which imparts higher tensile strength, hydrophobicity, and stability to treated materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If synthetic polymers are used in PEC compositions, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but environmental benignity and renewability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of natural polymers through controlled acylation with fatty acid derivatives, transforming hydrophilic polysaccharides into hydrophobic modified polymers that maintain mechanical strength while being environmentally benign. The degree of substitution and fatty acid chain length are optimized to achieve desired performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite PEC structures by combining modified natural polymers (cationic and anionic components) that work synergistically. The composite system integrates the advantages of natural polymer biodegradability with enhanced mechanical properties through molecular modification and electrostatic complexation
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobicity is increased in PEC compositions, then water resistance and durability are improved, but compatibility with aqueous fiber materials is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by introducing hydrophobic fatty acid groups at specific positions on the polymer backbone while maintaining the overall water-soluble character of the PEC composition. The modified polymers have localized hydrophobic regions that provide water resistance without compromising aqueous processability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the hydrophobicity parameter by controlling the degree of fatty acid substitution and the chain length of fatty acid derivatives, achieving a balance between water resistance and aqueous compatibility for effective fiber treatment
3Strength
If PEC concentration is increased to improve mechanical strength, then dry and wet tensile indexes are improved, but stability of the PEC composition over time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-modifying natural polymers with fatty acid derivatives before PEC formation, creating stable modified polymers that form robust PEC complexes. This pre-modification ensures long-term stability of the PEC composition while maintaining high mechanical strength properties
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a stable composite PEC system through electrostatic complexation of oppositely charged modified polymers, forming a crosslinked network structure that maintains composition stability even at higher concentrations required for optimal mechanical performance
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 effectively transfers mechanical properties like dry and wet strength, hydrophobicity, and stability to fiber-based materials, maintaining performance even after multiple washes and at elevated temperatures, while being environmentally benign and renewable.
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 arc formed due to electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyions
Implementation Method 2
Thanks to the one or more additives they contain, the PEC compositions of the present invention can transfer specific properties of the additives to the treated materials, such as hydrophobicity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bio-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) composition suitable as a binder for fiber based materials, textiles, woven and nonwoven materials, said PEC composition comprising cationic biopolymer, anionic biopolymer, acid and a preservative, and wherein 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, the anionic biopolymer is a polyanion 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, and 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 %, the p H is less than 7, and wherein said composition further comprises one or more fatty compounds as well as methods and use thereof. 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.