Graphene-Infused Polymer Fabric Multi-Functional Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer fabrics, such as polyester, face challenges in simultaneously achieving anti-microbial, antistatic, anti-odour, wicking, thermal cooling, and ultraviolet protection properties without compromising durability or comfort, with existing solutions often failing to maintain these features after washing or requiring excessive additives that affect texture and quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating graphene or its derivatives into the polymer fabric during synthesis, specifically at concentrations ranging from 0.0001% to 1% (w/w) or 1 ppm to 10000 ppm, to enhance the fabric's properties while maintaining durability and comfort, and using a process that involves preparing a slurry of graphene, mixing it with polymer precursors, and subjecting the mixture to polymerization to create a graphene-infused polymer fibre or fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-microbial agents such as silver nanoparticles are used, then anti-microbial property is improved, but cost increases and environmental pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic nanoparticles (silver) to carbon-based graphene, maintaining anti-microbial efficacy while eliminating metallic nanoparticle pollution. Graphene's unique two-dimensional structure and surface properties provide anti-microbial activity without the environmental harm associated with silver nanoparticles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by incorporating graphene into polymer fabrics, creating a new composite structure that combines the mechanical properties of polymers with the functional properties of graphene, including anti-microbial, antistatic, and thermal cooling effects without environmental pollution.
2Reliability
If anti-static agents are used to increase electrical conductivity, then anti-static property is improved, but moisture absorption increases which interferes with wicking and thermal cooling properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanism for achieving anti-static property from moisture-based conductivity (hygroscopic agents) to intrinsic electrical conductivity of graphene. Graphene's high electrical conductivity allows charge dissipation without requiring moisture absorption, thus maintaining wicking and thermal cooling properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the moisture-dependent electrical conduction mechanism with graphene's inherent electronic conduction mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hygroscopic agents that absorb moisture, preserving the fabric's moisture management capabilities.
3Temperature
If large quantities of additives are used to achieve thermal cooling effect, then thermal cooling property is improved, but quality of texture and touch feel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to thermal cooling from using large quantities of thermal conductive fillers to using graphene's exceptional intrinsic thermal conductivity. Graphene's two-dimensional structure and high thermal conductivity coefficient provide effective heat dissipation at low concentrations, preserving fabric texture and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where graphene is integrated into the polymer matrix, providing thermal cooling functionality while maintaining the fabric's mechanical and sensory properties through optimal dispersion and low loading concentrations.
4Reliability
If anti-microbial, antistatic, and thermal cooling properties are achieved through multiple additives, then functional properties are improved, but durability decreases as properties fade after washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional properties (anti-microbial, antistatic, thermal cooling) into a single integrated solution using graphene. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple separate additives that wash away, providing durable multi-functionality through one robust material platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials to embed graphene within the polymer fabric structure, creating a durable integrated system where functional properties are inherent to the material composition rather than surface coatings, ensuring long-term stability through washing and use.
5Reliability
If excessive additives are used to achieve multiple properties, then functional properties are improved, but hand-feel and visual aspects are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of graphene incorporation to achieve functional properties at low levels (0.01-5 wt%), avoiding the need for excessive additives. This controlled parameter adjustment maintains fabric hand-feel and visual appearance while providing desired functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials with optimized composition ratios, where graphene is dispersed at controlled concentrations within the polymer matrix, achieving multi-functionality without compromising the fabric's aesthetic and tactile qualities.
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 graphene-infused polymer fabrics exhibit enhanced anti-microbial, antistatic, anti-odour, wicking, and thermal cooling properties, with improved ultraviolet protection, maintaining these features for the life of the fabric or up to 20 washes without compromising hand-feel or visual aspects, and offering increased durability and stability.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating graphene or its derivatives into the polymer fabric during synthesis, specifically at concentrations ranging from 0.0001% to 1% (w/w) or 1 ppm to 10000 ppm
Implementation Method 2
thermal cooling properties, with improved ultraviolet protection, maintaining these features for the life of the fabric
Data Source
AI summary
Polymer fiber or corresponding fabric including graphene and/or its derivative(s), wherein the graphene including polymer fabric is characterized by feature selected from the group consisting of anti-microbial, antistatic, wicking, thermal cooling, anti-odour, and ultraviolet protection, or any combination thereof. The graphene including polymer fiber or fabric shows several further beneficial properties including but not limited to good/excellent washing fastness, rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness, sublimation fastness, and light fastness. A process by which the graphene and/or its derivative(s) is incorporated in a polymer during its synthesis. The polymer is subsequently drawn into a fiber or fabric, and is capable of being converted into commercial products. A method to improve the aforementioned properties in a polymer fiber or fabric.