Polyester Gel Matrix Sustained Release Hydrophobic Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polyurethane-based gel systems for the sustained release of hydrophobic materials pose health risks due to isocyanate starting materials and have low biodisintegration/compostability, leading to sustainability concerns.
Innovation Solution
A solid article utilizing a chemically cross-linked polyester gel matrix, formed from epoxidized vegetable oils and polyfunctional carboxylic acids, which offers a safer and more sustainable alternative for the sustained release of hydrophobic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyurethane-based gel systems are used for sustained release of hydrophobic materials, then the release function is achieved, but health risks arise due to isocyanate starting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing polyurethane-based gels with polyester-based gels formed from epoxidized vegetable oils and polyfunctional carboxylic acids. This parameter change eliminates isocyanate starting materials while maintaining the sustained release function through the gel matrix structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable polyester gels that can be safely disposed of after use, replacing persistent polyurethane gels. The polyester gel matrix provides sufficient functionality during its service life and then naturally degrades, eliminating the need for complex disposal systems.
2Reliability
If polyurethane-based gel systems are used for sustained release of hydrophobic materials, then the release function is achieved, but sustainability concerns arise due to low biodisintegration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from polyurethane to polyester based on biodegradable components (epoxidized vegetable oils and carboxylic acids). This parameter change fundamentally alters the degradation pathway, enabling natural biodisintegration while maintaining sustained release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of persistent polymer waste into a benefit by designing a biodegradable polyester gel that naturally decomposes. The gel matrix provides its function and then safely degrades in the environment, transforming a sustainability problem into an environmental benefit.
3Reliability
If polyurethane-based gel systems are used for sustained release of hydrophobic materials, then the release function is achieved, but production costs increase due to safety precautions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the synthesis approach by using epoxidized vegetable oils and polyfunctional carboxylic acids that can be processed without stringent safety precautions. This parameter change in material selection and synthesis methodology reduces operational costs while maintaining gel formation and sustained release 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 polyester-based gel system provides effective release of hydrophobic materials while being less harmful to human health and the environment, with improved biodisintegration and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a solid article for the sustained release of one or more hydrophobic materials, particularly of volatile hydrophobic materials
Implementation Method 2
The volatile material may slowly be released from the polymer gel, providing sustained release over a desirable time period
Implementation Method 3
said gel matrix is formed from a chemically cross-linked polyester material
Implementation Method 4
a polyester obtainable by cross-linking an epoxidized vegetable oil with a polyfunctional carboxylic acid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a solid article for sustained release of one or more hydrophobic materials, comprising at least 5 wt. % of one or more hydrophobic materials embedded in a gel matrix,wherein said gel matrix is formed from a chemically cross-linked polyester material.