Coffee PET Yarn Biodegradation via Enzyme Acceleration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional textile materials contribute to non-biodegradable waste and resource depletion due to reliance on virgin materials like petroleum-based plastics and non-renewable fibers, necessitating the development of sustainable alternatives with enhanced biodegradability.
Innovation Solution
A textile yarn composition incorporating recycled coffee grounds, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, virgin PET, and an anaerobic biodegradability acceleration agent, such as glutamic acid and biological enzymes, to create a yarn capable of degrading in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional textile materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity and performance are maintained, but biodegradability is poor and environmental waste accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite textile material combining recycled coffee grounds (30%), recycled PET (62%), elastomer (5%), and biodegradability acceleration agents (3%). This composite structure integrates biodegradable organic material with synthetic fibers, enabling the textile to decompose while maintaining desired mechanical properties and elasticity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the textile by incorporating specific biodegradability acceleration agents including glutamic acid compounds and biological enzymes. These parameter changes enable the material to undergo controlled biodegradation in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, transforming the textile from persistent waste into environmentally benign decomposition products.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If recycled materials are used, then environmental sustainability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple recycled material streams (coffee grounds and PET plastic) into a single integrated yarn production process. By combining these materials with elastomer and biodegradability agents in a unified composite formulation, the patent simplifies manufacturing while maximizing environmental benefits through multi-material recycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific functional roles to different material components within the yarn: coffee grounds provide biodegradability and breathability, recycled PET provides structural strength, elastomer provides stretch and recovery, and acceleration agents facilitate controlled decomposition. This local quality differentiation optimizes each component's contribution while streamlining the overall manufacturing process.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If biodegradability acceleration agents are added, then decomposition speed increases, but material composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biodegradability acceleration agents as intermediary substances that mediate between the textile material and the environment. These agents (glutamic acid compounds and biological enzymes) act as catalysts that speed up the decomposition process without being consumed, reducing decomposition time from years to months while maintaining a relatively simple additive formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradability acceleration agents enable the textile to self-decompose through biological processes without requiring external intervention. The enzymes and glutamic acid compounds trigger and sustain the breakdown process automatically when exposed to environmental conditions, reducing decomposition time while keeping the formulation straightforward.
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 solution provides a sustainable, biodegradable textile that reduces waste accumulation, promotes recycling of materials, and maintains desirable properties like strength, breathability, and antimicrobial properties, while allowing flexibility in decomposition location and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the textile yarn composition incorporates an anaerobic biodegradability acceleration agent, such as a glutamic acid compound and a biological enzyme
Implementation Method 2
This unique combination of components allows for the production of a textile yarn that demonstrates biodegradability characteristics in both aerobic and anaerobic environments
Data Source
AI summary
A sustainable textile yarn composition, method, and exemplary use of the sustainable textile yarn that addresses the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in the textile industry. The invention encompasses a unique combination of recycled coffee grounds, recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, virgin PET, elastomer, and an anaerobic biodegradability acceleration agent to create a textile yarn that is capable of degrading in both aerobic and anaerobic environments.