Polyester Polyamide Fibers Moisture Wicking via Polyoxyalkyleneamines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and polyamide, lack efficient moisture wicking properties, which is a significant drawback in various applications including textiles and floor coverings, where improved moisture management can enhance comfort and stain concealment.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising polyester or polyamide fibers combined with polyoxyalkyleneamines, such as poly(oxyethylene)diamine, is used to enhance moisture management properties, with the polyoxyalkyleneamines added directly or in the form of a thermoplastic concentrate, allowing for improved wicking without compromising other physical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synthetic fibers (polyester or polyamide) are used, then durability and ease of care are improved, but moisture wicking properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmoisture wicking properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polyester or polyamide fibers with polyoxyalkyleneamine compounds to create a hybrid fiber structure. This composite approach allows the synthetic fiber base to provide durability and ease of care while the polyoxyalkyleneamine component introduces moisture wicking capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and moisture management properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition parameters of the fiber through the addition of polyoxyalkyleneamine compounds at specific concentrations (0.1-5% by weight). This chemical parameter modification enables the synthetic fiber to gain moisture wicking properties while maintaining its structural integrity and durability characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If polyoxyalkyleneamine is added to enhance moisture wicking, then moisture management properties are improved, but fiber composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture wicking propertiesVSAvoidfiber composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration of polyoxyalkyleneamine within a specific range (0.1-5% by weight) to achieve moisture wicking enhancement without excessive composition complexity. This parameter optimization ensures that the added component provides the desired functional improvement while maintaining reasonable compositional simplicity for manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polyoxyalkyleneamine as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between the synthetic fiber base and the desired moisture wicking function. This intermediary component integrates relatively smoothly into the fiber matrix, providing moisture management capabilities without creating excessive compositional complexity or manufacturing difficulties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If polyoxyalkyleneamine is added to improve wicking, then moisture transport rate increases, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture transport rateVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the polyoxyalkyleneamine concentration within the range of 0.1-5% by weight to achieve significant moisture transport rate improvements at relatively low cost. This parameter optimization ensures that the functional benefit (enhanced wicking) is achieved with minimal added material cost, making the solution economically viable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using relatively small amounts of polyoxyalkyleneamine (0.1-5% by weight) to achieve the desired moisture wicking effect. This partial addition approach provides sufficient functional improvement without the need for large quantities of the additive, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while maintaining high moisture transport rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 use of polyoxyalkyleneamines in the composition significantly improves the moisture wicking capabilities of polyester and polyamide fibers, as demonstrated by increased water transport rates in vertical strip wicking tests, providing enhanced comfort and stain concealment in textiles and floor coverings.

Implementation Method 1

the invention relates to a composition and process for preparing articles having improved moisture management properties... improved moisture management or wicking properties... efficient wicking fiber... water transport rates in vertical strip wicking tests

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP1928953A2Composition for producing poyester and polyamide yarns with improved moisture management properties
Publication Date: 2008.06.11 UNIVERSAL FIBERS INC

AI summary

Fibers for use in making textiles and floor coverings are made from a moisture management composition that includes polyesters or polyamides and polyoxyalkyleneamines.