Core-Shell Zinc Oxide Particles UV Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional core-shell zinc oxide particles lack effective UV light-shielding capabilities due to agglomeration and poor dispersibility, particularly failing to adequately protect against UVA radiation, which is a leading cause of skin cancer.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the sequential mixing and heating of calcium-containing materials with zinc ammonia complex salt solutions, followed by calcination, to produce core-shell zinc oxide particles with enhanced UV light-shielding properties by increasing the reflective area of zinc oxide flakes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If zinc oxide powder is used to shield UV light, then UV protection capability is improved, but dispersibility deteriorates due to high polarity causing agglomeration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV light shielding capabilityVSAvoiddispersibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a core-shell composite structure where zinc oxide forms a shell around a hydrophobic core particle. This composite structure combines the UV-shielding properties of zinc oxide with the dispersibility benefits of the hydrophobic core, resolving the contradiction between UV protection and dispersibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality modification by coating only the surface of core particles with zinc oxide, creating a shell layer. This allows the core to maintain hydrophobicity for dispersibility while the shell provides UV shielding, addressing both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional core-shell zinc oxide particles are prepared, then dispersibility is improved, but UV light-shielding effect deteriorates due to insufficient reflective area

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedispersibilityVSAvoidUV light-shielding effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the morphology parameter of zinc oxide from conventional spherical or cubic shapes to flake-shaped structures. This morphological change increases the reflective area of the zinc oxide particles, enhancing UV light-shielding effect while maintaining the core-shell structure for dispersibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions zinc oxide morphology to two-dimensional flake structures, increasing the surface area and reflective area in comparison to zero-dimensional particles. This dimensional change enhances UV shielding capability without compromising dispersibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 method results in core-shell zinc oxide particles that exhibit improved UV light-shielding effects, reflecting more UV light and providing better protection against both UVA and UVB radiation compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

heating the first mixture to remove ammonia, thereby obtaining a first intermediate product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

calcining the second intermediate product to obtain core-shell zinc oxide particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCalcination: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 3

zinc oxide that is capable of shielding both UVA and UVB

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

materials that are effective in shielding UV light (i.e. reflecting UV light)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV light absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3444305B1Method of preparing core-shell zinc oxide particles
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 PAN CONTINENTAL CHEM CO LTD
  • EP3444305B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3444305B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3444305B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of preparing core-shell zinc oxide particles, includes: mixing a calcium-containing material with a first zinc ammonia complex salt solution to obtain a first mixture; heating the first mixture to remove ammonia, thereby obtaining a first intermediate product; mixing the first intermediate product with a second zinc ammonia complex salt solution to obtain a second mixture; heating the second mixture to remove ammonia, followed by conducting a drying process to obtain a second intermediate product; and calcining the second intermediate product to obtain the core-shell zinc oxide particles. A core-shell zinc oxide particle is prepared by the aforementioned method, and a composition for shielding ultraviolet light includes the core-shell zinc oxide particles.