Stable Gas Bubbles via Electrostatic Particle Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing gas-in-solution dispersions face challenges such as poor stability at room temperature, reliance on toxic components, and difficulty in re-dispersing gas bubbles, especially in systems with high gas-phase volume fractions, which limits their application in industries like food, cosmetics, and consumer chemicals.
Innovation Solution
The process involves preparing gas-in-solution dispersions through particle adsorption by electrostatic interaction, where surface-active materials impart a charge to gas bubbles, and oppositely charged particles are added to encapsulate them, preventing coalescence and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If surfactants and polymers are added to improve dispersion stability, then stability is improved, but the product is affected by temperature and pH changes and requires additional formulation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of particle surface charge to achieve stability. By selecting particles with specific surface charges (positive, negative, or amphoteric) that interact electrostatically with the continuous phase, the system achieves temperature and pH independent stability without requiring complex surfactant formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for surfactants and polymers from the formulation by using electrostatic interactions between charged particles and the continuous phase. This removes the sources of temperature and pH sensitivity while maintaining dispersion stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobic particles are used to stabilize gas bubbles, then moderate stability is achieved, but the interfacial adhesion is discrete and discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanism of particle-bubble interaction from hydrophobic effects to electrostatic attraction. By using charged particles that electrostatically attract to the charged gas-solution interface, continuous and reliable adhesion is achieved, eliminating the discrete and discontinuous nature of hydrophobic particle attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite interface structure where charged particles form a continuous layer on the gas bubble surface through electrostatic attraction. This composite particle-interface structure provides more reliable and continuous adhesion compared to discrete hydrophobic particle attachment
3Quantity of substance
If gas-phase volume fraction is increased to create foams, then foam structure is formed, but individual bubbles touch and stick together making re-dispersion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface charge parameter of the gas bubbles through selection of charged particles. This electrostatic charge creates repulsion between bubbles at high gas-phase volume fractions, preventing them from sticking together and maintaining re-dispersion ability even in dense foam structures
4Ease of manufacture
If aerosol cans are used to deliver aerated products, then product delivery is achieved, but the system requires simultaneous gas and solution injection or frozen conditions to maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex aerosol delivery mechanisms by creating inherently stable aerated products through electrostatic particle stabilization. The product can be stored and delivered without requiring simultaneous gas-solution injection systems or frozen conditions, simplifying the delivery mechanism to basic aerosol spraying
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
This method results in gas-in-solution emulsions with improved stability over extended periods, even at room temperature, allowing for their use in various applications without the drawbacks of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
particle adsorption by electrostatic interaction... the surface-active material can be chosen to impart a charge at the interface of the gas bubble and solution
Implementation Method 2
particles having the opposite charge to that of the surface-active material can be added to the continuous phase. This process leads to encapsulation of the gas bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods of preparing stable gas-in-solution emulsions by particle adsorption via electrostatic interaction, and stable emulsions prepared by particle adsorption via electrostatic interaction. Compositions and products comprising the emulsions are also disclosed. Emulsions may be stable over an extended period of time at room temperature.