Polymer Compositions with Petrolatum and Oleic Acid Oils

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing polymer compositions used in clothing articles and medical aids face challenges in maintaining mechanical strength, fiber elongation, and skin compatibility, particularly in preventing skin dehydration and irritation, due to low concentrations of additives which require frequent re-supply and can disrupt skin moisture regulation.

Innovation Solution

A polymer composition incorporating petrolatum or oils with at least 25 wt% oleic acid, which acts as a penetration enhancer and occlusive agent, ensuring skin-friendly properties and prolonged hydration, thereby maintaining skin health and preventing dehydration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If low concentrations of additives are applied to the carrier matrix by impregnation or coating, then the structure is simpler and manufacturing is easier, but the washing resistance is low and frequent re-supply is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidwashing resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the additive and polymer into a single polymer composition where the additive is incorporated during polymer synthesis or blending, rather than applied separately by impregnation or coating. This merging ensures the additive becomes an integral part of the fiber structure, providing durable washing resistance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer material where the additive is uniformly distributed within the polymer matrix at controlled concentrations. This composite structure ensures both the functional benefits of the additive and the mechanical properties of the polymer, while the additive's incorporation during processing provides long-term durability through washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If additives are added to polymer fibers for functionalization, then the functional properties are improved, but the mechanical strengths, fiber elongation, and chafing properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoidmechanical strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration of additives within specific ranges (0.1-10 wt% petrolatum, 1-5 wt% oleic acid) to achieve the desired functional effect while minimizing negative impact on mechanical properties. By carefully controlling these parameters, the patent maintains fiber strength and elongation while providing the intended skin-care functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures uniform distribution of additives throughout the polymer composition during mixing and processing, creating consistent local properties throughout the fiber. This uniform distribution prevents localized stress concentrations that could weaken the fiber, while ensuring functional properties are achieved throughout the entire material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the polymer composition contains petrolatum or high oleic acid oils, then skin hydration and protection are improved, but the complexity of the composition increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin dehydration protectionVSAvoidcomposition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects petrolatum and high oleic acid oils that serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as occlusive agents to prevent skin dehydration, penetration enhancers to facilitate delivery of other active ingredients, and skin-softening agents. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate additives, thereby limiting composition complexity while maximizing skin protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 polymer composition with petrolatum or high oleic acid oils enhances skin hydration, reduces irritation, and maintains skin health for extended periods, ensuring the stability and effectiveness of the additives in clothing and medical aids.

Implementation Method 1

The polymer composition with petrolatum or high oleic acid oils enhances skin hydration, reduces irritation, and maintains skin health for extended periods

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPenetration enhancement: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOcclusion:

Data Source

PatentUS11555259B2Polymer compositions, fibers and threads with petrolatum and/or oleic acid-containing oils

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 BAUERFEIND GMBH & CO

AI summary

This invention relates to a polymer composition containing at least one polymer and at least one agent, formed bodies having such a polymer composition, the use of the formed bodies and polymer compositions, and corresponding threads, nonwoven materials, clothing articles, and medical aids.