Halamine Copolymer Textile Coating for Durable Antimicrobial Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current textile finishing technologies face challenges in providing durable and rechargeable antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral functions on synthetic textiles like polyester, particularly in healthcare settings, due to their hydrophobic nature and lack of reactive groups, leading to poor absorption and durability of antimicrobial finishes.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous-based textile finishing composition comprising a copolymer with carboxylic acid-containing and polymerizable halamine precursor units, combined with a water-soluble epoxy crosslinking agent, applied through a dip-pad-dry-cure process, followed by halogenation to create a halamine-containing coating that provides durable antimicrobial properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional textile finishing technologies are used on synthetic textiles, then the textiles maintain their physical properties, but the antimicrobial finish has poor absorption and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the textile surface by introducing carboxylic acid groups through oxidation treatment, which enables covalent bonding with the antimicrobial finish. This parameter change transforms the hydrophobic surface into a hydrophilic one with reactive functional groups, improving both absorption and durability of the finish.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by forming covalent bonds between the textile substrate and the antimicrobial finish through epoxy crosslinking agents. This composite material approach ensures the finish remains attached during washing and use, solving the durability problem while maintaining absorption efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If the textile is treated to improve antimicrobial finish absorption, then the absorption improves, but the physical properties such as air permeability and tearing strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the antimicrobial finish and crosslinking treatment locally on the textile surface rather than penetrating throughout the bulk material. This localized treatment improves absorption and durability without significantly affecting the overall physical properties like air permeability and tearing strength of the textile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms a thin film coating on the textile surface that provides antimicrobial functionality without creating a thick barrier that would impede air permeability or reduce tearing strength. The thin film approach maintains the breathability and mechanical integrity of the original textile.
3Reliability
If conventional antimicrobial finishes are applied, then some antimicrobial effect is achieved, but the finish is not durable and cannot be recharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary oxidation treatment to introduce carboxylic acid groups on the textile surface before applying the antimicrobial finish. This preliminary action creates reactive sites that enable durable covalent bonding, ensuring the finish withstands washing and can be recharged multiple times without peeling or fading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses epoxy crosslinking agents as intermediaries that form covalent bonds between the carboxylic acid groups on the textile surface and the antimicrobial finish containing amine groups. This intermediary approach creates a stable bridge that ensures durability and rechargeability while maintaining a relatively simple finishing process.
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 finished textiles exhibit potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral efficacy, with the antimicrobial functions being durable and rechargeable, maintaining effectiveness after multiple wash cycles and retaining physical properties such as air permeability and tearing strength.
Implementation Method 1
curing the coated textile under conditions effective to react the crosslinking agent with the carboxylic acid groups of the copolymer
Implementation Method 2
halogenating the coated textile to provide a finished textile having a halamine-containing coating
Data Source
AI summary
A textile finishing composition includes a copolymer; a water-soluble crosslinking agent comprising an epoxy group; and water. The copolymer includes repeating units derived from a carboxylic acid-containing monomer; and repeating units derived from a polymerizable halamine precursor. The textile finishing composition can be useful for providing finished textiles having antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.