Functional particles, process to obtain them, and their applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively deliver and maintain the functionality of active compounds on substrates over multiple uses and washes, particularly in applications such as textiles and medical treatments, due to the lack of efficient binding and durability of functional particles.
Innovation Solution
Functional particles comprising a granule of oxide or hydroxide (e.g., silica, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, aluminum, titanium) with a silane-based binder and a functional compound (e.g., repellent, fungicide, antimicrobial) are developed, ensuring strong binding and maintaining effectiveness even after multiple washes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing formulations for functional particles are used, then the application process is simple, but the durability and effectiveness of active compounds decrease after multiple uses and washes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite particle structure consisting of oxide or hydroxide granules (such as silica, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide) combined with silane-based binding agents and surface-bound active ingredients. This composite structure ensures that active compounds remain firmly attached to the particle surface through chemical bonding via silane groups, preventing loss during washing and multiple uses while maintaining simple application procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The active ingredients are specifically bound to the surface of the granules through silane-based compounds, creating a localized functional layer. This surface functionalization ensures that the active compounds are concentrated where they are most needed (at the interface with the substrate or environment) while the core granule provides structural stability and durability
2Reliability
If functional particles with surface-bound active ingredients are used, then effectiveness is enhanced, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single particle system: the oxide/hydroxide granule provides structural base, the silane-based compounds provide both binding functionality and surface modification capability, and the active ingredients provide the desired effect. This consolidation into one integrated formulation reduces the number of separate components and steps needed compared to traditional multi-layer or multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The silane-based compounds act as intermediary agents that chemically bridge the oxide/hydroxide granule surface and the active ingredients. The silane groups form covalent bonds with surface hydroxyl groups on the granules and also bond with the active compound molecules, creating a stable intermediate linkage that simplifies the overall formulation while ensuring effective transfer and sustained release of the active ingredient
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 functional particles enhance the longevity and efficacy of active compounds by maintaining their functionality through multiple uses and washes, effectively repelling insects, preventing microbial growth, and treating infections.
Implementation Method 1
The size of the granules and/or particles can be determined by several conventional methods including electron microscopy - scanning electron microscope (SEM). In an embodiment the particles described in the present disclosure have a particle size ranging from 90 nm - 500 nm
Implementation Method 2
a granule comprising oxide or hydroxide of an element selected from the following list: silica, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, aluminum, gold, titanium, or mixtures thereof
Implementation Method 3
a binder comprising silane-based compounds which binds the outer granule to the substrate
Implementation Method 4
a functional compound/active compound bound to the surface of the granule, to the binder, or to both
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a process for obtaining and formulating functional silica particles and other materials with active ingredients/compounds for use in polymers, paints, mortars, ceramic, cement, textile, pharmaceutics, varnishes, paper, clays, cosmetics, sensors and effluents. The present disclosure describes a functional particle for binding to a substrate comprising: a granule comprising oxide or hydroxide of an element selected from the following list: silica, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, silver, aluminum, gold, titanium, or mixtures thereof having a size between 90nm-500nm; a binder comprising silane-based compounds which binds the outer granule to the substrate; a functional compound/active compound bound to the surface of the granule, to the binder, or to both; wherein the functional compound is at least one of the following compounds: anti-mosquito/repellent/anti-insect, fungicide, antimicrobial/bactericide, antimycotic, anti-fire, UV protectors, larvicides, hydrophobics, vitaminics, moisturizers, cosmetics, drugs, mechanical properties, magnetic properties enhancement, or mixtures thereof.