Oxidized Polysaccharide Reinforcement of Cellulosic Materials

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reinforcing agents for cellulosic materials, such as paper and textile fibers, are ineffective in enhancing strength in both wet and dry states, often require toxic petrochemicals, and involve complex processes, posing environmental and economic challenges.

Innovation Solution

A compound comprising oxidized xyloglucan polysaccharides, adsorbed onto cellulosic materials, forms hemiacetal bonds to enhance strength in both wet and dry states, using environmentally friendly methods and natural compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If petrochemical additives (glyoxal, formaldehyde, epichlorohydrin) are used to enhance wet strength, then wet strength is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet strengthVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters by using oxidized polysaccharides with aldehyde groups instead of traditional petrochemical additives. The oxidation degree and chemical structure of the polysaccharide are controlled to achieve effective wet strength enhancement without toxicity, replacing harmful substances like glyoxal and formaldehyde with natural alternatives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite system combining oxidized polysaccharides with cellulosic materials. The polysaccharide derivative forms hemiacetal bonds with hydroxyl groups on cellulose, creating a reinforced composite structure that provides both wet and dry strength while maintaining environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If different additives are used to enhance dry strength and wet strength separately, then each state's strength is improved, but process complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedry and wet strengthVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxidized polysaccharide additive serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances both dry strength and wet strength of cellulosic materials. The aldehyde groups formed during oxidation enable the polysaccharide to act as a universal reinforcing agent that performs multiple technical functions without requiring separate additives for different states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of dry strength enhancement and wet strength enhancement into a single additive system. The oxidized polysaccharide combines the benefits of both functions in one compound, eliminating the need to use different additives for different states and simplifying the overall process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If oxidized polysaccharides are used to enhance both wet and dry strength, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity may increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewet and dry strength enhancementVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The polysaccharide is pre-oxidized to introduce aldehyde groups before application to the cellulosic material. This preliminary chemical modification enables the polysaccharide to form hemiacetal bonds with cellulose hydroxyl groups, providing both wet and dry strength enhancement while maintaining ease of manufacture through a straightforward oxidation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 compound effectively reinforces cellulosic materials by forming stable hemiacetal bonds, improving mechanical properties in both dry and wet conditions without altering existing processes, and reducing the use of toxic materials.

Implementation Method 1

a compound comprising an association of at least one polysaccharide adsorbed on a cellulosic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

said aldehyde functions forming hemiacetal functions with hydroxy functions of the cellulosic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3847198B1Functionalization and reinforcement in the dry state and in the wet state of a cellulosic material by an oxidized polysaccharide

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 CENT NAT DE LA RECH SCI (C N R S)

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AI summary

The invention relates to compounds, in particular based on polysaccharides that are adsorbed on a cellulosic material. The present invention relates in particular to the application of such compounds as reinforcing agent for cellulosic materials, in the wet and/or dry state. The invention relates to compounds comprising a combination of at least one polysaccharide adsorbed on a cellulosic material, said polysaccharide comprising at least two different monosaccharide units, forming first and second monosaccharide units, said second monosaccharide units being branched on a chain comprising at least said first monosaccharide units, at least some of the second monosaccharide units being non-cyclic and bearing aldehyde functions, said aldehyde functions possibly forming hemiacetal functions with hydroxy functions of the cellulosic material.