Grafted CMC Binder for Biodegradable Non-woven Fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latex binders used in non-woven fabrics are expensive, non-biodegradable, and potentially toxic, posing health and environmental concerns, and existing biodegradable binders often have low wet strength, which is undesirable for many applications.
Innovation Solution
A grafted carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder is developed, comprising CMC chemically bonded with a monomer, such as n-hydroxy methyl acrylamide, through a graft polymerization reaction, creating a biodegradable and non-toxic alternative with adjustable wet strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If latex binders are used to strengthen non-woven fabrics, then the fabric strength is improved, but the environmental sustainability and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing synthetic latex with grafted carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) that incorporates biodegradable polymer chains. This parameter change maintains the binding function while improving biodegradability and reducing environmental harm, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental sustainability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite binder system by grafting synthetic polymer chains onto the natural CMC backbone. This composite structure combines the strength-providing properties of synthetic polymers with the biodegradability of natural cellulose, simultaneously achieving both fabric strength and environmental sustainability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable binders are used to replace latex, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the wet strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where synthetic polymer chains are grafted onto the CMC backbone, forming a hybrid material that provides both biodegradability from the natural cellulose core and wet strength from the synthetic polymer segments. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between biodegradability and wet strength retention
Solution Approach 2:
The binder exhibits local quality differentiation where different portions of the molecular structure serve different functions: the CMC backbone provides biodegradability and water solubility, while the grafted synthetic polymer chains provide wet strength and structural integrity. This localized functional distribution resolves the contradiction between environmental friendliness and performance
3Ease of manufacture
If natural binders are used to replace latex, then cost is reduced, but the wet strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a cost-effective composite binder by combining inexpensive natural CMC with relatively small amounts of synthetic polymer. The CMC provides the bulk structure at low cost while the synthetic grafts provide the necessary wet strength, achieving both cost reduction and performance maintenance
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 grafted CMC binder provides high permanent wet strength and is suitable for various applications, outperforming latex binders in terms of strength and environmental sustainability, maintaining wet strength over time even under aqueous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A grafted aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder comprising CMC chemically bonded with a monomer
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a grafted aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) binder comprising CMC chemically bonded with a monomer, where the CMC has a weight ratio of water to CMC of from about 99.9:0.1 to about 1,000:500, wherein the monomer is characterized by a weight ratio of monomer to CMC of from about 1:1 to about 1:1,000, and non-woven fabrics and articles including CMC binders, and methods of manufacture of the same. Aspects of the invention include a method of synthesizing a grafted aqueous carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), the method comprising: contacting CMC with water to form a CMC solution. contacting the CMC solution with an initiator; contacting the CMC solution with a monomer to start grafting polymerization reaction between the CMC and a monomer. In some embodiments, the binder and non-woven fabrics including the same are non-toxic and biodegradable.