Coated Cellulosic Particles for Controlled Biodegradation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellulosic particles degrade too rapidly, leading to surface chipping and changes in texture over time, which affects their mechanical strength and surface feel.

Innovation Solution

Cellulosic particles with a controlled biodegradation rate, specifically 5-day biodegradation below 20% and 60-day biodegradation above 60%, combined with a coating layer containing polyamine compounds, waxes, and other additives to inhibit initial degradation and promote uniform biodegradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cellulosic particles are used with high biodegradability, then environmental friendliness is improved, but mechanical strength and surface texture stability deteriorate over time

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A coating layer is applied to the cellulosic particles before use to prevent premature degradation. The coating acts as a protective barrier that maintains mechanical strength and surface texture during the product's intended lifespan, while allowing biodegradation to proceed naturally when the coating is compromised or removed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The surface properties of cellulosic particles are modified through coating application, changing parameters such as surface smoothness, hydrophobicity, and degradation rate. This allows the particles to maintain stable mechanical properties initially, then transition to biodegradation under specific conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If cellulosic particles degrade rapidly, then biodegradability is improved, but surface smoothness and texture stability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidsurface smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is applied in advance to preserve surface smoothness and prevent chipping during handling and application. It maintains the desired texture characteristics until the product is used, at which point controlled biodegradation can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film coating is applied to the particle surface that provides mechanical protection and maintains surface smoothness. The coating is sufficiently thin to allow eventual biodegradation while providing adequate protection during the product's functional life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 particles maintain a consistent texture and mechanical strength over time, ensuring superior biodegradability and enhanced skin feel in cosmetic applications.

Implementation Method 1

a coating layer containing polyamine compounds, waxes, and other additives to inhibit initial degradation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the 5-day biodegradation measured as per JIS K6950:2000 is lower than 20% and the 60-day biodegradation is 60% or higher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP4223273B1Cellulosic particle

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A cellulosic particle contains cellulose as its base constituent, and the 5-day and 60-day percentage biodegradations of the cellulosic particle measured as per JIS K6950:2000 are lower than 20% and 60% or higher, respectively.