Monovalent Copper Antimicrobial Coating Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antimicrobial and antiviral compositions and coatings face issues such as persistent antiviral effects requiring reapplication, high copper compound requirements for effectiveness, slow activation times, oxidation leading to decreased efficacy, and the need for increased particle projection for immediate effects.

Innovation Solution

An antimicrobial/antiviral composition incorporating monovalent copper compound microparticles coated with a dispersant and a hydrophilic compound dispersed in a resin, which increases the polar component contribution to the surface free energy of the coating or resin member, enhancing immediate antiviral effects even at low copper concentrations and preventing particle aggregation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large volume of monovalent copper compound is dispersed to achieve high antiviral effect, then antiviral effectiveness is improved, but coating film strength and adhesion deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantiviral effectivenessVSAvoidcoating film strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A dispersant is introduced as an intermediary substance to mediate between the monovalent copper compound microparticles and the resin matrix. The dispersant coats the copper particles, preventing direct interaction that would weaken the coating, while maintaining particle distribution for antiviral activity. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high copper content without sacrificing coating strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The coating forms a composite material system consisting of monovalent copper compound microparticles, dispersant, and resin. This composite structure allows the copper particles to provide antiviral function while the dispersant-resin matrix maintains mechanical integrity, enabling both high antiviral effectiveness and adequate coating strength simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If monovalent copper compound microparticles are used for antiviral spray, then antiviral effect is achieved, but particles remain at sprayed site requiring re-spraying after cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantiviral effectVSAvoidduration of antiviral effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the antiviral copper particles with a resin binder to form a coating that adheres to surfaces. This combination ensures the copper particles remain固定在 the sprayed site even after cleaning, eliminating the need for re-spraying while maintaining antiviral effectiveness throughout the coating's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resin forms a flexible film matrix that encapsulates and secures the copper particles on the surface. This thin film structure allows the coating to withstand cleaning processes while retaining the copper particles in their functional positions, providing long-lasting antiviral protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If platinum particles are fixed on fiber surface for antiviral property, then antiviral effect is achieved, but immediate effect of inactivating viruses is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantiviral effectVSAvoidspeed of virus inactivation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the valence parameter of copper from +2 (copper sulfate) to +1 (monovalent copper compound), which fundamentally alters the mechanism of viral inactivation. Monovalent copper acts more rapidly and directly on viral structures, providing immediate antiviral effect while maintaining sustained reliability, unlike platinum particles that require prolonged contact.

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

The composition achieves excellent immediate antimicrobial and antiviral performance by ensuring efficient contact with bacteria and viruses, maintaining effectiveness despite humidity and temperature fluctuations, and preventing copper oxidation.

Implementation Method 1

antimicrobial/antiviral agent including monovalent copper compound microparticles coated with a dispersant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface coating: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophilic compound that is dispersed in the resin and is immiscible with the resin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface free energy modification: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20240065273A1Antimicrobial/antiviral composition
Publication Date: 2024.02.29 NBC MESHTEC

AI summary

To provide an antimicrobial/antiviral composition having an excellent immediate effect while the content of monovalent copper compound is low.The antimicrobial/antiviral composition includes: a resin; an antimicrobial/antiviral agent containing monovalent copper compound microparticles coated with a dispersant; and a hydrophilic compound that is dispersed in the resin and is immiscible with the resin.