Biodegradable Composite Elongated Components for Paper Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional elongated components in fibrous cellulosic web manufacturing processes are prone to wear and often made from non-biodegradable plastics, leading to waste and potential microplastic pollution, with a need for more sustainable and easily recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of elongated components made from a composite material comprising a biodegradable continuous polymer matrix and biodegradable glass fibers, allowing for effective recycling and reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional non-biodegradable plastics are used for elongated components, then the components have sufficient durability and wear resistance, but they cause waste accumulation and microplastic pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using biodegradable polymers with controlled degradation rates. The polymer matrix is selected to degrade under specific environmental conditions (composting, industrial processing) while maintaining mechanical integrity during the component's service life in the manufacturing machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of biodegradable polymer matrices combined with reinforcing fibers (cellulose, glass, or synthetic fibers). This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength and wear resistance during use, while the biodegradable polymer matrix ensures environmental compatibility and controlled degradation after the component's functional life.
2Loss of substance
If biodegradable materials are used for elongated components, then waste disposal is improved, but the components may deteriorate during manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the degradation parameters by selecting polymers with appropriate molecular weights, crystallinity, and cross-linking densities. These parameter adjustments ensure that the biodegradable components maintain their mechanical properties throughout the required service life in manufacturing machines while remaining capable of controlled degradation in waste processing environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates protective measures by designing components with material compositions and structural features that preemptively protect against premature degradation. The biodegradable polymers and fiber reinforcements are selected and formulated to resist the specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical conditions of manufacturing processes, preventing deterioration before the component's intended service life expires.
3Manufacturing precision
If elongated components are frequently replaced due to wear, then manufacturing quality is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials with biodegradable polymer matrices and reinforcing fibers that provide enhanced wear resistance and mechanical strength. This allows components to maintain their functional properties and manufacturing precision over extended service periods, reducing the frequency of replacements and minimizing productivity interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters such as polymer molecular weight, fiber content, and composite structure to achieve the desired balance between wear resistance and biodegradability. These parameter adjustments enable components to withstand the mechanical stresses of manufacturing processes while maintaining quality standards, thereby extending service life without compromising web production quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elongated planar or profiled component for a manufacturing machine of a fibrous cellulosic web, such as paper, board or tissue web. The elongated component is at least partially formed from a composite material comprising a continuous polymer matrix, and reinforcing inorganic fibres embedded in the continuous polymer matrix. The continuous polymer matrix is biodegradable and the reinforcing inorganic fibres are biodegradable glass fibres. The invention relates further to a method for recycling elongated planar and/or profiled components used for manufacture of a fibrous web.