Deodorizing Ink Composition to Mask Activated Carbon Color
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional activated carbon substrates used in absorbent articles are limited by their black color, noise, gritty feel, and complex/costly production methods, necessitating a need for improved activated carbon substrates with better physical properties and a more efficient manufacturing process for odor control.
Innovation Solution
A deodorizing ink comprising 10-50 wt.% carbonaceous particles and 5-40 wt.% voided synthetic particles, where the carbonaceous particles have an average size of 5-75 micrometers and the voided synthetic particles are smaller, used to create a nonwoven web that masks the black color of activated carbon while enhancing odor absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If activated carbon is used for odor control, then odor reduction is effective, but the substrate has black color and gritty feel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines activated carbon particles with voided synthetic particles to create a composite deodorizing ink. The voided particles (5-40 wt.%) have lower density and lighter color, which when mixed with activated carbon, reduce the overall darkness and grittiness while maintaining odor absorption capacity. This composite approach allows the substrate to benefit from odor control without the aesthetic and tactile drawbacks of pure activated carbon.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies deodorizing ink selectively to specific areas of the absorbent article rather than uniformly throughout. The ink is applied to the surface or specific zones where odor control is most needed, allowing localized odor management while preserving the aesthetic appearance and tactile properties of the bulk substrate material.
2Reliability
If conventional activated carbon substrates are used, then odor control is achieved, but manufacturing process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The deodorizing ink is prepared in advance as a pre-mixed formulation containing activated carbon particles, voided synthetic particles, and binding agents. This pre-formulated ink can be directly applied to substrates using conventional coating techniques, eliminating the need for complex multi-step manufacturing processes required by traditional activated carbon substrate production. The preliminary preparation of the ink simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical substrate treatment processes with a chemical/coating-based approach. Instead of mechanically incorporating activated carbon into substrates through complex mixing and bonding processes, the deodorizing ink is applied as a coating that adheres to the substrate surface, simplifying the manufacturing mechanism while achieving the same odor control function.
3Reliability
If activated carbon particles are incorporated into substrates, then odor absorption is effective, but the substrate produces noise and unwanted feel
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of activated carbon particles with voided synthetic particles creates a composite material where the voided particles act as spacers and cushioning elements. This composite structure reduces the direct contact between activated carbon particles and the substrate, minimizing noise generation and gritty feel while preserving the odor absorption capability of the carbon particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The voided synthetic particles introduce additional porosity and air pockets into the deodorizing ink formulation. These voids reduce the density and hardness of the particle mixture, thereby reducing the gritty feel and noise when the substrate is compressed or moved, while the porous structure also enhances the overall surface area available for odor absorption.
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 effectively reduces odor and improves the aesthetic appeal of absorbent articles by utilizing the adsorption capabilities of activated carbon while minimizing its visible presence, offering a cost-effective and durable odor control solution.
Implementation Method 1
The deodorizing ink comprises from about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. % carbonaceous particles... activated carbon has been used to reduce a broad spectrum of odors
Data Source
AI summary
A substrate that contains a deodorizing ink is provided. The composition contains carbonaceous particles (e.g., activated carbon) for adsorbing one or more malodorous compounds to reduce odor. Because carbonaceous particles typically have a dark black color that is sometimes aesthetically displeasing to the user, the deodorizing ink of the present invention also contains voided synthetic particles that mask, at least to some extent, the darker carbonaceous particles. More specifically, the voids of the particles contain air, which can scatter or diffract light to create an opaque effect that may hide the black color of the carbonaceous particles. In this manner, the color presented to the user may be more aesthetically pleasing.