Chitosan Yarn Reinforcement With Partial Desizing for Softness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for improving the chemical and physical properties of thin yarns or fabrics, such as those made from natural animal or vegetable fibers, face challenges due to the difficulty in weaving thin fibers prone to breaking and the need for specialized equipment for partial and calibrated removal of crosslinked chitosan derivatives, which can lead to excessive rigidity if not properly managed.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the application of a chitosan derivative reinforcement solution, partial crosslinking, and mechanical desizing to improve mechanical strength, sanitizing, and finish affinity, with mechanical means used for calibrated removal of the crosslinked polymer to maintain fiber softness and properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If crosslinked chitosan polymer is applied to reinforce thin yarns, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but excessive rigidity and loss of softness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial crosslinking of chitosan polymer rather than complete crosslinking, and subsequently removes a portion of the crosslinked polymer through controlled desizing processes. This partial action approach maintains sufficient mechanical strength while preventing excessive rigidity, allowing the yarn to retain its softness and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the degree of crosslinking by adjusting parameters such as crosslinking agent concentration, treatment time, and temperature. It also controls the removal extent through desizing parameters including enzyme type, pH, temperature, and treatment duration. These parameter changes enable precise control over the balance between strength and softness.
2Reliability
If chitosan reinforcement solution is applied to prevent fiber breaking during weaving, then weaving reliability is improved, but specialized equipment and complex processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs enzymatic desizing using enzymes that naturally occur or can be easily introduced in textile processing. The enzymes self-catalyze the removal of excess crosslinked chitosan without requiring complex external equipment, utilizing readily available biological catalysts to simplify the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical removal systems with biological enzymatic processes. Instead of using harsh chemicals or complex mechanical removal equipment, the patent uses enzymes to selectively degrade and remove excess crosslinked chitosan, simplifying the equipment requirements while maintaining effectiveness.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If complete crosslinking of chitosan is performed to maximize durability, then permanent anchoring to fibers is achieved, but removal becomes impossible and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately performs incomplete crosslinking followed by controlled partial removal of the crosslinked polymer. This ensures that sufficient crosslinked polymer remains anchored to provide durability, while the removed portion allows for flexibility and adaptability in the final product properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs crosslinking as a preliminary action before the final finishing processes. By crosslinking first and then selectively removing portions through desizing, the patent ensures durable anchoring is established beforehand while maintaining the ability to adjust final properties through controlled removal.
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 process enhances mechanical strength, antibacterial, and antifelting properties while maintaining initial softness and lightness, and allows for efficient and quick partial desizing without requiring additional equipment or special production lines, ensuring the crosslinked polymer is removed in the right amounts.
Implementation Method 1
crosslinking the chitosan and/or derivatives thereof, e.g. by exposure to UV radiation
Implementation Method 2
an enzymatic desizing step, preferably using amylase and/or cellulase enzymes
Implementation Method 3
a chemical desizing step, e.g. using hydrolyzing acids
Data Source
AI summary
A process for improving the chemical and/or physical properties of a yarn comprises a step of applying a chitosan-based reinforcement product, a later step of crosslinking the chitosan and a partial and calibrated desizing step for removing the crosslinked chitosan, said desizing step being carried out by mechanical means.