Biodegradable Polyurethane Glove Composition for Chemical Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective articles such as gloves lack biodegradability, contributing to non-biodegradable waste accumulation in landfills.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric gloves using a biodegradable polyurethane elastomer with a metal oxide curing agent, achieving greater than 90% degradation in less than 180 days, and enhanced properties like chemical resistance and breathability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymeric materials are used in protective gloves, then chemical resistance and durability are maintained, but biodegradability is poor leading to landfill waste accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining biodegradable polyester polymers with metal oxide curing agents to create a polyurethane elastomer that exhibits both biodegradability and chemical resistance. This composite approach allows the glove material to decompose in landfill environments while maintaining protective functionality during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polyurethane elastomer by incorporating biodegradable polyester polymers and metal oxide curing agents in specific ratios. This parameter modification enables the material to achieve greater than 90% degradation in less than 180 days under composting conditions while retaining chemical resistance properties.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used in protective gloves, then landfill waste is reduced, but chemical resistance and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses metal oxide curing agents as intermediaries to crosslink the biodegradable polyester polymer chains, creating a polyurethane elastomer network that maintains chemical resistance while preserving biodegradability. The metal oxide acts as a mediator that provides structural stability without preventing decomposition.
3Reliability
If thick polymer layers are used in gloves, then chemical resistance and protection are improved, but breathability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent porous structure of the polyurethane elastomer formed from biodegradable polyester polymers to enable breathability while maintaining protection. The material's molecular structure allows vapor transmission through the polymer layer, providing comfort without sacrificing chemical resistance.
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 gloves exhibit improved biodegradability, chemical resistance, and breathability, reducing landfill waste while maintaining performance in industrial and food handling applications.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric glove has a degradation of greater than or equal to about 90% in less than 180 days when determined according to ISO 14855 under composting condition
Data Source
AI summary
A polymeric glove is disclosed, which includes one or more polymer layers covering a user's fingers and palm, wherein at least one of the polymer layers comprises a polyurethane elastomer. A method to produce the polymeric glove is also disclosed.