Non-Porous Polymer Gel Loading for Volatile Hydrophobic Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for incorporating volatile hydrophobic materials into polymer gels during the gellification process result in degradation and interference with the curing process, limiting the range of usable materials and efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Loading volatile hydrophobic materials into a pre-cured polymer gel matrix after the curing step, allowing for absorption without interference with the gellification process and preventing material degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If volatile hydrophobic material is incorporated during polymer gellification, then the volatile material is integrated into the polymer matrix, but the volatile material degrades and interferes with the curing process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of volatile materialVSAvoidcuring process reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The process is divided into two separate stages: first, the polymer matrix is cured to completion without volatile material; second, the volatile hydrophobic material is incorporated into the cured matrix. This segmentation prevents the volatile material from interfering with the curing chemistry while ensuring complete polymerization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer matrix is prepared and cured in advance before the volatile material is added. This preliminary action ensures the matrix is fully formed and stable, creating an optimal environment for subsequent volatile material incorporation without degradation risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If volatile hydrophobic material is present during gellification, then the material is distributed throughout the polymer matrix, but the gellification process is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading of volatile materialVSAvoidgellification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process is split into distinct phases: phase 1 completes the polymer gellification without volatile material interference, and phase 2 loads the volatile material into the finished matrix. This ensures both complete polymerization and adequate volatile material loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the volatile material is changed from vapor/liquid during curing to being incorporated in a controlled manner after curing. This parameter change allows the volatile material to be loaded without interfering with the chemical reactions of gellification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If volatile hydrophobic material is incorporated during curing, then the material is integrated into the matrix, but excessive loss or degradation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of volatile materialVSAvoidloss of volatile material

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The polymer matrix is fully cured before volatile material is introduced, creating a stable, non-reactive environment that prevents degradation. The volatile material is then loaded under controlled conditions that minimize volatilization and loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cured polymer matrix acts as an intermediary structure that protects the volatile hydrophobic material from degradation during incorporation. The completed matrix provides a stable framework that retains the volatile material without exposing it to harsh curing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This method enables the preparation of polymer gel products that effectively release volatile hydrophobic materials without degradation, offering a wider range of material options and improved release characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

absorbing the volatile hydrophobic material into the solid article by contacting the solid article with liquid phase volatile hydrophobic material until the solid article comprises at least 5 wt % of the volatile hydrophobic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the product is able to provide release of the volatile hydrophobic material by volatilization of the volatile hydrophobic material from the solid article at a temperature of 25° C., a relative humidity of 60%, and atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20260000803A1Method of loading a volatile hydrophobic material into a non-porous solid article

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A method of preparing a product for the release of volatile hydrophobic material includes (i) providing a solid article comprising a polymer gel matrix formed from a chemically cross-linked material; and (ii) absorbing the volatile hydrophobic material into the solid article by contacting the solid article with liquid phase volatile hydrophobic material until the solid article comprises at least 5 wt % of the volatile hydrophobic material, based on a final weight of the solid article. The solid article is non-porous. The product is able to provide release of the volatile hydrophobic material by volatilization of the volatile hydrophobic material from the solid article at a temperature of 25° C., a relative humidity of 60%, and atmospheric pressure.