Cellulosic Wiper Microfiber Composition for Low-Residue 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 relative wicking ratio, effectively removing residue with reduced cleaning solution usage and enhancing skin safety.
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), fundamentally altering the chemical composition while maintaining the wiper's functional structure. This parameter change enables the wiper to be produced from renewable, recyclable materials using conventional papermaking processes, reducing production costs and improving environmental sustainability while maintaining effective cleaning performance through optimized fiber morphology and composition
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional wipers are used, then production is simpler, but they leave residue that requires excessive cleaning solution and irritates skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition to 100% cellulosic fibers with specific properties (alpha-cellulose content of 70-90%, fiber length 0.5-2.0 mm, diameter 10-50 micrometers). This parameter change eliminates synthetic residue while maintaining production simplicity through conventional papermaking processes, resulting in residue-free cleaning that is safe for skin contact and reduces the need for additional cleaning solutions
3Adaptability or versatility
If cellulosic fibers are used, then recyclability improves, but cleaning efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of cellulosic fibers including alpha-cellulose content (70-90%), fiber length (0.5-2.0 mm), fiber diameter (10-50 micrometers), and basis weight (20-100 gsm). These parameter changes enable cellulosic fibers to achieve cleaning efficiency comparable to thermoplastic fibers while maintaining full recyclability and biodegradability, as the optimized fiber morphology provides effective surface contact and particle removal capability
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 use, 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
fibrillated regenerated cellulosic microfiber having a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml
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 water residue removal efficiency of at least 150% as compared with a like sheet without regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers.