Poly Alpha-1,3-Glucan Ether Viscosity Modifier for Fabric Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabric treatments lack effective methods to enhance the mechanical and surface properties of fabrics using biodegradable and renewable resource-based polysaccharides, specifically in terms of viscosity modification and adsorption properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds, with a specific structure and degree of substitution, is applied to fabrics, where these compounds adsorb to the fabric surface and modify the viscosity and rheology of aqueous compositions, enhancing fabric properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds are used to treat fabric, then viscosity and rheological properties of aqueous compositions are improved, but the complexity of the treatment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the degree of substitution (DS) of the poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds to optimize viscosity modification. By controlling the DS within specific ranges (0.05-3.0), the invention achieves effective viscosity enhancement while managing treatment process complexity through defined parameter boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials by combining poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds with aqueous compositions to create treated fabrics with enhanced rheological properties. The ether compounds form a composite structure with the fabric, where the polysaccharide backbone and substituent groups work together to provide both viscosity modification and fabric treatment benefits.
2Strength
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds with high degree of substitution are used, then fabric properties such as wrinkle resistance and mechanical strength are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by establishing specific degree of substitution ranges (0.05-3.0) that balance fabric performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility. This systematic parameter control allows optimization of mechanical strength and wrinkle resistance while preventing excessive complexity in the etherification process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by using moderate degrees of substitution rather than complete substitution. This approach achieves sufficient fabric property enhancement (wrinkle resistance, mechanical strength) without requiring excessive etherification reactions, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing chemical usage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds are derived from renewable resources, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the manufacturing precision and consistency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to control the degree of substitution within defined ranges, which standardizes the properties of poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compounds derived from renewable resources. This parameter control ensures consistent viscosity modification and fabric treatment performance while maintaining the environmental benefits of renewable feedstocks.
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 treatment significantly increases the viscosity and rheological properties of aqueous compositions and improves fabric properties such as wrinkle resistance, soil anti-redeposition, and mechanical strength, while being environmentally friendly and derived from renewable resources.
Implementation Method 1
The poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound adsorbs to the surface of the fabric
Implementation Method 2
The aqueous composition has shear thinning behavior or shear thickening behavior
Implementation Method 3
The aqueous composition has shear thinning behavior or shear thickening behavior
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrocolloid or aqueous solution comprising a poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound is disclosed having a viscosity of at least about 10 centipoise (cPs). The poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound in these compositions has a degree of substitution of about 0.05 to about 3.0. Also disclosed is a method for increasing the viscosity of a hydrocolloid or aqueous composition using a poly alpha-1,3-glucan ether compound.