Oxidized Cellulose Bleaching Process for Odor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for modifying cellulose to improve its properties such as odor control, absorption, and softness are limited, and often require expensive materials or complex processes, while also maintaining fiber strength and brightness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a four-stage or three-stage bleaching process with catalytic oxidation using hydrogen peroxide and copper- or iron-containing catalysts under acidic conditions, followed by potential carboxylating acid treatments, to increase carbonyl and carboxyl content in cellulose, enhancing its functional characteristics without compromising its physical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If cellulose is chemically modified to improve odor control, absorption, and softness, then functional characteristics are enhanced, but fiber strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the degree of oxidation through specific reaction conditions (catalyst type, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, pH) to achieve the desired balance between functional enhancement and strength maintenance. The carboxyl content is precisely controlled to improve odor control and absorption while maintaining fiber strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydrogen peroxide as a strong oxidant in catalytic oxidation treatment to efficiently introduce carbonyl and carboxyl groups into the cellulose structure. This accelerated oxidation process enhances functional characteristics (odor control, absorption) while the catalytic system allows control over the oxidation degree to preserve fiber strength.
2Quantity of substance
If cellulose is oxidized to increase carbonyl and carboxyl content, then absorption and odor control improve, but viscosity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting oxidation conditions (catalyst concentration, hydrogen peroxide dosage, reaction temperature, pH) to control the extent of carboxyl group introduction. This allows achieving high carboxyl content for improved absorption while managing the associated viscosity reduction through optimized reaction parameters.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If expensive materials like cotton or high alpha content sulfite pulp are used, then performance characteristics are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using cost-effective bleached pulp as the starting material and achieving high performance through chemical modification. Instead of using expensive raw materials like cotton or high-alpha sulfite pulp, the invention creates value through the oxidation process that introduces functional groups for odor control and absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the oxidation process to transform ordinary bleached pulp into a high-performance material with improved odor control and absorption characteristics. By controlling oxidation degree and carboxyl content, the invention achieves performance comparable to expensive celluloses at lower manufacturing cost.
4Illumination intensity
If multi-stage bleaching processes are used to improve brightness and purity, then functional characteristics are enhanced, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bleaching and oxidation processes by integrating catalytic oxidation treatment into the bleaching sequence. This combination allows simultaneous achievement of brightness improvement and functional enhancement (odor control, absorption) without requiring separate complex processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a bleaching process that simultaneously achieves multiple objectives: brightness improvement, purification, and functional enhancement through oxidation. The integrated process performs multiple functions in a unified sequence, reducing overall process complexity.
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 method produces oxidized cellulose with improved odor control, absorption, and softness, while maintaining or improving fiber strength and brightness, allowing for its use in various products as a replacement for expensive celluloses, including in packaging materials and consumer products.
Implementation Method 1
oxidizing the pulp with hydrogen peroxide and at least one catalyst chosen from at least one of a copper-containing catalyst and an iron-containing catalyst under acidic conditions
Implementation Method 2
at least one stage of the four-stage bleaching process is an oxidizing stage comprising oxidizing the pulp with hydrogen peroxide and at least one catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to improved products containing oxidized cellulose. This disclosure further relates to improved methods of making oxidized cellulose in multi- stage bleaching processes, including, for example, in four-stage and three-stage bleaching processes. This disclosure further relates to products made therefrom, including wipe, tissue, towel, and napkin products.