Bio-Based Textile Composite Coating With Regenerated Cellulosic Backing

Solution Overview

Problem

The textile industry faces environmental and social concerns due to its reliance on crude oil-based materials, contributing to climate change and resource depletion, necessitating the development of sustainable and biodegradable alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A method of producing bio-based textile composite materials using regenerative cellulosic fibers from certified sustainable forests, combined with bio-based coatings such as water-based polyurethane and biobased polymers, applied in layers to create high-performance products with reduced environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If crude oil-based materials are used in textile production, then high performance and durability are achieved, but environmental harm and climate change contribution increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of material composition from crude oil-based polymers to regenerative cellulosic fibers (viscose, lyocell, modal) and bio-based coatings. This parameter change maintains performance requirements while eliminating the harmful factor of petroleum dependency and associated environmental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite textile materials by combining regenerative cellulosic fiber backings with bio-based coating layers (water-based polyurethane, water-based acrylics, biobased polymers). This composite structure achieves the durability and performance of traditional synthetic materials while using renewable, biodegradable components throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If synthetic polymeric materials are used, then product performance is maintained, but sustainability and biodegradability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the material composition parameters from non-biodegradable synthetic polymers to biodegradable regenerative cellulosic fibers and bio-based coatings. This enables the textile material to maintain performance while achieving sustainability and biodegradability at end of life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the traditional harm of non-biodegradable synthetic materials into benefit by using regenerative cellulosic fibers that are naturally biodegradable and can return to the environment harmlessly, turning the stability issue into a sustainability advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If regenerative cellulosic materials are used, then sustainability and biodegradability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the textile material into distinct functional layers: a regenerative cellulosic fiber backing material and separate bio-based coating layers. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and applied through standard coating equipment, managing manufacturing complexity while achieving sustainability goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses water-based coatings that can serve multiple functions (adhesion, durability, coloration) and can be applied to various types of regenerative cellulosic backings (viscose, lyocell, modal), creating a universal manufacturing approach that reduces complexity across different product variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple coating layers are applied, then performance properties are enhanced, but production time and processing steps increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coating layers (water-based polyurethane, water-based acrylics, biobased polymers) into an integrated multi-layer structure that is applied and cured in a coordinated manufacturing process. This merging approach enhances performance properties while managing production time through efficient process integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 method results in biodegradable, high-performance textile materials that minimize carbon footprint and resource consumption, suitable for industries like footwear and automotive, while enabling traceability and sustainability in the supply chain.

Implementation Method 1

The coatings may be applied to the backing material as separate layers, with the backing and any applied coating layers being allowed to dry and set

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240328075A1Novel method of producing a bio based textile material and products made thereby using regenerated cellulosic materials

Publication Date: 2024.10.03

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a system and method of producing different bio-based and coated textile composite materials. These bio-based textile composite materials may be used for products in various industries such as, footwear, automotive and accessories. In the system and method described herein, coatings are applied to a backing comprised of regenerated cellulosic materials, with the coatings and the backing further treated to produce a bio-based textile composition.