Cellulosic Microfiber Wiper for Recyclable Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-efficiency wipers for cleaning surfaces are difficult and expensive to produce, and they are not readily recyclable, while also requiring biocides and cleaning solutions for effective residue removal.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cellulosic wiper made with pulp-derived papermaking fibers and up to 75% fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber, which forms a high surface area network for effective residue removal with reduced cleaning solution usage, including microscopic and microbial residues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermoplastic fibers are used to make high efficiency wipers, then cleaning performance is improved, but production cost increases and recyclability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thermoplastic fibers to cellulosic fibers (wood pulp, cotton, or blends), fundamentally altering the chemical composition while maintaining the microfiber structure. This substitution reduces production cost and improves recyclability while preserving cleaning effectiveness through the fibrillated microfiber network architecture.
2Reliability
If thermoplastic microfibers are used for residue removal, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but environmental sustainability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from non-biodegradable thermoplastics to biodegradable cellulosic fibers, fundamentally altering the environmental degradation pathway. The fibrillated microfiber structure maintains cleaning efficiency while the cellulosic composition enables natural decomposition, eliminating microplastic pollution concerns.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional wipers are used, then residue removal requires biocides and cleaning solutions, but using reduced cleaning solutions with the new wiper improves environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the wiper to perform residue removal through its inherent fibrillated microfiber structure and cellulosic properties without requiring external chemical agents. The high surface area-to-volume ratio and capillary action of the microfibers provide self-cleaning capability, reducing or eliminating the need for biocides and cleaning solutions.
4Reliability
If fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber is incorporated into the wiper, then residue removal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber structure into fibrillated microfibers with diameters of 0.01 to 10 microns, creating a network of fine strands from regenerated cellulose. This segmentation increases surface area and improves residue removal efficiency. The fibrillation process can be achieved through mechanical refining or chemical treatment of the regenerated cellulose, integrating it into conventional papermaking or nonwoven manufacturing.
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 wiper achieves high efficiency in residue removal with reduced cleaning solution use, is economically produced on conventional equipment, and can be recycled, providing improved cleaning performance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber, which forms a high surface area network for effective residue removal
Implementation Method 2
effective residue removal with reduced cleaning solution usage, including microscopic and microbial residues
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable cellulosic wiper includes a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and a percentage by weight of regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a relative wicking ratio of at least 1.5.