Nanosilver Biocide Coating for Building Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biocides used in building materials are ineffective against a wide range of biological organisms, prone to volatilization or degradation during manufacturing, toxic to workers, and require high doses, leading to increased costs and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
Integration of nanosilver materials into building material coatings, such as on non-woven substrates, to provide long-lasting, low-dose, and non-toxic protection against bacteria, fungi, molds, and algae, utilizing nanosilver's antimicrobial properties without affecting the material's properties or aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in building materials, then biocidal protection is provided, but the biocides volatilize or degrade during manufacturing, lose effectiveness, and require high doses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and size parameter of silver from bulk or ionic form to nanoscale particles (1-100 nm), which fundamentally alters the biocidal mechanism and effectiveness. This parameter change enables long-lasting protection without volatilization or degradation during manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates nanosilver particles into composite building materials such as coatings, paints, and polymer matrices. This composite approach stabilizes the nanosilver during manufacturing while maintaining its biocidal activity, resolving the contradiction between stability and effectiveness
2Reliability
If high doses of conventional biocides are used to ensure effectiveness, then biocidal protection is improved, but costs increase and aesthetic issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the size parameter to nanoscale, the surface area to volume ratio increases dramatically, enhancing biocidal activity per unit mass. This allows effective protection at very low concentrations (ppm levels), eliminating the need for high doses and associated costs and aesthetic problems
Solution Approach 2:
The nanosilver particles provide concentrated biocidal action at the surface where biological organisms contact the material, rather than requiring uniform high concentration throughout the entire material. This local quality enhancement achieves effectiveness with minimal quantity
3Reliability
If conventional biocides are applied to building materials, then some biocidal activity is achieved, but the biocides are toxic to workers and cause health concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The nanosilver particles function as single-use biocidal agents that release their activity and then stabilize, eliminating the need for reapplication and reducing long-term toxic exposure risks to workers and occupants compared to conventional biocides that require ongoing maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The transformation to nanoscale particles changes the biocidal mechanism from bulk chemical toxicity to surface-mediated antimicrobial action, which is effective at such low concentrations that toxicity concerns are minimized while maintaining reliability
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 nanosilver coating effectively inhibits the growth of biological organisms, maintaining material integrity and occupant health with reduced toxicity and cost, while maintaining the material's appearance and performance.
Implementation Method 1
Silver is generally a safe and effective antimicrobial metal. Ag+ (silver) ions generated from the coating act as a shield against growth of bacterial and other microbial organisms. These ions, due to their inherent anti-bacterial properties, destroy the bacteria and prevent further reproduction
Implementation Method 2
When silver nano particles come into contact with bacteria, they suppress the respiration of bacteria. This, in turn, adversely affects bacteria's cellular metabolism and inhibits cell growth
Data Source
AI summary
Nanosilver for use as a biocide in coated fibrous substrate facers and other construction and/or building substrates, for protection against bacteria (particularly cyanobacteria), fungi, molds, algae and other bio-organisms known to deface and/or adversely affect such building materials. Facers referred to are commonly used in the construction industry as exposed surfaces for insulation and sheathing boards.