Paper Web Crosslinking Composition for Wet Strength and Biodegradability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper and non-woven webs face challenges in achieving high tensile strength in both dry and wet states, particularly under extreme conditions, while also requiring biodegradability and ecological friendliness, as current solutions like polysaccharides provide insufficient wet-state stability and are based on non-biodegradable oil-based compounds.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating carboxylic acids, halogenated heteroaromatic compounds, and their salts as crosslinking or functionalization agents, which form covalent bonds with fibers to enhance tensile strength and biodegradability, and combining these with polysaccharides like carboxymethyl cellulose to control properties such as porosity and wettability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polysaccharides are used as crosslinking agents, then biodegradability is improved, but wet-state tensile strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidwet-state tensile strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines polysaccharides (biodegradable component) with carboxylic acids and halogenated heteroaromatic compounds (crosslinking agents) to create a composite crosslinking system. This composite approach allows the material to maintain biodegradability while achieving sufficient wet-state tensile strength through the synergistic effect of multiple crosslinking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the crosslinking system by introducing specific carboxylic acids and halogenated heteroaromatic compounds with controlled molecular weights and functional groups. These parameter changes enable the crosslinking agents to form stable covalent bonds that maintain tensile strength in wet conditions while preserving the biodegradable nature of the polysaccharide matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If oil-based compounds are used to improve wet-state tensile strength, then strength is improved, but biodegradability and ecological friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewet-state tensile strengthVSAvoidbiodegradability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters from oil-based compounds to water-soluble carboxylic acids and halogenated heteroaromatic compounds. These parameter changes maintain the crosslinking functionality and wet-state tensile strength while eliminating the non-biodegradable hydrocarbon chains characteristic of oil-based compounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs small molecular weight crosslinking agents (carboxylic acids and halogenated heteroaromatic compounds) that can perform their crosslinking function effectively and then be degraded or removed, replacing the persistent oil-based compounds with shorter-lived, biodegradable alternatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If crosslinking agents are added to enhance tensile strength, then strength is improved, but control of porosity and wettability becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile strengthVSAvoidcontrol of porosity and wettability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the crosslinking function from the porosity and wettability control functions. By using specific carboxylic acids and halogenated heteroaromatic compounds as dedicated crosslinking agents, the patent maintains independent control over porosity and wettability through other additives like polysaccharides, avoiding the interference that would result from using complex multifunctional crosslinking agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides paper and non-woven webs with superior tensile strength in both dry and wet states, including extreme pH conditions, while ensuring biodegradability and ecological sustainability, effectively replacing oil-based compounds.

Implementation Method 1

The crosslinking or functionalization agent forms covalent bonds with fiber hydroxyl groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCovalent bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

an additive of an amphiphilic compound, such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmphiphilic interaction: Amphiphiles

Data Source

PatentEP2951341B1Crosslinking/functionalization system for a paper or non-woven web
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 GLATFELTER GERNSBACH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2951341B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1E
  • EP2951341B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2951341B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a paper or non-woven web, comprising fibers and at least one crosslinking or functionalization agent selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids, halogenated heteroaromatic compounds and salts thereof, wherein said at least one crosslinking or functionalization agent has a molecular weight of not more than 1000 g/mol, and wherein at least a part of said crosslinking or functionalization agent is bound to said fibers, a process for producing said paper or non-woven web, and the use of said crosslinking or functionalization agent in a paper or non-woven web.