Silane Coupling Agent for FIR Fiber Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional textile products incorporating inorganic materials for far infrared radiation emission face issues with poor bonding between the polymer component and the inorganic material, leading to separation during washing and loss of heat-generating functionality.

Innovation Solution

A far infrared-emitting composition is developed, comprising a first polymer component and a silicon dioxide composite particle prepared through hydrolysis and condensation polymerization of tetraalkoxysilane and a compound represented by Formula (A), which enhances bonding with the polymer components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic material (silicon dioxide) is incorporated into textile products to generate far infrared radiation, then heat production capability is improved, but bonding strength with polymer component deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat production capabilityVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the inorganic silicon dioxide particles and the organic polymer matrix. This coupling agent contains both inorganic-binding groups (such as alkoxy groups that bond to SiO2) and organic-binding groups (such as alkyloxy groups that bond to the polymer), creating a chemical bridge that significantly improves interfacial adhesion. The coupling agent forms covalent bonds with both the inorganic filler and the polymer matrix, preventing particle separation during washing while maintaining the far infrared radiation generation capability of the silicon dioxide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic material is used for far infrared emission, then far infrared radiation capability is improved, but washing durability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar infrared radiation capabilityVSAvoidwashing durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The silane coupling agent serves as a durable intermediary that anchors the inorganic silicon dioxide particles to the polymer matrix through strong chemical bonds. This intermediary layer prevents the inorganic particles from detaching during washing cycles, thereby maintaining the far infrared radiation capability throughout the product's service life. The coupling agent's dual functionality ensures both the functional performance (FIR emission) and the durability (washing resistance) are preserved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If inorganic material is incorporated into polymer matrix, then far infrared emissivity is improved, but material compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar infrared emissivityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The silane coupling agent acts as a compatibilizer that bridges the incompatible inorganic and organic phases. The inorganic-binding portion of the coupling agent interacts with the silicon dioxide surface, while the organic-binding portion interacts with the polymer matrix, thereby improving interfacial adhesion and dispersion. This intermediary substance enables the effective incorporation of inorganic fillers into organic polymers, achieving both enhanced far infrared emissivity and improved material compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 FIR-emitting fiber and fabric retain superior far infrared emissivity and temperature rise performance even after multiple washing cycles, due to the strong association of the silicon dioxide composite particle with the polymer components.

Implementation Method 1

a silicon dioxide composite particle which is prepared by subjecting a tetraalkoxysilane and a compound represented by Formula (A) to hydrolysis and condensation polymerization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a silicon dioxide composite particle which is prepared by subjecting a tetraalkoxysilane and a compound represented by Formula (A) to hydrolysis and condensation polymerization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

The far infrared radiation is able to penetrate into the human body, causing vibration of water molecules so as to generate heat energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFar infrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 4

The far infrared radiation is able to penetrate into the human body, causing vibration of water molecules so as to generate heat energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12215032B2Far infrared-emitting composition and far infrared-emitting fiber including the same
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 THE HEART OF TAIWAN SCI INNOVATION CULTURE & ART CO LTD
  • US12215032B2 patent drawing
  • US12215032B2 patent drawing
  • US12215032B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A far infrared (FIR)-emitting composition includes a first polymer component and a silicon dioxide composite particle which is prepared by subjecting a tetraalkoxysilane and a compound represented by Formula (A) to hydrolysis and condensation polymerization:Y—Si(ORa)3  (A),wherein each Ra independently represents a C1-4 alkyl group or a C1-4 alkanoyl group, Y represents X—R1—, a non-substituted C1-18 linear alkyl group or a non-substituted C3-18 branched alkyl group, and X and R1 are defined as set forth in the Specification and Claims. A FIR-emitting fiber including the FIR-emitting composition is also disclosed.