Blended PVOH Fibrous Structure for Cold-Water Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nonwoven polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) fibers used in fibrous structures face challenges in achieving consumer comfort with low wet tackiness while maintaining cold water solubility, which is crucial for compatibility with wastewater treatment facilities.
Innovation Solution
A blended PVOH fiber composition is developed, combining a first PVOH with a hydrolysis level of 70% to 90% and a second PVOH with a hydrolysis level of 92% to 99%, in specific weight ratios, resulting in a fibrous structure with reduced crystallinity and cold water solubility, avoiding rapid dissolution and tackiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high hydrolysis grade PVOH (>95%) is used to achieve smooth surface and consumer comfort, then surface smoothness and comfort are improved, but cold water solubility decreases causing fibers to dissolve during use creating sticky feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the hydrolysis level of PVOH between 85-95%, which is a specific range that balances consumer comfort (surface smoothness) and cold water solubility. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal point where fibers remain soluble enough to prevent stickiness while providing sufficient smoothness for consumer comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by blending PVOH with other water-soluble polymers or using copolymer structures that combine different functional groups. This composite approach allows the material to maintain smooth surface properties from the PVOH component while the blended structure enhances cold water solubility, preventing the sticky feel issue.
2Reliability
If medium hydrolysis grade PVOH (78-90%) is used to achieve cold water solubility, then cold water solubility is improved, but crystallinity increases resulting in decreased consumer comfort and surface smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by setting the hydrolysis level within the specific range of 85-95%, which optimizes the balance between crystallinity and solubility. This parameter control ensures that the material achieves adequate cold water solubility while maintaining low enough crystallinity to provide consumer comfort and surface smoothness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a nonwoven structure with varying fiber orientations and densities. The surface layer is engineered to have specific properties for consumer comfort, while the bulk structure maintains solubility characteristics. This local differentiation allows different regions of the material to optimize for their specific functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rapid dissolution PVOH is used to achieve compatibility with wastewater treatment facilities, then environmental compatibility is improved, but consumer experience deteriorates with tacky or sticky feel when wet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the hydrolysis level within 85-95% and managing crystallinity to achieve moderate dissolution rates. This parameter optimization ensures the material dissolves sufficiently for wastewater treatment compatibility while maintaining consumer comfort by avoiding rapid dissolution that causes tackiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the PVOH material to automatically regulate its dissolution behavior based on environmental conditions. The material's inherent properties (hydrolysis level and crystallinity control) enable it to dissolve at appropriate rates without requiring external intervention, achieving both environmental compatibility and consumer comfort through self-regulated dissolution.
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 blended PVOH fiber composition provides a fibrous structure that maintains consumer comfort with low wet tackiness and is cold water soluble, ensuring compatibility with wastewater treatment facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a first PVOH having a level of hydrolysis between about 70% to about 90% and a second PVOH having a level of hydrolysis between about 92% to about 99%
Data Source
AI summary
Fibrous structures having improved surface smoothness, good wet feel, and are cold water soluble.