Metal Complexed Cyanurate Germicidal Additive for Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional germicidal additives in polymeric compositions, such as those based on silver, copper, and zinc, face issues like leaching, skin and olfactory irritation, and low thermal stability, limiting their effectiveness and safety for use in polymer applications.

Innovation Solution

A polymeric composition incorporating a metal complexed cyanurate germicidal additive, including transition metals like copper, nickel, or silver, which provides enhanced antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal efficacy while minimizing leaching and odor, and maintaining stability up to 300°C.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional germicidal additives (silver, copper, zinc) are used in polymeric compositions, then antibacterial and antiviral efficacy is achieved, but leaching occurs causing skin and olfactory irritation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegermicidal efficacyVSAvoidskin and olfactory irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses organic acids (fatty acids, aromatic carboxylic acids, or their salts) as intermediary compounds to complex with metal ions (silver, copper, zinc). This forms stable metal-organic acid complexes that serve as the active germicidal component, reducing direct contact between free metal ions and biological tissues, thereby minimizing irritation while maintaining efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates composite germicidal additives by combining metal ions with organic acid ligands to form coordination complexes. These composite materials integrate the antimicrobial properties of metals with the biocompatibility and stability of organic molecules, achieving both high germicidal activity and reduced toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional germicidal additives are used in polymeric compositions, then antimicrobial activity is achieved, but thermal stability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidthermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The metal-organic acid complexes form stable coordination compounds with enhanced thermal stability compared to simple metal salts. The organic ligands provide structural stability that allows these complexes to maintain their germicidal properties at elevated temperatures during polymer processing and application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of germicidal additives by changing from simple metal ions or inorganic compounds to metal-organic acid complexes. This parameter change increases the decomposition temperature and thermal stability of the active germicidal component, enabling use in high-temperature polymer applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If oxidizing agents (sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide) are used as germicidal additives, then broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity is achieved, but they interact with polymer components causing unwanted byproducts and have low thermal stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroad-spectrum antimicrobial activityVSAvoidunwanted byproducts and low thermal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using unstable oxidizing agents that decompose quickly and create harmful byproducts, the patent employs metal-organic acid complexes that provide sustained, stable antimicrobial activity without decomposition. These complexes act as long-lasting alternatives to short-lived oxidizers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of metal ion toxicity into benefit by using organic acid complexes that reduce toxicity while maintaining antimicrobial activity. The organic ligands act as protective groups that control metal ion release, transforming a harmful substance into a safe and effective germicidal agent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 metal complexed cyanurate composition exhibits at least 80% antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, resistance to fungal growth, and reduced leaching, with improved thermal stability and minimal chlorine odor compared to traditional additives.

Implementation Method 1

Hydrogen peroxide (C) and peracetic acid (D) can decompose to generate hydroxyl free radicals that can cleave or link to the proteins and lipid parts of the microbial.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

Sodium hypochlorite (A) and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (B) are known to slowly decompose to form water and reactive chloride anions which attack the microorganism.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDecomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20250019503A1Metal complexed cyanurate germicidal additive for polymer compositions

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV

AI summary

Polymeric compositions that include a polymer matrix and a germicidal additive dispersed in the polymer matrix are described. The germicidal additive includes a metal complexed cyanurate composition having a general formula of Ax[My(C3O3N3Cl2)z], where A is a counterion, x, y, and z are each independently 1 to 6, and M is a transition metal.