Cellulosic fibers comprising embedded silver nanoparticles and uses therof
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding silver nanoparticles in textiles result in inhomogeneous dispersion and aggregation, leading to significant loss during washing, as they are easily detached from the fiber surface, necessitating the development of a method that prevents particle aggregation and ensures long-term retention on the fabric.
Innovation Solution
A method involving immersing cellulosic fibers in a silver ion precursor solution without stabilizing or reducing agents, at controlled temperatures, to embed silver nanoparticles within the fiber structure, ensuring they remain embedded throughout multiple laundering cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver nanoparticles are applied onto fabric surface using traditional pad-dry process, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but particles aggregate and detach easily during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds silver nanoparticles inside the hollow lumen of cotton fibers, creating a nested structure where particles are contained within the fiber cavity. This internal embedding prevents particle detachment during washing while maintaining antimicrobial activity, as the particles are physically protected within the fiber structure rather than being surface-applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an in-situ reduction process where silver ions are reduced to metallic silver nanoparticles directly within the fiber lumen. This intermediary transformation from ionic to metallic state occurs inside the fiber, creating a stable embedded structure that prevents aggregation and detachment while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.
2Manufacturing precision
If stabilizing agents and surfactants are used to prevent particle aggregation, then dispersion is improved, but particle detachment during washing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for stabilizing agents and surfactants by extracting these intermediary substances from the process. Instead of using chemical additives to prevent aggregation, the method relies on physical embedding of nanoparticles within the fiber lumen, achieving both uniform dispersion and washing durability without external stabilizing agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The cotton fiber structure itself serves as the embedding matrix, with the hollow lumen providing natural containment for silver nanoparticles. The fiber's own structural features are utilized to prevent particle aggregation and detachment, eliminating the need for external stabilizing agents and surfactants.
3Productivity
If silver ions are reduced using strong reducing agents, then nanoparticle formation is efficient, but particle aggregation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reduction potential parameter by using mild reducing agents (ascorbic acid or sodium borohydride) instead of strong reducing agents. This parameter modification enables controlled nanoparticle formation with uniform size distribution while preventing aggregation, achieving both efficient production and precise particle control.
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 method effectively retains at least 50% of silver nanoparticles after 10 to 50 laundering cycles, maintaining antimicrobial properties and preventing particle aggregation, thus providing durable antibacterial protection.
Implementation Method 1
silver ions are reduced to silver atoms by irradiation, or by using reducing agents such as hydrazine, sodium borohydride, and N,N-dimethylformamide
Implementation Method 2
A method involving immersing cellulosic fibers in a silver ion precursor solution without stabilizing or reducing agents, at controlled temperatures, to embed silver nanoparticles within the fiber structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to treated cellulosic fibers comprising embedded silver nanoparticles, where the cellulosic treated fiber is not a swollen cellulosic fiber. The invention includes methods for preparing such cellulosic fibers, articles comprising such cellulosic fibers, and uses for such articles. The invention further relates to methods for preparing treated swollen cellulosic fibers comprising embedded silver nanoparticles.