Cellulosic Fiber Matrix With Carboxylic Acid for TMA Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent hygiene products do not effectively sequester trimethylamine (TMA), a chemical responsible for fishy odors, particularly in feminine hygiene products and meat packaging, leading to malodor issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cellulosic fiber matrix coupled with a carboxylic acid, such as citric acid, into absorbent materials to sequester TMA, reducing its concentration in both gas and liquid phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional absorbent hygiene products are used, then liquid absorption is achieved, but TMA malodors are not effectively controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cellulosic fiber material with carboxylic acid (such as citric acid) to create a composite absorbent material that simultaneously provides liquid absorption and TMA sequestration capabilities. The carboxylic acid components chemically interact with TMA to form non-volatile salts, while the cellulosic fibers provide the absorbent matrix, achieving both functions in a single integrated material system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the absorbent material by incorporating carboxylic acid groups that can chemically react with TMA. This transforms the material from purely physical absorption to include chemical sequestration, fundamentally altering how the material interacts with TMA molecules and enabling effective odor control.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fragrance or odor-masking agents are used, then malodor perception is reduced, but the underlying TMA problem is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful TMA substance into a beneficial outcome by using carboxylic acid to chemically transform volatile TMA into non-volatile TMA salts. This chemical transformation eliminates the malodor source rather than masking it, turning a harmful volatile compound into a harmless non-volatile form that remains trapped in the absorbent material.
3Ease of manufacture
If absorbent materials without carboxylic acid are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but TMA sequestration capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates carboxylic acid into the absorbent material during the manufacturing process, performing the TMA-sequestering function in advance before the product is used. This preliminary incorporation of functional components ensures that the material is pre-equipped with TMA reduction capability, eliminating the need for additional treatment steps during or after use.
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 absorbent materials significantly reduce TMA levels, achieving up to 99% reduction in gas headspace TMA concentration, effectively addressing malodor issues without the need for fragrances or other odor-masking agents.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a TMA molecule with an absorbent material comprising a cellulosic fiber matrix and a carboxylic acid coupled to the cellulosic fiber matrix, wherein the reduction in free TMA is relative to a control
Implementation Method 2
absorbent materials configured to sequester trimethylamine (TMA), absorbent articles made therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Absorbent materials configured to sequester trimethylamine (TMA), absorbent articles made therefrom, related methods of use, methods of measuring a reduction of free TMA, and related methods of making absorbent articles are described.