Plant Fiber Composite Material with Integrated Decorative Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plant fiber composite materials suffer from low mechanical properties due to fiber damage during manufacturing and lack decorative functions, requiring additional coating or affixing processes that increase complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A composite material comprising a base layer with a first and optional second plant fiber fabric on its surfaces, where the fabrics are produced using biological or chemical degumming and hot water rinsing instead of damaging processes, and optionally coated with carbon nanotubes, allowing for improved mechanical properties and decorative functions without the need for additional surface treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional manufacturing methods (acid leaching, alkali boiling, stamping, acid washing, fiber refining) are used to produce plant fiber fabric, then the fabric can be obtained, but the fiber strength is reduced and mechanical properties of the composite material are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical properties of composite materialVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the manufacturing process by using biological degumming (enzymatic treatment) instead of harsh chemical methods like acid leaching and alkali boiling. This parameter change preserves fiber strength while achieving the necessary fabric processing, directly resolving the contradiction between mechanical properties and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical and harsh chemical processing methods with biological degradation methods. Specifically, enzymatic treatment substitutes for physical-mechanical refining and strong chemical washing, reducing fiber damage while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional coating or affixing processes are applied to the composite material surface, then decorative function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes longer and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecorative functionVSAvoidmanufacturing process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the decorative function with the structural plant fiber fabric layer. By incorporating patterned or colored fabrics directly into the composite structure during manufacturing, the separate decorative coating step is eliminated, reducing process time while maintaining decorative versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plant fiber fabric is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement and also delivers decorative appearance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate decorative treatments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and loss of time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional coating or affixing processes are applied to the composite material surface, then decorative function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedecorative functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the decorative layer with the structural plant fiber fabric, eliminating the need for separate decorative materials and application processes. This merging reduces material costs and manufacturing expenses while preserving decorative functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plant fiber fabric performs dual roles as both structural reinforcement and decorative surface. This universality eliminates the need for additional decorative materials and processing, directly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability for decorative applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the mechanical properties of the composite material, such as tensile and flexural strength, while integrating decorative capabilities, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional surface treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a resin present in each layer (i.e., the base layer, the first plant fiber fabric, and the second plant fiber fabric)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11701870B2Structural and decorative composite material, preparation method therefor, and article containing same

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 AVIC COMPOSITES

AI summary

Provided are a composite material and a preparation method therefor. The composite material comprises: a base layer; a first plant fibre fabric located on the upper surface of the base layer; optionally, a second plant fibre fabric located on the lower surface of the base layer; and resins present in each layer. The composite material has a decorative performance and an improved mechanical performance.