Metal Microparticles Star Polymer Dispersing Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispersion solutions containing fine metal particles face challenges with low yields, instability at higher concentrations, and limited solvent compatibility, which affects their antibacterial efficacy and transparency.
Innovation Solution
Fine metal particles coated with a dispersing agent having a star polymer structure and fatty acid/glyceride, allowing for homogeneous dispersion in various solvents without aggregation, using a process that includes heating and mixing with a fatty acid metal salt in glycerin, followed by extraction and dilution with suitable solvents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fine metal particles are dispersed in a solvent to create an antibacterial composition, then antibacterial power is improved, but the particles tend to aggregate and precipitate, reducing dispersion stability
Solution Approach 1:
A dispersing agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the fine metal particles and the solvent. The dispersing agent contains both hydrophilic groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) and hydrophobic groups (alkyl chains), allowing it to adsorb onto the metal particle surfaces while simultaneously being compatible with the solvent system. This dual-nature structure prevents particle aggregation and maintains stable dispersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system consisting of fine metal particles, dispersing agent, and solvent. The dispersing agent forms a coating layer on the metal particles, creating a composite structure that combines the antibacterial properties of metal particles with the stabilizing properties of the dispersing agent, achieving both effectiveness and stability.
2Reliability
If the concentration of fine metal particles is increased to enhance antibacterial efficacy, then antibacterial power is improved, but dispersion stability decreases and aggregation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersing agent acts as a mediator that maintains particle separation even at high concentrations. By adsorbing onto particle surfaces and providing steric and electrostatic repulsion, it prevents aggregation that would normally occur at higher concentrations, allowing enhanced antibacterial efficacy without sacrificing stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional dispersants are used to prevent aggregation, then dispersion stability is improved, but transparency and efficient use of silver are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the key parameters of the dispersing agent - using low molecular weight compounds (50-5000 Da) with specific functional groups rather than conventional high molecular weight polymers. This parameter change allows the dispersing agent to provide stabilization while being transparent and not interfering with the optical properties of the final composition.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple additives are used to achieve stable dispersion and prevent aggregation, then dispersion stability is improved, but the complexity of the composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispersing agent is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the dispersion, prevents aggregation, maintains transparency, and is compatible with various solvents and resin systems. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate additives, simplifying the overall composition while achieving comprehensive performance.
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 achieves stable dispersion of fine metal particles across different solvents, maintaining antibacterial efficacy and transparency, even at varying concentrations, and allows for efficient production and use in diverse applications.
Implementation Method 1
adding a fatty acid metal salt of the metal of any one of Ag, Cu or Zn to the glycerin followed by heating and mixing
Implementation Method 2
heating and mixing with a fatty acid metal salt in glycerin, followed by extraction
Implementation Method 3
a dispersing agent having an acid value and an amine value which are both in a range of 0 to 20 mgKOH/g... having a star polymer structure... coordinated on the surfaces thereof
Implementation Method 4
a glyceride coordinated around the fatty acid or on the particle surface
Implementation Method 5
extracting the fine metal particles from the glycerin into the solvent
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Fine metal particles of any one of Ag, Cu or Zn having a dispersing agent that is coordinated on the surfaces thereof, the dispersing agent having an acid value and an amine value which are both in a range of 0 to 20 mgKOH/g (wherein when either the acid value or the amine value is 0, the other one is not 0), and a dispersion solution in which the fine metal particles are dispersed. The fine metal particles and the dispersion solution containing the fine metal particles can be diluted with various kinds of solvents of either the water type or the organic type, and feature excellent dispersion property even after having been diluted.