Fibrous support comprising particles containing a partially water-soluble active agent, particles, and methods for producing said particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional encapsulation technologies fail to effectively encapsulate active agents that are partially soluble in water, such as surfactants, due to their distribution between emulsion phases, leading to chemical reactions and instability, especially in antifogging applications where durability and controlled release are essential.
Innovation Solution
Development of a support made of natural and/or synthetic fibers with particles containing active agents that are partially soluble in water, where the particles are designed to release the agent under external stress, using methods like encapsulation by phase separation, polycondensation, or the Creaspher process, ensuring the active agent remains at the core and is protected from environmental degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used to encapsulate partially water-soluble active agents, then the active agent can be protected from environmental degradation, but the active agent distributes between emulsion phases causing chemical reactions and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the encapsulation system by using a water-insoluble matrix material and controlling the solubility parameters of the active agent within specific ranges (0.1-60% water solubility). This parameter optimization prevents phase distribution issues while maintaining protection and controlled release functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the active agent is impregnated directly into the fabric, then the fabric can deliver the active agent to the surface, but the active agent is not protected and can be degraded by physical or chemical interactions with the external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the active agent is encapsulated within particles that are subsequently attached to the textile fibers. This nested arrangement (agent inside particle, particle on fiber) simultaneously provides protection from environmental degradation and enables controlled delivery to the surface when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the active agent is immobilized on the textile within microcapsules, then the active agent can be released in a controlled way during use, but washing removes the antifogging agent and destroys the function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solubility parameters of the active agent (0.1-60% water solubility) and selects appropriate matrix materials with specific solubility characteristics. This parameter control enables the system to resist leaching during washing while maintaining controlled release capability during use, resolving the durability contradiction.
4Reliability
If particles containing partially water-soluble active agents are used, then the active agent can be protected and released under external stress, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-forming particles with the active agent encapsulated within them before attaching to the textile. This preliminary encapsulation step simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to encapsulate after textile fabrication, while still providing protection and controlled release functionality.
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 solution provides a durable and controlled release of active agents, enhancing the longevity and effectiveness of antifogging textiles by maintaining the active agent at the core of the particles and protecting it from environmental factors, thereby improving the antifogging properties and resistance to washing.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulation by phase separation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support consisting of natural and/or synthetic fibers which particles are held, which are preferably water-soluble, comprising at least one active agent, said particles at least partially releasing the active agent(s) under the effect of an external stress, characterized in the active agent has a water-solubility of between 0.1 and 60 wt. %, preferably between 0.1 and 30 wt. %.