Temperature-Sensitive Microgel Deodorant Particles for Textile Adherence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional deodorants for personal care products like sanitary napkins and diapers lack controlled release of deodorant agents at specific temperatures, leading to loss due to evaporation and penetration, and have poor adherence to textiles.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of temperature-sensitive microgel deodorant particles through polymerization using (N-substituted alkyl)acrylamide as the main monomer, functional monomers for bonding, and cross-linking agents, which are then attached to fibrous substrates using hydrogen bonds or binding agents for controlled release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If deodorant agents are applied to personal care products using conventional methods, then deodorizing function is provided, but deodorant substances are lost due to evaporation and penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of deodorant substancesVSAvoidcontrolled release capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) parameter of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) to achieve temperature-dependent controlled release. The microgel particles remain swollen and retain deodorant agents at low temperatures (below LCST), then collapse and release agents at body temperature (above LCST), preventing loss while enabling reliable controlled release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) at its LCST (approximately 32°C). Below this temperature, the polymer is hydrophilic and swollen, trapping deodorant agents. Above this temperature, the polymer becomes hydrophobic and collapses, releasing the agents. This phase transition mechanism prevents evaporation and penetration loss while providing temperature-controlled release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Reliability

If deodorant substances are applied to fibrous materials, then deodorizing function is achieved, but adherence to textiles is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadherence to textilesVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the deodorant system into discrete microgel particles (1-100 μm diameter) that can be separately synthesized and then uniformly distributed on fibrous materials. This segmentation enables easy attachment to textiles while maintaining deodorizing function, resolving the contradiction between adherence and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses microgel particles as intermediary carriers between the deodorant agents and the fibrous substrates. These microgels can be easily attached to textiles through various methods (adhesives, electrostatic forces, mechanical entanglement) while holding and releasing deodorant agents, thus improving adherence without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If deodorant agents are released continuously, then deodorizing coverage is maintained, but loss due to evaporation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeodorizing coverageVSAvoidevaporation loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic release of deodorant agents triggered by temperature cycles. The microgel particles release agents periodically when exposed to body temperature (above LCST) and reabsorb them when temperature drops (below LCST). This periodic action maintains deodorizing coverage while minimizing continuous evaporation loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the reversible phase transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) at LCST to control release timing. The phase transition occurs only when temperature exceeds LCST (e.g., at body temperature), preventing continuous release and associated evaporation losses while maintaining effective deodorizing coverage when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method enables secure attachment and controlled release of deodorant agents at specific temperatures, reducing loss and enhancing adherence to textiles, thus providing effective odor control.

Implementation Method 1

the polymer particles have a lower critical solution temperature, and the polymer particles are formed at a temperature above the lower critical solution temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLower critical solution temperature: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a functional monomer for bonding the polymer particles to a fibrous substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bond: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS7968083B2Methods of manufacturing deodorants, and deodorants resulting thereof

Publication Date: 2011.06.28 THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIV

AI summary

This invention provides a deodorant capable of releasing deodorant agents at certain temperatures and having improved adherence to textiles. The deodorant of this invention includes polymer particles formed by reacting a main monomer of (N-substituted alkyl)acrylamide, a functional monomer for bonding the polymer particles to a fibrous substrate, and a cross-linking agent. A deodorant agent is loaded to the polymer particles.