Depolymerized CMC Moisturizing Composition for Water Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing moisturizing agents for soils, particularly those containing carboxymethyl cellulose, face challenges in stability and ease of application, leading to inefficient water retention and distribution, especially in water-scarce conditions and water-repellent soils, due to difficulties in combining adequate quantities of carboxymethyl cellulose and surfactants in concentrated forms.
Innovation Solution
A concentrated aqueous composition of depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with a weight average molecular weight between 10,000 and 80,000 dalton, combined with a compatibilizer such as glycerol or sodium xylene sulfonate, and a surfactant, which can be easily diluted and applied to soils to enhance water retention and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If carboxymethyl cellulose and surfactants are combined in concentrated forms, then water retention and distribution effectiveness is improved, but stability and ease of application deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by depolymerizing carboxymethyl cellulose to reduce its molecular weight to a specific range (10,000-80,000 dalton), which fundamentally alters its physical and chemical properties. This parameter change enables the polymer to form stable complexes with surfactants at high concentrations while maintaining solubility and application ease, directly resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by formulating concentrated compositions containing depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose in combination with specific surfactants (anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric). This composite approach allows the components to synergistically interact, providing both superior water retention effectiveness and compositional stability that neither component could achieve alone
2Reliability
If carboxymethyl cellulose and surfactants are combined in concentrated forms, then water retention and distribution effectiveness is improved, but ease of application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the molecular weight parameter of carboxnymethyl cellulose to 10,000-80,000 dalton through depolymerization, the patent achieves a optimal balance between effectiveness and applicability. This parameter modification reduces viscosity and improves flow characteristics of concentrated formulations, making them easier to apply while maintaining high water retention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances ease of application by formulating concentrated compositions that can be universally applied to various soil types (including water-repellent soils) and delivery methods (irrigation systems, spraying, etc.). The multi-functional formulation serves both as an effective moisturizing agent and as an easily applicible concentrated solution that can be delivered through multiple pathways
3Area of stationary object
If water is applied to coarse, sandy soils, then irrigation coverage is achieved, but water retention deteriorates due to channeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose and surfactant formulation specifically target and modify the local soil structure in the root zone. The formulation accumulates at soil-water interfaces and forms protective films locally, improving water retention in sandy soils without compromising overall irrigation coverage. This localized action addresses the channeling problem while maintaining broad coverage
4Ease of operation
If water repellent soils are treated, then water infiltration is improved, but evaporative losses increase due to porous structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by changing the surface chemistry parameters of the soil through the surfactant component. The surfactant modifies the hydrophobicity of soil particles, enabling water infiltration into previously water-repellent soils. Simultaneously, the depolymerized carboxnymethyl cellulose forms a gel structure that reduces porosity and evaporative surface area, thereby reducing evaporative losses while maintaining improved infiltration
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 improves soil moisture retention, reduces evaporative losses, and ensures effective hydration of soils, even in porous and water-repellent conditions, by allowing water to penetrate deeper into the soil profile, thereby improving plant water usage efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Carboxymethyl cellulose is able to absorb and hold water, when irrigation water is applied, and release it during irrigation intervals or dry periods
Implementation Method 2
at least one surfactant
Implementation Method 3
Moisture in the soil is drawn to exposed soil surfaces by capillary action and lost by evaporation into the air
Implementation Method 4
a compatibilizer chosen among glycerol and sodium xylene sulfonate
Data Source
AI summary
A concentrated aqueous composition may be prepared by from a formulation including: a. from 10 to 30 % by weight (% wt) of a depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight of from about 10,000 to about 80,000 dalton (Da); b. from 15 to 50% of a compatibilizer selected from the group consisting of glycerol and sodium xylene sulfonate; and c. from about 0.5 to about 20 % by weight of a surfactant. The concentrated aqueous solution may be employed to prepare an aqueous solution which is useful for moisturizing soil.