Hydroentangled Moist Wipe Binder for Strength and Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flushable moist wipes often take too long to break down in sanitation systems, risking blockages in toilets and water treatment systems, while attempts to enhance dispersibility may compromise in-use strength, and existing solutions are costly or use non-biodegradable materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of hydroentangled fibers combined with a small amount of an ion-triggerable binder composition, which provides high initial wet strength and rapid loss of strength under soak conditions, allowing for effective dispersion without the need for expensive binders or bi-component fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If known flushable moist wipes use additional structure (such as nets) or thermoplastically bonded bi-component fibers to improve in-use strength, then the in-use strength increases, but the dispersibility in sanitation systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using salt-sensitive binder polymers that change their physical state based on ionic environment. The binder transitions from a bound state in high-salt conditions (providing strength) to a swollen/dissolved state in low-salt conditions (enabling dispersibility). This is achieved by selecting polymers with specific salt sensitivity parameters that respond to the ionic strength differences between storage/usage and sanitation system environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using a binder system that dynamically adapts its binding characteristics. The salt-sensitive binder provides strong fiber bonding during storage and use, then dynamically transitions to allow rapid breakdown when exposed to sanitation system water. This dynamic behavior enables the wipe to maintain strength when needed and disperse when flushed, resolving the contradiction between strength and dispersibility.
2Productivity
If known flushable moist wipes use salt-sensitive binder to improve dispersibility, then the dispersibility increases, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by optimizing the salt sensitivity parameters of the binder polymer. By selecting polymers with appropriate glass transition temperatures and salt sensitivity characteristics, the invention achieves effective dispersibility at lower binder concentrations compared to conventional approaches. The parameter optimization allows use of cost-effective polymer types while maintaining the required performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable-like behavior through the salt-sensitive binder that is designed to break down after single use. The binder provides necessary strength during storage and use, then intentionally degrades in the sanitation system, eliminating the need for expensive, durable binding systems. This approach treats the binder as a temporary, single-use component that sacrifices itself for dispersibility.
3Strength
If known flushable moist wipes use high quantity of synthetic fibers to increase in-use strength, then the in-use strength increases, but the dispersibility deteriorates and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of fiber-binder interaction by using salt-sensitive binders that respond to ionic environment. Instead of relying on synthetic fiber durability for strength, the invention uses binder chemistry that changes state based on salt concentration. This allows natural or less durable synthetic fibers to provide sufficient strength when bound, then disperses readily when the binder responds to sanitation system water chemistry.
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 combination of hydroentangled fibers and a low-addition ion-triggerable binder composition results in moist wipes with high initial strength, rapid dispersibility, and cost-effectiveness, addressing the issues of in-use strength and sanitation system compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
When the used moist wipes are exposed to the water of the toilet and/or sewer system, the binder swells thereby allowing and potentially even assisting in the wipes falling apart
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is generally directed to a dispersible moist wipe comprising hydroentangled fibers and a binder composition. The moist wipe demonstrates high initial wet strength while maintaining effective dispersion in an aqueous environment. The moist wipe has potential application as a flushable surface cleaning product and/or a flushable cleansing cloth.