Active-powder biocidal composition comprising at least one copper salt and at least one zinc salt and the method for the production thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biocide compositions containing copper and zinc salts lack specificity in solubility constants, making them unsuitable for various applications that require tailored release rates and durations, as their effectiveness is defined by their solubility constants, which are not predefined for specific uses.
Innovation Solution
Development of biocide compositions comprising copper and zinc salts with solubility constants ranging from 1*10−20 to 9*10−6, allowing for the creation of formulations with predefined solubility constants, categorized into High Impact and Short Life, Medium Impact and Medium Life, and Controlled Release and Long Life types, based on their impact indexes, to meet specific application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If biocide compositions use copper and zinc salts with fixed solubility constants, then the release rate and duration are predetermined, but the compositions cannot be tailored to meet specific application needs requiring different release profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the solubility constant (Kps) of copper and zinc salts across multiple orders of magnitude (from 10^-20 to 10^-6). This enables the creation of biocide compositions with different release profiles - high impact/short life, medium impact/medium life, and controlled release/long life - allowing adaptation to specific application requirements while maintaining scientific control over release duration and rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining copper salts and zinc salts in specific molar ratios (from 10:1 to 1:10) to create biocide compositions with synergistic effects. The composite nature of these compositions allows tuning of both immediate biocidal impact and sustained release characteristics, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and controlled duration
2Reliability
If biocide compositions are designed for high impact with fast release, then the biocide effect is immediate and strong, but the duration of action is short
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a spectrum of biocide compositions with varying release kinetics. By selecting appropriate copper-to-zinc molar ratios and solubility constants, the system can dynamically adjust between high-impact/short-duration modes (for immediate biocidal needs) and controlled-release/long-duration modes (for sustained protection), making the same compositional approach adaptable to different temporal requirements
3Duration of action of stationary object
If biocide compositions are designed for controlled release with long duration, then the release rate is slow and sustained, but the immediate biocide impact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the staged release mechanism inherent in the copper-zinc salt composite system. The composition provides an initial biocidal impact from more soluble components, followed by sustained release from less soluble components, creating a multi-phase action pattern that delivers both immediate effectiveness and long-term protection
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 biocide compositions effectively release biocide ions within defined ranges, ensuring targeted biocide effects and prolonged durations, enhancing their applicability across diverse applications by optimizing the molar ratios and solubility constants of copper and zinc salts.
Implementation Method 1
Upon contact with water, these salts release cuprous and/or cupric ions, depending on the type of salt. The release of biocide agents in the case of salts is defined by their solubility constant.
Implementation Method 2
The ions that penetrate the membrane of these microorganisms alter the vital systems (membrane permeability, protein degradation, enzyme reaction inhibition, along with many other harmful effects).
Data Source
AI summary
Active-powder biocidal composition comprising at least one copper salt and at least one zinc salt such that the molar ratio between the copper salt and the zinc salt is within the range of 10 to 1 and each copper and zinc salt, separately, has a solubility constant (Kps) within the range from a value greater than or equal to 1*10-20 to a value less than or equal to 9*10-6. Also included is the biocidal composition that comprises the active-powder composition and a polymer, and the method for the production of said biocidal composition, which comprises: thoroughly mixing the salts in such a manner as to obtain a homogeneous distribution of an active-powder biocidal composition; controlling the mixing temperature such that it remains at approximately less than 50° C.; and mixing the resulting mixture of active powders with a polymer.