Dihydroxyalkyl Cellulose Composition Balancing Solubility and Biodegradability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a water-soluble, partially biodegradable dihydroxyalkyl cellulose that has better biodegradable and solubility properties.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble, partially biodegradable dihydroxyalkyl cellulose having about 0.7 to about 2.0 units of dihydroxyalkyl moiety per anhydroglucose moiety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dihydroxyalkyl cellulose is prepared with high substitution level (1.4 to 6 units per anhydroglucose unit), then the polymer shows thermoplastic properties, but water solubility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the substitution level to fall within the range of 0.7 to 2.0 dihydroxyalkyl units per anhydroglucose unit. This specific parameter range resolves the contradiction by maintaining water solubility while achieving desired thermoplastic and biodegradable properties, unlike previous approaches that used higher substitution levels (1.4 to 6 units) which resulted in loss of water solubility.
2Strength
If conventional methods are used to prepare cellulose ethers with high substitution, then thermoplasticity is achieved, but biodegradability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the substitution parameter to a lower range (0.7 to 2.0 units per anhydroglucose unit) compared to conventional methods. This parameter optimization maintains thermoplasticity through adequate substitution while preserving biodegradability by avoiding excessive substitution that would hinder microbial degradation.
3Strength
If substitution level is increased to improve mechanical properties, then thermoplastic behavior is enhanced, but water solubility and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the substitution parameter within the specific range of 0.7 to 2.0 dihydroxyalkyl units per anhydroglucose unit. This balanced parameter selection achieves thermoplastic behavior necessary for processing while maintaining both water solubility and biodegradability, resolving the multi-parameter contradiction that arises when substitution is increased too high.
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
A water-soluble, partially biodegradable dihydroxyalkyl cellulose having about 0.7 to about 2.0 units of dihydroxyalkyl cellulose with about 0.7 to about 2.0 units of dihydroxyalkyl moiety per anhydroglucose moiety.
Implementation Method 1
having a biodegradation rate of ≥3% in an aquatic medium when measured by a method of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Test number 301 or 302
Implementation Method 2
water-soluble, partially biodegradable dihydroxyalkyl cellulose
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a water-soluble, partially biodegradable dihydroxyalkyl cellulose having about 0.7 to about 2.0 units of dihydroxyalkyl moiety per anhydroglucose moiety, having (i) a molecular weight of dihydroxyalkyl cellulose is in the range of from about 10,000 Daltons to about 1,500,000 Daltons, (ii) a biodegradation rate of ≥3% in an aquatic medium, and (iii) a water solubility at a threshold level of 2 g/L. Also discloses a method for preparing dihydroxyalkyl cellulose and functionalized dihydroxyalkyl cellulose compounds and their use in personal care applications.