Micro-Nano Composite Polymeric Material for Oil-Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric materials used for oil-water separation, such as cellulose films or fibers, lack durability and effective surface functionality for high-viscosity oil separation, and existing surface treatment methods are not environmentally friendly or suitable for large-area production.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric material with a micro-nano composite structure is developed, featuring concavo-convex grooves and nanoscale protrusions formed through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment without a mask, enhancing hydrophilicity and oil repellency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polymeric materials (cellulose films or fibers) are used for oil-water separation, then the material is readily available and easy to manufacture, but the surface roughness at nanometer level is insufficient and durability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary surface structuring to polymeric materials by forming micro-nano composite structures through plasma treatment before the materials are deployed for oil-water separation. This preliminary action of surface modification enhances durability and surface functionality without complicating the overall manufacturing process, as the plasma treatment can be applied to readily available cellulose materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface parameters of polymeric materials by introducing micro-nano composite structures through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. This parameter change in surface roughness and chemistry improves durability and oil-water separation performance while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes.
2Reliability
If surface treatment methods (wet etching, UV treatment, plasma/ion treatment) are applied to improve hydrophilicity, then surface functionality is enhanced, but the processes are not environmentally friendly or suitable for large-area production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional wet etching and chemical treatment methods with atmospheric pressure plasma treatment. This substitution eliminates the need for harmful chemicals and wet processing steps, making the surface treatment environmentally friendly while maintaining effectiveness for large-area production of hydrophilic surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer surface through plasma treatment, achieving enhanced hydrophilicity and surface functionality without introducing harmful chemicals. This parameter change approach allows for environmentally friendly processing suitable for large-scale manufacturing.
3Reliability
If existing surface treatment methods are used to enhance hydrophilicity, then water absorption is improved, but adhesion between coating material and base material is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary surface structuring through plasma treatment to create micro-nano composite structures that enhance both hydrophilicity and adhesion. This preliminary action prepares the surface to better accept and bond with coating materials or functional layers, solving the adhesion limitation of conventional treatment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure combining micro-scale and nano-scale features through plasma treatment. This micro-nano composite structure enhances both the hydrophilic properties and the mechanical interlocking capability, thereby improving adhesion between the polymer surface and coating materials.
4Reliability
If polymeric materials are used for high-viscosity oil-water separation, then oil separation functionality needs improvement, but current materials lack sufficient surface structuring for high-viscosity oils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary surface structuring through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment to create micro-nano composite structures optimized for high-viscosity oil separation. This preliminary action enhances the separation functionality without requiring complex device design, as the surface structuring is achieved through a relatively simple plasma processing step.
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 material exhibits improved hydrophilicity and oleophobicity, enabling effective oil-water separation and purification, with a simple, environmentally friendly manufacturing process suitable for large-area production.
Implementation Method 1
atmospheric pressure plasma treatment without a mask, enhancing hydrophilicity and oil repellency
Implementation Method 2
enhancing hydrophilicity and oil repellency
Implementation Method 3
enhancing hydrophilicity and oil repellency
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a polymeric material having a micro-nano composite structure, a device including the same, and a method of manufacturing the polymeric material. The polymeric material includes a polymer fiber or film, wherein the polymer fiber or film has, on a surface thereof, a micro-nano composite structure including a microstructure containing concavo-convex grooves having a microscale semi-cylindrical shape (“”) and a nanopattern containing nanoscale protrusions formed on a surface of the microstructure. The polymeric material has excellent absorbency and hydrophilic or super-hydrophilic surface properties, and also has oleophobic or super-oleophilic properties in water, and thus may be effectively applied to fields such as oil-water separation, purification, and filters. The polymeric material may be readily manufactured through an environmentally friendly, large-area atmospheric pressure plasma process.