Small-Diameter Polyolefin Wipe for Fast Surface Decontamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decontamination wipes require extended dwell times to effectively kill microorganisms, particularly hard-to-kill species like bacterial spores, and may not be durable in the presence of harsh chemicals.
Innovation Solution
A decontamination kit comprising a nonwoven wipe with polyolefin fibers of specific diameter and basis weight, combined with an aqueous solution optionally containing active ingredients, which can be used to quickly and effectively remove or kill microorganisms on surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional decontamination wipes are used, then microorganisms can be killed, but extended dwell times (up to 10 minutes) are required to achieve effective disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of fiber diameter to sub-visual levels (below 5 micrometers, preferably below 3 micrometers), which fundamentally alters the wipe's interaction with microorganisms and surfaces. This parameter change enables the wipe to achieve effective decontamination in significantly reduced dwell times while maintaining or improving reliability against hard-to-kill species
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional visible fibers to sub-visual fibers, representing a dimensional change in the observable scale. This dimensional shift allows the wipe to penetrate and contact microorganisms more effectively, achieving rapid log reductions without requiring extended contact time
2Reliability
If conventional wipes are used in harsh chemical environments, then decontamination can be achieved, but the wipes lack durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining sub-visual fibers with specific binding agents and chemical treatments that enhance durability. The nonwoven structure integrates multiple material properties to achieve both high decontamination effectiveness and resistance to harsh chemicals, maintaining structural integrity during use
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using sub-visual fiber dimensions and specific polymer compositions that inherently provide chemical resistance. These parameter changes enable the wipe to maintain durability in harsh chemical environments while preserving decontamination effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If larger diameter fibers are used in wipes, then the wipe structure is more visible and easier to handle, but decontamination efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a dimensional transition to sub-visual fiber scales while maintaining macroscopic wipe integrity through nonwoven construction. This allows the wipe to remain handleable at the macro level while the sub-visual fibers provide superior decontamination efficiency through enhanced surface contact and microorganism interaction
4Productivity
If the fiber diameter is reduced to sub-visual levels, then decontamination efficiency improves, but the wipe may become less durable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a composite nonwoven structure where sub-visual fibers are bonded through specific binding mechanisms and chemical treatments. This composite construction maintains high decontamination efficiency through the sub-visual fiber characteristics while the binding network provides the necessary structural strength and durability
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a nonwoven wipe comprising a plurality of polyolefin fibers, wherein the plurality of polyolefin fibers have an average fiber diameter of at least 200 nm and at most 3.5 micrometers, and wherein the plurality of polyolefin fibers have a basis weight of at least 20 and no more than 100 grams per square meter. Such nonwoven wipes can be used with an aqueous solution, optionally comprising an active ingredient, to decontaminate a surface. Also disclosed herein in a decontamination kit providing the same and a method of decontaminating a surface.