Dextrin-Bonded Fiber Composite for Dry Paper Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving strong, biodegradable, and recyclable sheets while minimizing energy consumption and water usage, as they often rely on petroleum-based resins or starch enhancers that require significant water and energy for drying, and may compromise mechanical strength when using dry processes.

Innovation Solution

A composite of fibers and dextrin with a specific DE value of 0.25 to 3.60 is used, where the dextrin adheres to the fibers, allowing for a dry process that reduces water and energy consumption, enhances mechanical strength, and improves recyclability, with the dextrin's properties enabling effective binding and water absorbability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a thermoplastic resin (polyester resin) is used for binding fiber molecules in a dry process, then the manufacturing process uses little or no water, but the amount of CO2 discharge is large and biodegradability is not excellent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater usageVSAvoidCO2 discharge and poor biodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the binder from petroleum-based thermoplastic resin to plant-derived starch with specific DE value (0.25-3.60), transforming the material's origin and properties to achieve both low water usage and environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses biodegradable plant-derived materials (starch) that can be naturally decomposed, replacing durable but harmful petroleum-based resins, allowing the product to serve its purpose and then naturally return to the environment without long-term pollution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a paper strength enhancer composed of starch is used, then the amount of CO2 discharge is small and biodegradability is excellent, but a large amount of water is used and energy consumption for drying is large

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 discharge and biodegradabilityVSAvoidwater usage and energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention precisely controls the DE value parameter of starch within 0.25-3.60, which optimizes the starch's binding efficiency and water absorption characteristics, enabling effective fiber bonding with minimal water and reduced drying energy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a small, optimized amount of water just sufficient to activate the starch binding properties, rather than using excessive water for complete saturation, thereby reducing both water consumption and subsequent drying energy requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If a dry process is used for sheet manufacturing, then water usage is reduced, but the mechanical strength of the sheet may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater usageVSAvoidmechanical strength of sheet
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the DE value parameter of dextrin within 0.25-3.60, which enhances the binding efficiency between fiber molecules, allowing strong mechanical bonds to form even with minimal water presence in the dry process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite structure where plant-derived dextrin with specific DE value acts as a binding matrix between fiber molecules, forming a strong integrated network that achieves high mechanical strength without requiring large amounts of water

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 produces a compact with excellent mechanical strength, biodegradability, and recyclability, using a small amount of water and reducing energy consumption, while maintaining the stability and formability of the final product.

Implementation Method 1

at least part of the dextrin adheres to the fiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a humidifying step of humidifying the mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a forming step of pressurizing and heating the humidified mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

a forming step of pressurizing and heating the humidified mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3967807A1Composite, compact, and method for manufacturing compact
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • EP3967807A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3967807A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3967807A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A composite includes a fiber and a dextrin, wherein at least part of the dextrin adheres to the fiber, and the dextrin has a DE value of 0.25 or more and 3.60 or less.