Biodegradable Nonwoven Fabrics from Cellulose Ether Fibers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nonwoven fabrics are primarily made from synthetic fibers that are not biobased and insufficiently biodegradable, leading to environmental concerns and a need for eco-friendly alternatives.
Innovation Solution
The use of cellulose ether-based fibers, optionally with biobased plasticizers and biodegradable fillers, to create biobased and biodegradable nonwoven fabrics suitable for various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If synthetic fibers (PE, PP, PET) are used in nonwoven fabrics, then the fabric has good mechanical properties and ease of manufacture, but the fabric is not biobased and has poor biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fiber material from conventional synthetic polymers to cellulose ether-based materials. This parameter change enables the fabric to be biobased and biodegradable while maintaining manufacturability through established fiber production processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite fiber materials comprising cellulose ether combined with other biobased polymers or natural fibers. This composite approach maintains the mechanical properties needed for ease of manufacture while introducing biodegradability and reducing environmental harm
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biobased and biodegradable materials are used to replace synthetic fibers, then the environmental impact is reduced, but the mechanical properties and manufacturing consistency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials where cellulose ether is combined with biobased plastics and/or natural fibers. This composite structure allows the material to achieve sufficient mechanical strength for nonwoven fabric applications while maintaining biobased and biodegradable properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material compositions to different layers or regions of the nonwoven fabric structure. This allows optimization of mechanical strength in load-bearing regions while maintaining biodegradability overall, resolving the contradiction between strength requirements and environmental friendliness
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fabric comprising a plurality of fibers, wherein the plurality of fibers are made of a fiber material comprising a cellulose ether and wherein the plurality of fibers form a nonwoven web. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method of producing a fabric comprising a nonwoven web.