Nonwoven fibrous material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nonwoven fibrous materials used for disposable towels and wipes are not biodegradable and recyclable, posing environmental challenges in sanitation facilities and sewage treatment plants, while requiring high wet strength to prevent tearing and breakage.
Innovation Solution
A nonwoven fibrous web material composed of 10% to 95% fresh cellulose fibers from Miscanthus x giganteus and at least 5% biodegradable regenerated fibers, produced through a wet-laid or dry-laid process, with hydroentanglement for high wet strength and biodegradability, allowing it to break down in water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nonwoven fibrous materials are made from synthetic fibers to achieve high wet strength, then tearing and puncture resistance is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining biodegradable cellulose fibers from Miscanthus x giganteus with biodegradable regenerated fibers (such as viscose or lyocell) to create a nonwoven material that achieves high wet strength without synthetic components. The regenerated fibers provide structural integrity and wet strength while both fiber types maintain biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental compatibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nonwoven materials are made from biodegradable fibers to improve environmental compatibility, then biodegradability is improved, but wet strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the composition ratios, fiber lengths, and processing parameters of biodegradable fibers to enhance wet strength. Specifically, the combination of fresh cellulose fibers from Miscanthus x giganteus with biodegradable regenerated fibers in controlled proportions, along with hydroentanglement processing parameters, creates sufficient wet strength while maintaining complete biodegradability.
3Strength
If synthetic fibers are used in disposable towels, then wet strength is improved, but recyclability and biodegradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by creating a single-use nonwoven material from fully biodegradable fibers that provides sufficient wet strength for its intended short-lived application. The material is designed to fulfill its functional purpose in disposable towels and wipes, then naturally decompose in sanitation facilities, eliminating the need for recycling while maintaining performance during use.
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 material achieves high dry and wet strength, excellent handleability, and biodegradability, enabling it to dissolve in water, thus addressing environmental concerns and improving usability in sanitation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The regenerated fiber content in the fiber composition provides the fiber nonwoven material with high strength, in particular high wet strength
Implementation Method 2
the fiber nonwoven material may be hydroentangled
Implementation Method 3
they must also break down into smaller pieces or fibers within the moving water present in a sanitary facility, a sewage system or a sewage treatment plant
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-woven fibrous nonwoven material comprising, based on the total weight of the fibrous nonwoven material, a) 10 wt.% to 95 wt.% virgin cellulose fibers from plants of the species Miscanthus x giganteus and b) at least 5 wt.% biodegradable regenerated fibers.