Cellulosic Wiper Microfiber Composition for Residue-Free Cleaning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 excessive cleaning solutions and potentially irritating skin due to residue left behind.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cellulosic wiper made with pulp-derived papermaking fibers and up to 75% fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber, which provides a high scattering coefficient and increased wicking ratio, effectively removing residue without the need for biocides and reducing cleaning solution usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 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 conventional thermoplastic fibers to fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber with specific properties (CSF value 5-175 mL, fiber diameter 0.5-5 microns). This parameter change enables the wiper to achieve high cleaning performance through superior liquid wicking and residue removal capabilities while being producible on conventional papermaking equipment, thus reducing production cost and improving recyclability.
2Reliability
If conventional wiper materials are used, then cleaning ability is achieved, but excessive cleaning solution is required and skin irritation occurs due to residue
Solution Approach 1:
The fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber structure provides inherent liquid wicking properties through capillary action in the microfiber network. This self-service mechanism allows the wiper to attract and hold cleaning solutions and picked-up soils without requiring excessive amounts of cleaning solution, while the residue-free cleaning capability prevents skin irritation.
3Productivity
If fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber is used, then wicking ratio and scattering coefficient are improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by using fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber that simultaneously provides high liquid wicking, residue removal, and scattering coefficient improvements. The same material and processing approach (conventional papermaking equipment with modified furnish) delivers multiple performance benefits without requiring separate manufacturing steps for each function, thus avoiding increased manufacturing complexity.
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 efficiently removes micro-particles and residue from surfaces with reduced cleaning solution usage, is economically produced on conventional equipment, and can be recycled, offering improved cleaning performance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
The wiper efficiently removes micro-particles and residue from surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the wiper contains fibrillated lyocell microfiber and provide substantially residue-free cleaning
Implementation Method 3
up to 75% by weight or more of fibrillated regenerated cellulosic microfiber... increased wicking ratio
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 Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers.