Polyvinyl Alcohol Antimicrobial Coating for Wash-Durable Fabrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antimicrobial compositions applied to absorbent fabrics often alter the fabric's feel and have poor retention after repeated laundry cycles, leading to undesirable user experience and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A liquid antimicrobial composition comprising water, polyvinyl alcohol as a water-soluble polymer, and benzalkonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride as water-soluble antimicrobials, which helps retain the fabric's original feel and extends antimicrobial retention through the laundering process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If antimicrobial composition is applied to absorbent fabric, then antimicrobial protection is provided, but the fabric's feel is altered
Solution Approach 1:
A polyol component is introduced as an intermediary substance between the antimicrobial agents and the fabric. This polyol acts as a carrier that delivers the antimicrobials to the fabric while maintaining fabric softness and hand feel, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of antimicrobial efficacy and fabric comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite formulation containing multiple components (polyol, antimicrobial agents, and optionally surfactants) that work together synergistically. The polyol base combined with specific antimicrobial agents creates a composite material system that provides both protective function and sensory comfort
2Reliability
If antimicrobial composition is applied to absorbent fabric, then antimicrobial protection is provided, but retention after laundering is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The polyol component is applied to the fabric in advance as a binding matrix that pre-establishes retention mechanisms. This preliminary action of incorporating polyol into the fabric structure creates a reservoir system that slowly releases antimicrobial agents through subsequent laundering cycles, ensuring long-lasting protection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameters of the antimicrobial delivery system by using polyol as a carrier medium. This parameter change from direct application to polyol-mediated delivery alters the release kinetics and improves retention, allowing the antimicrobials to persist through multiple wash cycles
3Ease of operation
If polyvinyl alcohol is used as the water-soluble polymer, then fabric feel is improved, but antimicrobial retention may be reduced due to washing out
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the polyol component with the antimicrobial agents into a single integrated composition. This combination ensures that the antimicrobials are delivered together with the polyol to the fabric, where they become co-embedded in the fabric structure, reducing separate washing out and maintaining both fabric feel and antimicrobial retention
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 composition maintains the fabric's original feel and provides effective antimicrobial protection for up to 50 wash cycles, achieving a log 4 reduction in microorganism growth without significant fabric degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the water-soluble polymer is a film forming agent, ie an agent that assists in allowing the composition to form a film (or coating) when it is applied to a substrate
Implementation Method 2
this is due to the water-soluble polymer swelling upon contact with water during laundering, helping to lock the antimicrobial into the fibres of the fabric
Data Source
Figure 1(i)~1(vi)
AI summary
This invention relates to a liquid antimicrobial composition comprising: (a) water, (b) a water-soluble polymer, and (c) at least one water-soluble antimicrobial; as well as to an item of clothing, a curtain, a blind, an item of bedding, wallpaper or laundry product comprising the water-soluble polymer and the at least one water- soluble antimicrobial. This invention also relates to a method of preparing the liquid antimicrobial composition comprising the step of mixing water, a water- soluble polymer, and at least one aqueous solution of a water-soluble antimicrobial.