Protein-Fiber Biodegradable Composition With Faster Curing Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing degradable materials exhibit low mechanical stability due to slow curing times and are not fully biodegradable, making them unsuitable for rapid production and environmentally friendly disposal.
Innovation Solution
A degradable material composition comprising 10-60% protein glue, 2-50% natural fibers, 2-15% hygroscopic mineral, and 10-55% water, with optional additives, which accelerates curing and enhances mechanical stability through the addition of hygroscopic minerals, allowing for rapid production of molded parts with improved mechanical properties and complete biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If degradable materials are made from natural fibers and protein binders, then biodegradability is achieved, but mechanical stability is low due to slow curing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the protein binder by selecting specific proteins (casein, gelatin, soy protein) with different curing characteristics. It also modifies the moisture content parameter (1-15% range) and adds hygroscopic minerals to control the curing speed and final mechanical properties of the material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining natural fibers (cellulose, lignin) with protein binders and hygroscopic minerals. This composite structure allows the material to achieve both biodegradability from natural components and improved mechanical stability through the synergistic interaction of different material phases
2Ease of manufacture
If natural fibers are used with moisture content of 1-15%, then material can be molded, but curing time is extended reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-drying natural fibers to specific moisture content ranges (1-15%) before mixing with protein binders. This preliminary moisture control prepares the material for optimal molding performance while setting the stage for controlled subsequent curing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hygroscopic minerals as intermediary substances that mediate between the moisture in the material and the curing process. These minerals absorb and release moisture to control the curing speed, enabling both good moldability during processing and acceptable curing rates for productivity
3Stability of the object's composition
If protein binders are heated and melted with lignin, then material forms cohesive structure, but complete biodegradability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using protein binders that can form cohesive structures through mechanisms other than high-temperature melting with lignin. It selects proteins that can gel or coagulate at lower temperatures, maintaining cohesive structure while preserving biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a philosophy of using entirely biodegradable, short-lived material components that can be completely broken down after use. It selects protein binders and natural fiber combinations that prioritize complete biodegradability over long-term structural stability, accepting that the material is designed for temporary use followed by complete decomposition
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 material achieves rapid curing and high mechanical stability, enabling the production of parts that can be completely disintegrated biologically, disposed of as wastewater, or composted, with a neutral CO2 balance, and can be used in three-dimensional printing and as a substrate for complex shape introduction into concrete.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of hygroscopic minerals, allowing for rapid production of molded parts
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a biodegradable material made of biological components, comprising 10 to 60 wt. % of a protein adhesive (1), which is made of at least one protein, and 2 to 50 wt. % of natural fibers (4). Furthermore, 2 to 15 wt. % of at least one hygroscopic mineral (7), 10 to 55 wt. % of water (2), and 0 to 50 wt. % of an additive component (5) are provided in the material (10).