Copolymer Emulsion Coating for Medical Gloves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical gloves and elastomeric articles require coatings that provide an effective barrier against liquids and fluids while maintaining comfort and preventing tackiness and flaking, with existing coatings failing to meet these criteria effectively.
Innovation Solution
A novel copolymer emulsion is developed by combining water-soluble and water-insoluble monomers, with specific ratios and processes to create a stable and non-tacky coating, including the use of surfactants, stabilizers, and crosslinkers, which are applied using a method involving a reactor and controlled temperature and pH conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coatings are used on medical gloves, then barrier protection is provided, but the coating becomes tacky and flakes off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating by using a copolymer emulsion with at least 50% water-soluble monomer and at least 10% water-insoluble monomer, along with specific ratios of surfactants and stabilizers, to achieve a non-tacky, flake-free coating that maintains barrier protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating system by combining water-soluble and water-insoluble monomers in a copolymer emulsion, along with surfactants and stabilizers, to achieve both barrier protection and coating stability without tackiness and flaking
2Duration of action of stationary object
If solvent-based coatings are used, then coating durability is improved, but cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic solvents to water as the continuous phase in the emulsion, maintaining coating durability while reducing cost and environmental impact by eliminating hazardous solvent ingredients
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water as the solvent medium instead of expensive and hazardous organic solvents, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative that achieves comparable coating durability
3Reliability
If coating is applied to enhance barrier properties, then fluid penetration prevention is improved, but donning characteristics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the composition parameters of the coating, specifically the ratio of water-soluble to water-insoluble monomers and the inclusion of surfactants, to create a coating that provides fluid barrier protection while maintaining smooth surface characteristics for easy donning
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 copolymer emulsion coating provides a smooth, non-tacky, and durable barrier on medical gloves, enhancing comfort and effectiveness in preventing fluid penetration without flaking, while also offering improved donning characteristics and cost savings compared to solvent-based coatings.
Implementation Method 1
combining and copolymerizing at least one water soluble monomer and at least one water insoluble monomer
Implementation Method 2
the monomers used in the process are comprised of at least 50% by weight water soluble monomer and at least 10% by weight water insoluble monomer
Implementation Method 3
Hydrophilic/hydrophobic aqueous polymer emulsions and products and methods relating thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for preparing copolymeric emulsions from at least one water soluble monomer and at least one water insoluble monomer are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, one or more surfactants and stabilizers may be used. In some embodiments, the monomers used in the process include, by total monomer weight, at least 50% water soluble monomers and at least 10% water insoluble monomers. Copolymer emulsions formed from the reaction product of at least one water soluble monomer and at least one water insoluble monomer are also disclosed along with articles coated with such emulsions and coating formulations made from such emulsions as well as methods for the manufacture and coating of such articles.