N-Halamine Polyethyleneimine Deposition for Activewear Odor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Activewear fabrics, particularly those made of cotton, polyester, and polyester/cotton blends, face persistent odor issues due to exposure to body fluids like perspiration, which conventional washing methods struggle to fully neutralize.

Innovation Solution

A polyethyleneimine compound containing N-halamine derivatives is introduced, which forms an odor control molecule that is deposited onto textile substrates during the laundering process, utilizing a laundry care composition to effectively neutralize unpleasant odors by reacting with stearic acid in the presence of a chlorine-containing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If conventional washing methods are used, then the fabric can be cleaned regularly, but the unpleasant odor builds up over time and is difficult to neutralize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor controlVSAvoidodor neutralization effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The odor control molecule is deposited onto the textile substrate in advance during the laundering process. This preliminary action ensures that the odor-neutralizing agent is already in place on the fabric before odor-causing body fluids are exposed to it, enabling immediate neutralization rather than requiring repeated strong washing treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The polyethyleneimine compound containing N-halamine acts as an intermediary substance between the odor-causing body fluids and the fabric. It mediates the odor neutralization process by reacting with odor molecules through its nitrogen-halogen bonds, converting harmful odor substances into neutral compounds without damaging the fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If repeated laundering is performed to remove odor, then the fabric can be cleaned multiple times, but the odor control performance deteriorates and requires increasingly stronger treatments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor buildupVSAvoidfreshness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deposited odor control molecule on the fabric performs self-service by continuously neutralizing odor-causing substances as they contact the fabric. Each time the fabric is worn and exposed to body fluids, the odor control molecule automatically reacts with and neutralizes odors without requiring external intervention or repeated washing, thereby maintaining freshness over an extended period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The odor control molecule provides continuous odor neutralization action every time the fabric is washed and worn. Rather than providing a single-time effect that diminishes over time, the molecule is replenished and reactivated during each laundering cycle, ensuring continuous protection and extending the overall freshness duration of the fabric.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If strong odor neutralizing agents are used, then the odor can be eliminated quickly, but the fabric may suffer from chemical damage or reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor elimination speedVSAvoidfabric durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the odor control molecule by using nitrogen-halogen bonds with specific bond energies and reactivities. This allows the molecule to be sufficiently reactive to quickly neutralize odors while being sufficiently stable to avoid damaging the fabric, achieving both fast odor elimination and fabric durability through precise parameter control.

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 odor control molecule significantly extends the freshness of activewear fabrics by neutralizing odor-causing molecules, improving odor control and wicking performance, while being deposited during each wash cycle.

Implementation Method 1

reacting with stearic acid in the presence of a chlorine-containing solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

polyethyleneimine compounds containing N-halamine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectN-halamine formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

deposited onto a textile substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 4

deposition onto textile substrates

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS11299591B2Polyethyleneimine compounds containing N-halamine and derivatives thereof

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 MILLIKEN & CO

AI summary

This invention relates to odor control molecules comprised of polyethyleneimine compounds containing N-halamine and derivatives thereof.