Bio-Based PEC Binder With Insoluble Particles for Stable Fiber Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-based polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) compositions for fiber-based materials lack stability, dry and wet strength enhancement, and the ability to transfer specific properties like hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity, with previous compositions often using synthetic polymers and experiencing stability issues in water.
Innovation Solution
A bio-based PEC composition comprising chitosan as a cationic biopolymer, an anionic biopolymer, acid, and non-water soluble particles, with a cationic net charge and specific charge ratios, that is stable in tap water and can transfer mechanical and hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties to materials, using additives like citric acid and bioplastics or proteins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic polymers are used in PEC compositions, then manufacturing ease and availability are improved, but environmental benignity and renewability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of polymer origin from synthetic to natural/bio-based. By using chitosan (from crustacean shells) and natural polyanions (alginate, pectin, carrageenan), the composition achieves environmental benignity while maintaining manufacturability through established extraction and processing methods for these biopolymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite PEC system combining cationic chitosan with anionic natural polymers. This composite approach leverages the complementary properties of both components - chitosan provides cationic charge and structural stability, while natural polyanions provide bio-based renewability and specific functional properties, achieving both environmental benignity and manufacturing feasibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If PEC compositions are made wholly of biological origin, then environmental benignity and renewability are improved, but stability in water and manufacturing complexity may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention forms a composite PEC complex where cationic chitosan and anionic natural polymers interact through electrostatic attraction. This composite structure creates stable complexes that resist dissolution in water, as the opposing charges neutralize each other and form insoluble gel-like networks, achieving stability while maintaining full bio-based composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating regions of electrostatic interaction between cationic and anionic components. These localized complex formation zones create stable nuclei that propagate through the solution, forming a network structure that provides overall stability to the composition while maintaining environmental benignity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If chitosan and natural polyanions are used to form PEC complexes, then bio-based status and environmental benignity are improved, but charge ratio control and composition precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic charge ratio control where the stoichiometric ratio of cationic to anionic components can be adjusted during mixing. This dynamic adjustment allows optimization of PEC complex properties - at stoichiometric ratios, maximum complex formation and stability are achieved, while non-stoichiometric ratios provide free charges for specific applications. The system remains flexible and adaptable during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach to charge ratio control by using natural polymers with inherent charge characteristics. Chitosan's degree of deacetylation and natural polyanions' carboxylate content provide natural charge regulation, reducing the need for precise synthetic control while maintaining effective PEC complex formation and environmental benignity.
4Device complexity
If PEC compositions lack additives, then composition simplicity is improved, but ability to transfer specific properties like hydrophobicity and wet strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal PEC platform where chitosan-natural polyanion complexes serve as a base system capable of transferring multiple properties through additive incorporation. The PEC matrix provides structural framework and electrostatic binding, while additives (wax particles for hydrophobicity, plasticizers for flexibility, proteins for nutrition) provide specific functional properties, achieving multi-functionality without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PEC composition acts as an intermediary vehicle that transports additives to the substrate. The polyelectrolyte complex matrix provides a delivery system where additives are incorporated and then transferred together with the PEC to fiber-based materials, enabling property transfer while maintaining relative composition simplicity through this mediator approach.
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 achieves enhanced dry and wet tensile strengths, stability for at least 1.5 months, and effective property transfer to fiber-based materials, including nonwovens and textiles, 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 are formed due to electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged polyions
Data Source
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, said PEC composition comprising cationic biopolymer, anionic biopolymer, acid and 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 pH is less than 7, and wherein said composition further comprises one or more non-water soluble particles. 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.