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
Existing encapsulation technologies fail to effectively encapsulate active agents partially soluble in water, such as surfactants, due to their amphiphilic nature, which leads to distribution between emulsion phases and adverse chemical reactions, compromising capsule formation and stability.
Innovation Solution
Development of a support made of natural and synthetic fibers with particles that are insoluble in water, containing active agents with partial solubility in water, which release the agent under external constraints like mechanical, thermal, or chemical stress, using methods like polycondensation and encapsulation by phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional encapsulation technologies are used for partially water-soluble active agents, then capsule formation is compromised, but the active agent can be protected if encapsulated successfully
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the encapsulation system by using polycondensation reactions (forming polysiloxane, polyester, or polyurethane membranes) instead of conventional emulsion polymerization. This parameter change allows the active agent to remain in the core during membrane formation, preventing the distribution problems that occur with amphiphilic compounds in traditional emulsion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite microcapsules consisting of a core containing the partially water-soluble active agent and a shell made of polycondensation polymers (polysiloxane, polyester, or polyurethane). This composite structure allows the active agent to be protected while maintaining its partial water solubility, resolving the contradiction between protection and manufacturability.
2Ease of operation
If the active agent is impregnated directly into the fabric, then the fabric shows initial anti-fog function, but the agent is washed off and durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the active agent from the fabric by encapsulating it in microcapsules that are then applied to the fabric surface. This segmentation prevents direct contact between the active agent and water during washing, while still allowing the agent to be delivered to the substrate when needed through capsule rupture or erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsules provide a flexible protective shell around the active agent. This shell intact during washing processes but can rupture or erode under mechanical stress during use, enabling controlled release while maintaining durability. The thin film structure allows the capsule to conform to the fabric surface while providing protection.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If microcapsules are used to immobilize the anti-fog agent, then washing resistance is improved, but the active agent release control requires specific mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The microcapsules are designed to release the active agent through self-service mechanisms: they rupture under mechanical stress from rubbing or erosion from friction during use. This eliminates the need for complex external release control systems, as the capsules automatically deliver the agent when subjected to normal usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits phase transitions and mechanical stress responses of the microcapsule membrane. The membrane remains intact under washing conditions but undergoes structural failure (rupture or erosion) under the different mechanical stresses of use, providing automatic release control without complex mechanisms.
4Reliability
If the active agent is protected in microcapsules, then environmental degradation is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The polycondensation reaction serves as an intermediary process that bridges the active agent and the encapsulating membrane formation. By using condensable monomers that react to form the membrane in situ, the process simplifies manufacturing compared to coating pre-formed membranes, as the membrane forms directly around the active agent during a single chemical process.
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 resistance to washing and environmental factors, while maintaining the active agent within the particles, thereby improving the longevity and effectiveness of anti-fog and other functional textiles.
Implementation Method 1
The particles, which are insoluble in water, contain within them at least one active agent having a partial solubility in water... releasing, at least in part, the active agent(s) under the effect of an external constraint
Implementation Method 2
carrying out the polycondensation of the monomers to form a membrane defining a microcapsule
Implementation Method 3
forming an emulsion from an oily phase containing at least one active agent having a solubility in water of 0.1 to 60% by weight... and an aqueous phase containing monomers capable of being condensed
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 1E~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a support consisting of natural and/or synthetic fibres whereon 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, characterised in the the active agent has a water-solubility of between 0.1 and 60 wt. %, preferably between 0.1 and 30 wt. %.