Antimicrobial Proppant Coatings Using Copper Iodide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current antimicrobial technologies, particularly those using silver-based particles, are less effective against a broad range of microbes compared to copper-based solutions, and existing methods for producing antimicrobial coatings for proppants lack economic viability and long-term efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Development of antimicrobial compositions comprising low water solubility copper salts, such as copper iodide, surface-functionalized to enhance stability and release characteristics, combined with high water solubility salts and organic acids, for use in polymeric coatings on proppants, utilizing wet grinding processes for economic viability and enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If silver-based particles are used for antimicrobial coatings, then antimicrobial activity is provided, but efficacy against broad range of microbes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from silver-based to copper-based antimicrobial particles, specifically using copper iodide and other copper salts. This parameter change results in superior broad-spectrum efficacy against aerobic and anaerobic microbes, viruses, molds, and fungi while maintaining long-term antimicrobial activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining copper salt particles with polymeric coatings that contain surfactants and other additives. The copper particles are surface-functionalized and incorporated into the polymeric matrix, creating a composite structure that enhances both the antimicrobial performance and the coating's adhesion and stability properties.
2Reliability
If existing methods are used for producing antimicrobial coatings, then coatings are formed, but economic viability and long-term efficacy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copper-based particles which are more cost-effective than silver-based particles. The wet grinding process allows for economical production by efficiently dispersing the copper particles in the polymeric coating medium, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining long-term efficacy through the sustained release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The copper salt particles are surface-functionalized in advance before being incorporated into the polymeric coating. This preliminary surface modification enhances their compatibility with the coating matrix and controls their release characteristics, ensuring long-term efficacy without requiring complex post-processing steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If copper salts with low water solubility are used, then long-term stability is achieved, but release rate may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces surfactants and other additives as intermediaries between the low water-solubility copper salt particles and the aqueous environment. These intermediaries facilitate the controlled release of copper ions by reducing the interfacial tension and enhancing the dissolution rate, thereby maintaining both coating stability and adequate release rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical-chemical parameters of the copper salt particles through surface functionalization, which alters their surface properties and enhances their interaction with the polymeric coating and release medium. This parameter modification enables controlled release kinetics while maintaining the inherent stability of low-solubility copper salts.
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 copper-based antimicrobial compositions demonstrate superior broad-spectrum efficacy against aerobic and anaerobic microbes, viruses, molds, and fungi, offering long-term antimicrobial activity and economic benefits through improved processing methods.
Implementation Method 1
The antimicrobial effect of various metals and their salts has been known for centuries. Its germicidal effects increased its value in utensils and as jewelry. The exact process of silver's germicidal effect is still not entirely understood, although theories exist. One of these is the 'oligodynamic effect,' which qualitatively explains the effect on some microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
covalent binding of copper metal to reactive sites in enzymes and co-factors
Implementation Method 3
increased production of reactive oxidation species such as singlet oxygen and hydroxide radicals
Implementation Method 4
interference with lipid bilayer transport proteins
Implementation Method 5
The particles of these salts are surface functionalized
Data Source
AI summary
Proppants are used in oil and gas extraction, particularly in fracking operations. The invention relates to resin coated proppants. The coatings on proppants have antimicrobial materials incorporated within these coatings. The antimicrobially active agents are incorporated in a concentration less than 20% by weight of the coatings or the active agent from these coatings can be released from these coatings in the environment of the proppants.