Fibrillated fiber and method for preparing the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for complexing cellulose with plastics require complex and expensive pretreatment processes, and surface-modified cellulose nanofibers are difficult to disperse in the nanoscale, limiting their reinforcing effect.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of fibrillated fibers by growing fine particles on microfibers using a fine particle precursor, followed by fibrillation and miniaturization with a shear force to enhance dispersibility and compatibility with plastics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If physical force is applied to untreated pulp-state cellulose to simplify the process, then process complexity is reduced, but cellulose cannot be sufficiently miniaturized due to strong hydrogen bonds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (surfactant or enzyme) that mediates between the physical force and the cellulose structure. This intermediary weakens the hydrogen bonds temporarily, allowing physical forces to effectively miniaturize the cellulose without requiring complex chemical modification processes, thus resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and miniaturization effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical or chemical parameters of the cellulose system by controlling pH, temperature, or adding agents that modify hydrogen bonding strength. This allows the cellulose to become more susceptible to physical forces during miniaturization, achieving sufficient size reduction while maintaining a relatively simple process
2Adaptability or versatility
If surface modification is applied to cellulose nanofibers to ensure compatibility with polymer complex, then compatibility is improved, but nanofibers are easily aggregated and difficult to disperse in nanoscale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by selectively modifying only the surface of cellulose nanofibers with compatibilizing groups while maintaining the bulk properties unchanged. This localized approach ensures compatibility with polymer complexes without causing extensive aggregation, as the modification is confined to the surface interface rather than the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure where cellulose nanofibers are combined with compatibilizing agents or coatings that provide both polymer compatibility and steric/electrostatic repulsion. This composite approach allows the nanofibers to disperse well in nanoscale while maintaining compatibility with the polymer complex matrix
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex pretreatment processes are applied to complex cellulose with plastics, then compatibility is improved, but process complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pretreatment steps into a single integrated process by combining mechanical fibrillation, chemical modification, and size reduction operations into one continuous operation. This consolidation achieves the same compatibility improvement as separate complex processes but with reduced overall complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-modifying the cellulose structure before complexing with plastics, using a simplified one-step process that prepares the cellulose surface in advance. This preliminary modification ensures compatibility is achieved without requiring subsequent complex pretreatment steps
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 enables simplified and efficient miniaturization of cellulose fibers, allowing for improved dispersibility and the imparting of various physical properties, such as antibacterial and deodorizing properties, while maintaining mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
fibrillating the microfibers by growing fine particles on the microfibers from the fine particle precursor
Implementation Method 2
miniaturizing the microfibers by applying a shear force to the microfibers fibrillated by the growth of the fine particles
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to fibrillated fibers and a method for preparing the same. In the present disclosure, there is provided a preparation method capable of providing fibers suitable for complexing with plastics in a more simplified process. According to the preparation method of the present disclosure, microfibers can be easily miniaturized with little energy by growing fine particles on the microfibers to fibrillate the microfibers, and then applying a shear force thereto, and various physical properties can be expressed from the grown fine particles.