Durable Coloring Expanded Perlite via Organic Dye Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expanded perlite is difficult to consistently color due to its glassy surface, and existing methods fail to provide a permanent color application that resists removal by liquid media like water.
Innovation Solution
Using an organic dye with an atomic mass between 200 and 2000 Daltons, preferably comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or polyphenols, to achieve a stable and lasting color application on expanded perlite grains, which are applied in a concentration of 0.5 to 30% by mass and preferably with a grain size of 1 to 5 mm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coloring methods are used on expanded perlite, then color application is attempted, but the color is easily removed by liquid media such as water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting organic dyes with specific molecular weight ranges (50-2000 Daltons, preferably 100-500 Daltons) and controlling application conditions (pH 2-10, temperature 0-100°C) to achieve durable color fastness on expanded perlite that resists liquid media removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical coloring methods with chemical bonding mechanisms, where organic dyes form covalent or strong adsorptive bonds with the perlite surface, transforming the coloring process from a superficial physical coating to a chemically bonded system that resists water and liquid media
2Reliability
If the atomic mass of the organic dye is below 300 Daltons, then the dye can be applied, but the durability of the color application is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the organic dye to a specific range (50-2000 Daltons, preferably 100-500 Daltons) to achieve optimal balance between dyeability and color fastness, where dyes within this range form sufficiently strong bonds with perlite while maintaining small enough size for effective surface attachment
3Ease of operation
If the expanded perlite grains are small, then the bulk material is more pourable, but the surface area to volume ratio increases making consistent coloring more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing and coating methods with a chemical immersion process where organic dyes are applied in aqueous or alcoholic solutions that uniformly penetrate and bond to perlite surfaces, ensuring consistent color application across grains of varying sizes including fine particles that are difficult to coat mechanically
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 provides a permanent and visually perceptible color on expanded perlite that remains stable even when exposed to water, ensuring consistent decorative applications without dye bleeding.
Implementation Method 1
The inventors suspect that expanded perlite has surface-active properties that interact with an organic dye of this specific atomic mass in such a way that the dye is firmly bound to the surface of the expanded perlite
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a bulk material, a method for producing the bulk material, a use of the bulk material and a use of an organic dye.