Master Batch for Ultrafine Metal Particle Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deodorants and adsorbents face issues such as saturation of adsorption sites, decreased adsorption performance due to resin coverage, and impaired moldability when ultrafine metal particles are used, as well as the need for continuous UV irradiation for photo-catalytic deodorants, and handling difficulties with ultrafine metal particle dispersion.

Innovation Solution

A master batch comprising a thermoplastic resin and metal organoates, specifically with Cu, Ag, Au, In, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, Nb, Sn, or Rh, where the metal organoate is thermally decomposed to form ultrafine metal particles with a controlled average diameter of 1-100 nm, ensuring homogeneous dispersion and maintaining resin integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ultrafine metal particles are added to resin to improve adsorption performance, then adsorption effect is enhanced, but resin decomposition occurs and moldability is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption performanceVSAvoidresin decomposition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an organic acid component as an intermediary substance that forms a protective layer on the surface of ultrafine metal particles. This intermediary layer prevents direct contact between the metal particles and resin, thereby suppressing resin decomposition while maintaining the adsorption performance of the metal particles. The organic acid acts as a mediator that allows the metal particles to function without causing harmful effects to the resin.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If inorganic filler is used to improve dispersion property, then dispersion is enhanced, but adsorption sites are covered and adsorption effect decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion propertyVSAvoidadsorption effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface chemical parameters of the inorganic filler by coating it with organic acid. This parameter change modifies the surface properties of the filler to reduce its affinity for adsorption sites while maintaining its dispersion function. The organic acid coating alters the surface chemistry so that the filler disperses the metal particles effectively without covering the active adsorption sites.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If ultrafine metal particles are used to enhance adsorption, then adsorption capacity increases, but handling difficulty increases due to aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption capacityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The organic acid component serves as a dispersing intermediary between ultrafine metal particles, preventing their aggregation during handling and processing. The organic acid molecules adsorb onto the metal particle surfaces, creating steric or electrostatic repulsion that keeps particles separated and easily handleable while preserving their high adsorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If photo-catalytic deodorant is used to achieve deodorizing effect, then deodorizing performance is improved, but continuous UV irradiation is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeodorizing performanceVSAvoidUV irradiation requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the UV irradiation requirement from the photo-catalytic deodorizing system by using organic acid-coated metal particles that can function without continuous UV light. The organic acid coating enables the metal particles to provide deodorizing effects through alternative mechanisms that do not depend on photo-catalysis, thereby removing the need for continuous energy input in the form of UV irradiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 master batch effectively expresses adsorption performance only in the molded article, maintaining stability and enhancing the dispersion and adsorption efficiency of ultrafine metal particles, while preventing resin decomposition and maintaining moldability.

Implementation Method 1

the metal organoate is thermally decomposed to form ultrafine metal particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

capable of adsorbing offensively smelling components such as methyl mercaptans or volatile organic compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8916634B2Master batch, method of producing the same and method of molding articles thereof
Publication Date: 2014.12.23 TOYO SEIKAN KAISHA LTD

AI summary

A master batch for use in forming ultrafine metal particles serving as an adsorptive material, a method of producing the same, and a method of molding an article containing ultrafine metal particles by using the master batch. The master batch comprises a thermoplastic resin and a metal organoate contained therein, the metal of the metal organoate being selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, In, Pd, Pt, Fe, Ni, Co, Zn, Nb, Sn, Ru and Rh. Adsorption performance is not expressed by the master batch but is expressed by an article molded by blending the resin with the master batch.