Nanocellulose surface coated support material

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of natural fibers in polymer composites is limited by their inherent variability, low thermal stability, and hydrophilic nature, which results in a weak mechanical interaction with the matrix, leading to reduced tensile properties and limited practical applications. Additionally, chemical treatments to improve hydrophobicity involve hazardous chemicals and increase production costs.

Innovation Solution

A process for producing a surface-coated support material by contacting a support material with an aqueous dispersion of nanocellulose, where the nanocellulose is purified and applied as a dense layer or oriented perpendicularly to the surface, enhancing the mechanical interlocking with the matrix and improving the composite's mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If natural fibers are used as reinforcement in polymer composites, then the composites exhibit high specific strength, low density, and biodegradability, but the mechanical interaction between reinforcement and matrix is weak due to hydrophilic nature and surface variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical interaction between reinforcement and matrixVSAvoidhydrophilic nature of natural fibers

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A silane coupling agent acts as an intermediary substance between the hydrophilic natural fiber surface and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. The coupling agent contains both hydrophilic groups that bond to the fiber surface and hydrophobic groups that are compatible with the polymer matrix, thereby improving mechanical interaction and reducing the harmful effect of the fiber's hydrophilic nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The surface properties of natural fibers are modified by changing parameters such as surface chemistry through chemical treatments (e.g., silane coupling, acetylation, or benzoylation) to reduce hydrophilicity and improve compatibility with the polymer matrix, thereby enhancing mechanical interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If chemical treatments are applied to natural fibers to improve hydrophobicity, then compatibility with polymer matrix improves, but hazardous chemicals are used and production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrophobicity of natural fibersVSAvoidhazardous chemical waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs silane coupling agents that can be applied in small quantities and provide effective surface modification. The treatment process uses minimal chemicals that can be easily rinsed off, reducing hazardous waste generation while achieving the desired hydrophobicity improvement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex multi-step chemical treatments with a simplified silane coupling process that achieves similar or better results with fewer hazardous chemicals. The silane treatment can be performed in a single step followed by simple drying, substituting for multiple harsh chemical treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If natural fibers are used as reinforcement, then composites are renewable and biodegradable, but thermal stability is low and tensile properties reduce after processing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal stability of natural fibersVSAvoidtensile properties after processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The silane coupling agent serves as a protective intermediary layer on the fiber surface that stabilizes the fiber during processing. This coating protects the natural fiber from thermal degradation and mechanical damage during composite processing, thereby maintaining tensile properties while preserving the renewable and biodegradable characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 nanocellulose coating increases the surface area of the support material, leading to enhanced mechanical interlocking between fibers and matrix, resulting in improved tensile, flexural, and visco-elastic properties of the composite materials, while also reducing the need for hazardous chemical treatments.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a support material with an aqueous dispersion of nanocellulose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3808893A1Nanocellulose surface coated support material

Publication Date: 2021.04.21 PROF BISMARCK ALEXANDER

Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a)~2(l)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a process for the production of a surface coated support material wherein said process comprises contacting a support material with an aqueous dispersion of nanocellulose. The surface coated support material can be used in a composite material. The invention therefore further relates to the surface coated support material per se, a composite comprising the material, a process for the production of the composite material and an article produced from the composite material.