Biodegradable Yarn Flame Resistance via Composite Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biodegradable yarns lack flame resistance, as existing solutions rely on non-biodegradable flame retardants or non-biodegradable materials like polyester.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable yarn composed of 25-55 weight-% viscose fibers and 45-65 weight-% polybutylene succinate fibers, which are completely biodegradable and provide increased flame resistance, meeting class B1 criteria according to DIN 4102-1 and EN 13501-1.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If biodegradable yarn is produced without flame retardant treatment, then the yarn is completely biodegradable, but the flame resistance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental impact from non-biodegradable flame retardants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite yarn structure combining viscose fibers (55-65 wt%) and polybutylene succinate fibers (35-45 wt%). This composite material approach achieves flame resistance through the inherent properties of the fiber combination rather than adding non-biodegradable flame retardant chemicals, thus maintaining complete biodegradability while meeting flame safety class B1 requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the compositional parameters of the yarn by specifying precise weight percentages of viscose (55-65%) and polybutylene succinate (35-45%) fibers. This parameter optimization achieves the desired flame resistance and mechanical properties without requiring chemical flame retardant treatments, preserving the biodegradable nature of the yarn

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If polyester fibers are used to increase flame resistance, then the flame resistance is improved, but the yarn loses biodegradability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflame resistanceVSAvoidbiodegradation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces polyester fibers with polybutylene succinate fibers, changing the material composition parameter. Polybutylene succinate is a biodegradable polyester alternative that maintains flame resistance properties while being completely biodegradable, thus achieving class B1 flame safety without compromising environmental degradability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite yarn using viscose and polybutylene succinate fibers in specific proportions (55-65% viscose, 35-45% polybutylene succinate). This composite structure achieves the flame resistance typically associated with polyester while maintaining complete biodegradability, as both component fibers are biodegradable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12270130B2Biodegradable yarn with an increased flame resistance and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.04.08 OSCEANSAFE AG

AI summary

This application relates to a biodegradable yarn which exhibits an increased flame resistance. The biodegradable yarn comprises from 25 to 55 weight-%, preferably from 35 to 45 weight-% of viscose fibers or of viscose filaments and from 45 to 65 weight-%, preferably from 50 to 60 weight-%, most preferably 55 weight-% of polybutylene succinate fibers. The viscose fibers or filaments are preferably free of chlorine. Further, the present application concerns a method for manufacturing a biodegradable yarn having an increased flame resistance.