Graphene Oxide Antimicrobial Rubber via High Shear Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing graphene oxide with antimicrobial properties are complex, hazardous, expensive, and result in variable efficacy when incorporated into rubber articles, with limited durability and rapid depletion of antimicrobial action due to manganese impurities and other agents like quaternary ammonium salts.
Innovation Solution
A process involving high shear mixing and oxidation of graphite using hydrogen peroxide and/or potassium hydroxide to produce graphene oxide with enhanced antimicrobial properties, eliminating potassium permanganate impurities and ensuring stability and reproducibility, allowing for extended antimicrobial action in rubber articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If Hummers method is used to prepare graphene oxide, then graphene oxide with oxygenated groups is obtained, but the process is complex, hazardous, expensive and produces variable antimicrobial properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the oxidation process by using potassium permanganate in a basic medium followed by acid treatment, replacing the complex Hummers method mixture. This parameter change simplifies the process while producing graphene oxide with consistent antimicrobial properties through controlled oxidation stages
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates manganese impurities through acid treatment after oxidation. This removal step is critical as it eliminates the source of variable antimicrobial properties while maintaining the simplification of the overall process
2Reliability
If Hummers method is used to prepare graphene oxide, then graphene oxide is obtained, but the process is dangerous due to severe reaction conditions and toxic reagents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful manganese impurities into a beneficial purification step. By using acid treatment after basic oxidation, the manganese precipitates as hydroxide and is easily removed, turning a source of variability into a controlled purification process that enhances safety and reliability
3Duration of action of moving object
If commercially available graphene oxide is used, then antimicrobial action is provided, but the action is depleted rapidly due to manganese impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts manganese impurities through acid treatment of the oxidized graphite. This removal of manganese is critical for extending antimicrobial action duration, as the impurities in commercial products cause rapid depletion of the antimicrobial effect
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 process yields graphene oxide with improved antimicrobial efficacy and stability, forming stable aqueous dispersions that can be easily mixed with rubber latex, prolonging the antimicrobial action of rubber articles and avoiding the limitations of commercial products.
Implementation Method 1
one oxidation step thereof with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and/or potassium hydroxide (KOH)
Implementation Method 2
subjecting an aqueous dispersion of a graphite to at least one graphite exfoliation step by high shear mixing
Data Source
AI summary
A process for preparing graphene oxide includes the steps of subjecting an aqueous dispersion of a graphite to an exfoliation step by high shear mixing at a mixing speed equal to or greater than 3000 rpm and to an oxidation step with an oxidizing agent selected from hydrogen peroxide, potassium hydroxide and mixtures thereof, wherein the graphite exfoliation step can precede, follow or be conducted together with the oxidation step. Also related is the use of the graphene oxide thus obtained to impart antimicrobial properties to rubber articles.