Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel for Self-Decontaminating Textiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for self-decontamination and self-deodorization of textiles and surfaces are inadequate, as they often require external power sources, are heavy, cumbersome, or pose chemical hazards, and lack re-chargeable solutions for multiple uses.
Innovation Solution
Functionalizing or associating surfaces with stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymers that can uptake, store, and controllably release chlorine dioxide as an aqueous solution or gas, allowing for single-use or multiple cycles of self-decontamination and self-deodorization without the need for external chemical reactions or power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-containing decontaminant systems are used to absorb and chemically alter contaminants, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but weight increases significantly and fabrics become unbreathable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the decontaminant system by transitioning from solid metal particles to a hydrogel matrix with controlled porosity and swelling properties. The hydrogel's water content and mesh size can be adjusted to optimize both decontamination performance and weight characteristics, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining hydrogel polymers with decontaminant agents (such as silver ions or other antimicrobial compounds) within a porous network. This composite structure provides both the mechanical flexibility needed for breathable fabrics and the chemical functionality for effective decontamination, while maintaining lower weight compared to solid metal systems.
2Reliability
If metal-containing systems are attached to fabrics for decontamination, then contaminant absorption is improved, but the fabrics become unbreathable and wearers experience overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel decontaminant system utilizes a porous three-dimensional network structure with controlled pore sizes. This porous architecture allows vapor and air permeability for breathability while providing sufficient surface area and binding sites for contaminant absorption, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating decontaminant functionality within the hydrogel matrix rather than throughout the entire fabric structure. The hydrogel can be applied selectively to high-risk areas, providing localized decontamination protection while maintaining overall fabric breathability and comfort in non-treated regions.
3Reliability
If single-use protective garments are used to prevent contamination spread, then safety is improved, but cost increases due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel decontaminant system provides self-service functionality by automatically activating upon contact with moisture (sweat or environmental humidity). The hydrogel swells and releases embedded decontaminant agents in response to water exposure, enabling the protective garment to self-regenerate its protective properties without external intervention, thus extending usability and reducing replacement frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables periodic reactivation of the decontaminant system through exposure to moisture. The hydrogel can undergo multiple cycles of swelling (upon moisture exposure) and shrinking (upon drying), with each cycle potentially releasing decontaminant agents. This periodic action allows the same garment to provide repeated protection, reducing the need for single-use disposal and lowering overall cost.
4Reliability
If bleach is used as decontaminant for sterilization, then decontamination effectiveness is improved, but chemical hazards increase requiring restrictions on use, transportation, and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs short-lived, low-hazard decontaminant agents embedded in the hydrogel that decompose into harmless substances after use. Unlike persistent and hazardous bleach, these agents (such as certain organic peroxides or naturally derived antimicrobials) provide effective sterilization but break down rapidly into non-toxic products, eliminating the need for restrictive handling protocols and reducing environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel matrix serves as an intermediary carrier that controls the release and activation of decontaminant agents. Instead of using highly hazardous concentrated bleach, the system uses the hydrogel to mediate between the decontaminant precursor and the target contaminants, enabling controlled activation only when needed (upon moisture exposure) and reducing the risk of accidental exposure or environmental contamination during storage and transport.
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 solution provides a lightweight, efficient, and environmentally friendly means of decontaminating and deodorizing surfaces, effectively inactivating a broad spectrum of pathogens and odors, with the ability to be re-charged multiple times, reducing the need for frequent replacements and hazardous chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
The stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymer can be at least partially hydrated by an aqueous disinfectant solution comprising a disinfectant
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of the disinfectant can be taken up, stored, or released as an aqueous solution or a gaseous vapor upon interaction with a stimulus
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprising a substrate having a stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymer functionalized to or associated with a surface. The stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymer is at least partially hydrated by an aqueous disinfectant solution comprising a disinfectant. The disinfectant is formed-prior to hydrating the stimuli-responsive hydrogel polymer. At least a portion of the disinfectant is taken up, stored, or released as an aqueous solution or a gaseous vapor upon interaction with a stimulus.