Polymeric Yarn with Herbal Masterbatch for Antimicrobial Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Textile fibers with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties lose effectiveness due to chemical agents being washed off during washing or UV exposure, and there are concerns about the safety of these chemicals on human bodies.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric yarn composition incorporating an herbal masterbatch with tetrahydrocurcumin or hydrogenated turmeric extract, combined with base polymers like polybutylene terephthalate or polyamides, is extruded and solidified to create a yarn with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which are retained through the manufacturing process and exhibit improved color fastness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical agents are applied on fabric surface during finishing stage to provide antimicrobial properties, then antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are imparted to fabrics, but these properties are lost during washing or UV exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The antimicrobial herbal masterbatch is incorporated into the polymer during the extrusion process before the fabric is manufactured. This preliminary incorporation ensures the antimicrobial agents are embedded within the fiber structure from the beginning, preventing them from being washed off or degraded during subsequent use and washing cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material by combining polymer fibers with herbal masterbatch containing antimicrobial agents during the extrusion process. This composite structure integrates the antimicrobial properties directly into the fiber matrix, ensuring long-term retention of antimicrobial activity without requiring surface coatings that would be washed off.
2Reliability
If chemical agents are used to provide antimicrobial properties to fabrics, then antimicrobial and antibacterial properties are achieved, but there are concerns regarding safety and potential after-effects on human body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and uses natural herbal components (such as neem, turmeric, tea tree oil, or lavender) instead of synthetic chemical agents. These natural extracts are incorporated into the polymer during extrusion, providing antimicrobial properties while eliminating the safety concerns associated with conventional chemical finishes like formaldehyde or copper compounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces persistent synthetic chemical agents with natural herbal extracts that biodegrade safely. The natural components maintain their antimicrobial activity throughout the product lifecycle and then naturally decompose, avoiding the accumulation and long-term safety issues associated with conventional chemical agents in the human body and environment.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If herbal masterbatch is incorporated into polymeric yarn during extrusion, then antimicrobial properties are retained long-term, but the process requires specific temperature control and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the polymer extrusion process with the incorporation of herbal masterbatch into a single integrated operation. The herbal masterbatch is fed alongside the polymer through the extrusion die, allowing simultaneous formation of the fiber and embedding of antimicrobial agents in one continuous process, thereby avoiding separate processing steps and equipment requirements.
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 polymeric yarn effectively controls bacterial growth on textiles by 90-99.99% and maintains antibacterial activity even after 50 washes, while providing excellent color fastness and safety from potential chemical hazards.
Implementation Method 1
The polymeric yarn effectively controls bacterial growth on textiles by 90-99.99% and maintains antibacterial activity even after 50 washes
Implementation Method 2
the herbal masterbatch and the base polymer are melted and extruded together at a temperature in a range of 175°C to 300°C to obtain the polymeric yarn
Implementation Method 3
the herbal masterbatch and the base polymer are melted and extruded together at a temperature in a range of 175°C to 300°C
Implementation Method 4
A polymeric yarn composition incorporating an herbal masterbatch with tetrahydrocurcumin or hydrogenated turmeric extract, combined with base polymers like polybutylene terephthalate or polyamides, is extruded and solidified to create a yarn
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A polymeric yarn composition having antimicrobial and/or antibacterial properties includes: (i) an herbal masterbatch, and (ii) a base polymer. The base polymer includes one of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyamides, or polypropylene. Further, the herbal masterbatch includes: (a) an herbal component from Neem or Turmeric or extract or combination thereof, and (b) a carrier polymer. The carrier polymer may be the same as the base polymer and includes one of: PBT, PET, polyamides or polypropylene. To make a polymeric yarn, the herbal masterbatch and the base polymer are melted and extruded together to obtain the polymeric yarn having the herbal component in a range of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the polymeric yarn.