Cellulose Acetate Fiber Water Solubility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellulose acetate fibers lack sufficient water solubility and biodegradability, leading to environmental load when left standing over time.
Innovation Solution
Cellulose acetate fibers with a total degree of acetyl substitution of 0.4 to 1.3 and a compositional distribution index of 2.0 or less, produced through electrospinning using a spinning dope dissolved in water or a water/mixed solvent, exhibit enhanced water solubility and biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cellulose acetate fiber is produced by dry spinning with high degree of substitution, then fiber strength and stability are improved, but water solubility and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the degree of acetyl substitution within the range of 0.4 to 1.3 and the compositional distribution index within 2.0 or less. These specific parameter ranges enable the fiber to achieve both sufficient stability and enhanced water solubility, allowing it to dissolve in rainwater after use and thereby reducing environmental load.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cellulose acetate with low degree of substitution is used to improve water solubility, then biodegradability is improved, but fiber strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing an optimized parameter range for degree of substitution (0.4 to 1.3) that balances both water solubility and fiber stability. This specific range prevents the fiber from being too unstable while maintaining sufficient biodegradability and water solubility for environmental friendliness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the hydraulic principle by designing the fiber to dissolve in rainwater through controlled water solubility. The fiber structure and composition are engineered to allow gradual dissolution in water, enabling environmental degradation without requiring artificial intervention, thus reducing environmental load while maintaining stability during service.
3Shape
If electrospinning method is used to produce fine fibers, then fiber diameter and surface area are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrospinning technology to replace conventional mechanical spinning methods. This substitution enables the production of ultrafine fibers with controlled diameters and high surface area, enhancing the fiber's dissolving performance and environmental characteristics while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established electrospinning equipment.
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 resulting fibers and molded articles demonstrate excellent water solubility and biodegradability, reducing environmental impact and enabling applications like cigarette filters that dissolve in rainwater, minimizing waste.
Implementation Method 1
cellulose acetate is dissolved into dichloromethane, acetone or some other organic solvent in accordance with the degree of cellulose acetate substitution
Implementation Method 2
the jetted out solution is dried with hot wind to be made into a fibrous state
Implementation Method 3
the jetted out solution is dried with hot wind to be made into a fibrous state
Implementation Method 4
cellulose acetate high in degree of substitution is hydrolyzed with an acid to be changed in total degree of substitution
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a cellulose acetate fiber and a cellulose acetate fiber molded article which are excellent in water solubility and biodegradability and are small in load onto the natural environment even when allowed to stand still in the environment. The invention provides a cellulose acetate fiber containing cellulose acetate having a total degree of acetyl substitution of 0.4 to 1.3 and a compositional distribution index (CDI) of 2.0 or less as well as a cellulose acetate fiber molded article.