Polyester-polyether gel matrix for hydrophobic material release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polyurethane polymer gel-based systems for the sustained release of volatile 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-polyether copolymeric gel matrix, prepared from less harmful starting materials, to embed and sustainably release hydrophobic materials, including volatile compounds like perfumes and insect repellents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyurethane polymer gel-based systems are used for sustained release of hydrophobic materials, then effective release performance is achieved, but health risks arise due to isocyanate starting materials and low biodisintegration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease performanceVSAvoidhealth risks and environmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the gel matrix by replacing polyurethane polymer with polyester-polyether copolymer. This substitution maintains the gel's ability to sustainably release hydrophobic materials while eliminating isocyanate residues and improving biodisintegration, thus resolving the contradiction between release performance and health safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite gel matrix formed by combining polyester and polyether copolymers through chemical crosslinking. This composite structure provides both the functional properties needed for sustained release of hydrophobic materials and the environmental compatibility (high biodisintegration) that single-component polyurethane systems lack

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If polyurethane polymer gel is used, then sustained release function is provided, but manufacturing costs increase due to safety precautions required during production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesustained release durationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the manufacturing parameters by selecting polyester-polyether copolymer as the base material, which does not require the same level of safety precautions as isocyanate-based polyurethane systems. This change maintains the sustained release functionality while simplifying manufacturing procedures and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If polyurethane polymer gel is used for sustained release, then release functionality is achieved, but biodisintegration is low resulting in sustainability concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease functionalityVSAvoidbiodisintegration rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs a composite polyester-polyether copolymer gel matrix that combines the functional advantages of both polymer types. The polyester component provides structural integrity for sustained release, while the polyether component enhances biodisintegration, thus achieving both release functionality and environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the gel matrix from polyurethane to polyester-polyether copolymer, which fundamentally alters the degradation behavior. This substitution maintains release functionality while significantly improving biodisintegration rates to meet sustainability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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-polyether copolymer gel matrix offers improved safety with less harmful starting materials and enhanced biodisintegration, providing effective and sustainable release of hydrophobic materials while addressing environmental concerns.

Implementation Method 1

hydrophobic materials embedded in a gel matrix

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

sustained release of hydrophobic materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20250177597A1Polyester-polyether solid article comprising hydrophobic material

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

Provided herein is a solid article for sustained release of 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-polyether copolymeric material.