Raspberry Nanoparticle Suspensions for Single-Step Surface Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surfaces using raspberry nanoparticles face challenges in controlling particle size, preventing aggregation, and requiring multiple steps, which complicates industrial application, especially for transparent surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing dispersed suspensions of raspberry nanoparticles with diameters less than 130 nm by covalently grafting smaller nanoparticles onto larger ones in a liquid medium, maintaining dispersion throughout the process, and functionalizing them with hydrophobic molecules in a single step, ensuring stable and uniform coating application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional encapsulation methods are used, then raspberry extract can be protected, but the original color and shape are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the encapsulation process by using supercritical carbon dioxide (temperature 31-50°C, pressure 73-300 atm) instead of conventional organic solvents, enabling the formation of nanoparticles that retain the original raspberry shape while protecting the extract
2Reliability
If conventional encapsulation methods are used, then raspberry extract can be protected, but the original color is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses supercritical carbon dioxide, an inert fluid, as the encapsulation medium which does not react with or degrade the raspberry pigments, thereby preserving the original red color during the encapsulation process
3Reliability
If encapsulation is performed, then stability is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous encapsulation process where carbonated water is continuously infused with raspberry extract, the mixture is continuously pressurized to supercritical state, and nanoparticles are continuously formed and collected, eliminating batch processing delays and reducing overall production time
4Reliability
If encapsulation is performed, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional device that combines carbonation, extraction, pressurization, heating, and nanoparticle formation in a single integrated system, where the same apparatus performs multiple operations that would otherwise require separate equipment
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
Enables a single-step application of raspberry nanoparticles to surfaces, preventing aggregation, and achieving superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic properties without disrupting light transmission, suitable for industrial-scale use.
Implementation Method 1
carbon dioxide is pressurized and heated to form a supercritical fluid
Implementation Method 2
The carbon dioxide is mixed with water and infused with raspberry extract
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a dispersed suspension of nanoparticles called "raspberry nanoparticles" having a diameter of less than or equal to 130 nm, the raspberry nanoparticles being optionally functionalised with a hydrophobic organic molecule. The present invention also relates to a suspension which comprises the raspberry nanoparticles and can be produced by the method and to the use thereof for making a surface superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic, depending on whether the nanoparticles are functionalised with a hydrophobic organic molecule. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for covering the surface using a suspension according to the invention in one single step.