Method for producing a water-repellent textile

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing water-repellent aluminum oxide coatings on textiles, such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and sol-gel, are energy-intensive, use toxic precursors, and are not suitable for large-scale production, while traditional fluorinated coatings pose environmental and health risks.

Innovation Solution

A method using UV light and aluminum precursors, such as Al13 nanoclusters or aluminum nitrate, applied via solution deposition and photo-annealing, to create water-repellent textiles at low temperatures without organic additives, enabling scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If atomic layer deposition (ALD) is used to produce aluminum oxide coatings, then dense hydrophobic coating is achieved, but energy consumption increases and production scalability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal processing system with a photochemical system. Instead of using high-temperature thermal annealing to form aluminum oxide coatings, the invention uses ultraviolet light irradiation to induce photochemical reactions that form the coating at room temperature, thereby substituting thermal energy with optical energy and eliminating the need for energy-intensive heating equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from high temperature (thermal annealing) to room temperature (photochemical processing). By using ultraviolet light to activate the aluminum precursor solution, the coating formation occurs at ambient temperature, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining coating quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sol-gel method with microwave reactor is used, then aluminum oxide coating is produced, but process complexity increases and large-scale production becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating formationVSAvoidequipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the microwave reactor system with a simple UV light source. Instead of using microwave radiation to heat and process the aluminum precursor, the invention uses ultraviolet light to induce photochemical decomposition and coating formation, eliminating the need for complex microwave generation and control equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inexpensive, readily available materials: aluminum nitrate as precursor, water as solvent, and common UV lamps for processing. These simple, low-cost materials and equipment can be easily disposed of or replaced, making the process suitable for large-scale production without requiring expensive specialized equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional DWR coatings using PFCs are used, then water-repellent properties are achieved, but environmental toxicity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater-repellent propertyVSAvoidenvironmental toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, environmentally benign materials: aluminum nitrate (common chemical), water (safe solvent), and UV light (clean energy source). The resulting aluminum oxide coating is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, replacing harmful PFCs with safe, naturally occurring substances that pose no environmental risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from fluorinated compounds (PFCs) to aluminum oxide. By using aluminum-based precursors and photochemical processing, the invention produces inorganic aluminum oxide coatings that are inherently non-toxic and environmentally safe, eliminating the harmful fluorinated chemicals used in traditional DWR treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Produces durable, hydrophobic Al2O3 coatings on textiles with minimal energy input, using environmentally benign solvents, and is suitable for large-scale production, offering a greener alternative to PFAS coatings.

Implementation Method 1

photo-annealing the wetted textile with ultraviolet light having a wavelength in the range of 180 nm to 260 nm to produce an Al2O3 coating on fibers of the textile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoto-annealing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS12606951B2Method for producing a water-repellent textile

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

AI summary

A water-repellent textile is produce by applying to a textile a solution of Al13 nanoclusters or aluminum nitrate or hydrates of aluminum nitrate in a solvent to produce a wetted textile; and photo-annealing the wetted textile with ultraviolet light having a wavelength in the range of 180 nm to 260 nm to produce an Al2O3 coating on fibers of the textile. The textile may be, for example, cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, chiffon, nubuck, leather, burlap, silk, denim, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the solvent is a solubilizing organic solvent, pure water, or a miscible organic/water solvent mixture.