Modified natural material and use thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oil-resistant agents for paper containers face challenges in achieving effective oil resistance while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly, as existing solutions often require pH adjustment and have difficulties in miscibility, leading to suboptimal performance.

Innovation Solution

A modified natural product with a hydroxy group replaced by an R group, where Y is a direct bond, C(═O), C(═O)NR′, or C(═S)NR′, and Z is an optionally-substituted hydrocarbon group or polysiloxane, providing excellent oil resistance and biodegradability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oxidized starch or hydrophobized starch is combined with an epichlorohydrin-modified fatty acid-based sizing agent to achieve oil resistance, then oil resistance is improved, but pH adjustment is required to prevent acetic acid odor and miscibility between the modified starch and fatty acid sizing agent is difficult to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil resistanceVSAvoidpH adjustment and composition control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical structure parameters of the starch by introducing specific modifying groups (long-chain alkyl groups with 12-40 carbon atoms, aryl groups with 6-20 carbon atoms, or polysiloxane groups) directly onto the starch molecule. This structural modification inherently provides oil resistance without requiring pH adjustment or complex composition control, as the hydrophobic modifying groups directly interact with oil molecules to prevent penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite material by chemically bonding hydrophobic modifying groups (fatty acid groups, aromatic groups, or polysiloxane groups) to the starch backbone. This composite structure combines the biodegradability and film-forming properties of starch with the oil-repelling properties of the modifying groups, achieving effective oil resistance without the need for additional pH adjustment agents or complex mixing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If cellulose acetate film is used to impart oil resistance, water resistance, and heat resistance to food containers, then these properties are improved, but the environmental friendliness and biodegradability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoil resistance, water resistance, and heat resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention modifies the degree of substitution and the type of modifying groups on the starch molecule to achieve the desired balance between performance and biodegradability. By controlling the substitution degree (partial rather than complete substitution) and selecting biocompatible modifying groups, the material maintains oil, water, and heat resistance while preserving biodegradability and environmental friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses starch, a renewable and biodegradable resource, as the base material instead of petroleum-based cellulose acetate. The modified starch provides sufficient durability for food container applications while being fully biodegradable, aligning with the trend toward disposable, environmentally friendly packaging solutions that do not persist in the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 modified natural product-based oil-resistant agent exhibits superior oil resistance and biodegradability, making it suitable for use in paper containers without the need for pH adjustment and with improved miscibility, thus addressing environmental concerns.

Implementation Method 1

a modified natural product having at least one hydroxy group, wherein a hydrogen atom of the hydroxy group of the natural product is replaced with an R group represented by: —Y—Z wherein Y is a direct bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—NR′—, or —C(═S)—NR′—, where R′ is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and Z is an optionally-substituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms, or a polysiloxane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS20230220217A1Modified natural material and use thereof
Publication Date: 2023.07.13 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US20230220217A1 patent drawing
  • US20230220217A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An oil repellent agent including a modified natural product having at least one hydroxyl group, wherein a hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group is replaced with an R group represented by —Y—Z, wherein Y represents a direct bond, —C(═O)—, —C(═O)—NR′— or —C(═S)—NR′—, where R′ represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C4 alkyl group); and Z represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms and optionally having a substituent or a polysiloxane. The natural material is a natural product other than starch and preferably is a monosaccharide, a polysaccharide, glycerin or polyglycerin. Also disclosed is a textile product to which the oil-resistant agent is attached, an oil-resistant paper and a method of treating paper with the oil-resistant agent.