Moulded Polyurethane Hydrogels for Elastic Barrier Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condoms made from existing materials like latex and polyurethane suffer from issues such as allergic reactions, sensitivity to oil-based lubricants, high friction, reduced elasticity, and increased likelihood of slipping or breaking, which compromise their effectiveness as both contraceptive and protective barriers against sexually transmitted diseases.
Innovation Solution
The development of moulded polyurethane hydrogels, produced through a method involving the formation of a polyurethane solution in a water:organic polar solvent, application to a mould, drying, and contact with a swelling agent to create a hydrogel with a swelling agent content of 1% to 95%, resulting in a material that is impervious to biological agents and has sufficient strength and durability for use in barrier devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If latex is used for condoms, then elasticity is improved, but allergic responses and sensitivity to oil-based lubricants occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by incorporating hydrogel components (polymer A and polymer B with specific molecular weights and ratios) into the condom structure. This transforms the material from traditional latex to a hydrogel-based composite that maintains elasticity while eliminating allergic responses and lubricant sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining hydrogel layers (containing polymer A and polymer B) with optional reinforcement layers. This composite structure provides the elasticity needed while avoiding the harmful properties of pure latex, including allergic reactions and oil-based lubricant sensitivity
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polyurethane is used for condoms, then allergic responses are reduced, but elasticity and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel structure using two different polymers (polymer A with Mn 40,000-100,000 and polymer B with Mn 200,000-500,000) in specific ratios. This composite approach maintains the low allergenicity of polyurethane while significantly improving elasticity and durability through the synergistic effect of the polymer combination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes molecular weight parameters and polymer ratios to achieve the desired balance between allergenicity reduction and mechanical property enhancement. The specific molecular weight ranges and ratios of polymers A and B are carefully controlled to maximize elasticity while maintaining low allergenic response
3Strength
If latex is used for condoms, then elasticity is improved, but friction increases leading to loss of sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface and bulk material parameters by using hydrogel composition with specific polymer ratios and molecular weights. This reduces the coefficient of friction while maintaining elasticity, thereby preserving sensation during use
4Adaptability or versatility
If polyurethane is used for condoms, then compatibility with oil-based lubricants is improved, but elasticity and shape retention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite hydrogel materials combining polymers A and B in specific ratios, which maintains compatibility with oil-based lubricants while significantly improving elasticity and shape retention through the synergistic properties of the polymer combination
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 moulded polyurethane hydrogels provide enhanced protection against biological agents, improved elasticity, and reduced likelihood of failure, making them suitable for use in condoms and gloves while maintaining sensitivity and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the polyurethane film with a swelling agent under conditions such that the film forms a polyurethane hydrogel
Data Source
AI summary
The technology relates to a method of producing a moulded polyurethane hydrogel, for example a condom. The method involves forming a solution of at least one polyurethane having a molecular weight of between about 40000 to about 500000 in a water:organic polar solvent comprising less than about 40% (v/v) water; applying a layer of the solution to a mould; drying the layer of the first solution to form a polyurethane film on the mould; and contacting the polyurethane film with a swelling agent under conditions such that the film forms a polyurethane hydrogel with a swelling agent content of between about 1% to about 95%.