Water-Dissolvable Flat-Fiber Composite for Flushable Hygiene Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber composites used in disposable items like baby diapers and wipes, made from materials like polyester and polypropylene, are not adequately decomposable or soluble in water, leading to disposal issues in sewage systems, causing pipe blockages and environmental problems.
Innovation Solution
A fiber composite comprising natural and/or synthetic fibers with a flat cross-section, specifically designed to be easily decomposable or soluble in water, utilizing flat fibers like viscose with a crenellated surface to enhance absorbency and dissolvability, allowing for flushability through conventional sewage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional polymer materials (polyester, polypropylene, viscose) are used in fiber composites, then the material properties of softness, absorbency, elasticity and strength are achieved, but the composite structures do not decompose or dissolve sufficiently in water, causing disposal problems in sewage systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite fiber structures combining different fiber types (natural and synthetic) with specific properties. The composite contains at least 50% by weight of fibers with flat cross-section that are water-soluble or water-decomposable, combined with other fibers providing structural integrity. This composite approach allows the material to maintain strength during use but decompose in water for safe disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fiber composite by controlling the flatness ratio of fibers (between 3-30), the proportion of water-soluble fibers (50-100% by weight), and fiber length distribution. These parameter changes enable the composite to transition from a stable structure during use to a decomposable structure in water, resolving the contradiction between strength and decomposability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If fiber composites are designed to be water-soluble for easy disposal, then decomposability in sewage systems is improved, but the structural integrity and strength required for functional use are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber composite into different functional components: water-soluble fibers (50-100% by weight) that provide decomposability and structural fibers that maintain integrity during use. The flat cross-section fibers (with flatness ratio 3-30) are segmented in terms of length distribution, with shorter fibers facilitating water penetration and decomposition while longer fibers maintain structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions and components of the fiber composite different properties. The flat cross-section fibers with specific flatness ratios provide localized water solubility and decomposability, while the overall composite structure maintains structural integrity. The fiber arrangement and bonding are optimized locally to balance decomposability and strength requirements.
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 fiber composite demonstrates significantly improved dissolvability and decomposability, preventing pipe blockages and enabling safe disposal through domestic sewage systems, maintaining strength and elasticity even in moist conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber composite is easily decomposable or soluble in water or other liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fibre composite comprising or consisting of natural and/or synthetic fibres. Said fibre composite is characterised in that at least some of the fibres of the composite have a flat cross-section and it can be dissolved or decomposed in water or other liquids.