Bio-based products and methods for manufacturing the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-based materials derived from sources like sunflower seed shells or rice do not effectively enhance composability and sensory perception compared to traditional petroleum-based products, and none are high in bio-content from sugar cane or tapioca starch, which are environmentally desirable.
Innovation Solution
Development of bio-based products, such as sponges and loofahs, using low-density polyethylene derived from sugar cane or hydrophobic thermoplastic starch from tapioca, with high bio-based content exceeding 90% by weight, incorporating additives like surfactants, rheology modifiers, and biodegradation agents, ensuring compostability and improved sensory experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional petroleum-based products are used, then sensory perception (softness, uniformity) is improved, but environmental friendliness and bio-content deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using bio-based polymers (polycaprolactone, polyhydroxyalkanoates) with specific molecular weights and compositions to achieve both environmental friendliness and desirable sensory properties like softness and uniformity that were previously only available from petroleum-based materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite bio-based materials by blending multiple biopolymers (polycaprolactone with polyhydroxyalkanoates) and incorporating natural fillers or fibers to achieve a combination of environmental sustainability and improved sensory perception, combining the advantages of different bio-based components
2Quantity of substance
If existing bio-based materials (sunflower seed shells, rice) are used, then bio-content is improved, but composability and sensory perception deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameters and chemical composition of the bio-based polymers used, selecting specific ranges that enhance both the bio-content and the composability properties, allowing the material to be molded and formed effectively while maintaining high bio-based content
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different bio-based polymer components with specific properties to different aspects of the product formulation, using polycaprolactone for flexibility and polyhydroxyalkanoates for structural integrity, creating localized functional zones that collectively achieve high composability
3Quantity of substance
If existing bio-based materials are used, then bio-content is improved, but sensory perception (softness, uniformity) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system combining polycaprolactone and polyhydroxyalkanoate biopolymers with complementary properties, where each component contributes specific sensory characteristics, resulting in a unified material with high bio-content and superior softness and uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention carefully controls the molecular weight parameters and ratio of bio-based polymer components to optimize sensory perception, adjusting these parameters to achieve the desired softness and uniformity while maintaining high bio-content
4Ease of operation
If bio-based materials are made softer and more uniform, then sensory perception is improved, but structural integrity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a composite structure where polycaprolactone provides softness and flexibility while polyhydroxyalkanoates contribute structural strength and integrity, creating a balanced material system that achieves both sensory perception goals and mechanical requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates localized functional zones within the material where different bio-based polymer components are distributed to provide softness in contact areas and structural integrity in load-bearing regions, achieving both sensory and mechanical performance
Data Source
AI summary
A product adapted to cleanse at least a portion of a user's body, comprising: a bio-based material, wherein the bio-based material comprises the shape of a cleansing product, and wherein the bio-based material is derived from sugar cane and/or tapioca starch.