Rutile Titanium Dioxide Coating for Antimicrobial Tableware Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing titanium tableware lacks sufficient antimicrobial and adhesion-proof properties due to a thin, polycrystalline oxidation layer that is easily worn out and has limited catalytic activity.

Innovation Solution

A titanium tableware with a titanium dioxide film in a rutile crystalline form is developed, featuring a roughened surface and an oxygen diffusion layer, formed through a process involving annealing, surface treatment, and oxidation, to enhance antimicrobial and anti-adhesion capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a natural oxidation layer is formed on titanium surface, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the oxidation layer is easily worn out and has limited antimicrobial capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidoxidation layer durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling oxidation temperature (700-900°C) and time (2-10 hours) to transform the natural thin oxidation layer into a thick rutile TiO2 layer with specific crystal structure, surface roughness (Ra > 0.2 μm), and phase composition, thereby simultaneously improving durability and antimicrobial function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure consisting of a titanium substrate with a multi-layered oxidation layer including an oxygen diffusion layer and a rutile TiO2 layer, combining the benefits of titanium's inherent corrosion resistance with the enhanced durability and antimicrobial properties of the engineered oxidation layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a natural oxidation layer is formed on titanium surface, then protective effect is improved, but antimicrobial and adhesion-proof capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective effectVSAvoidmicrobial growth and food adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by inducing phase transformation from polycrystalline to rutile crystalline structure through controlled oxidation at 700-900°C, and by engineering surface roughness (Ra > 0.2 μm, Rmax > 0.8 μm) to create superhydrophilic properties that prevent bacterial adhesion and enhance antimicrobial efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs accelerated oxidation using oxygen-rich environment (oxygen partial pressure 0.1-1 atm) at elevated temperatures to rapidly form a thick rutile TiO2 layer with strong photocatalytic activity that generates reactive oxygen species to kill microorganisms, thereby significantly enhancing antimicrobial capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

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 solution significantly improves the antimicrobial and adhesion-proof properties of titanium tableware by creating a stable, photocatalytically active surface that inhibits microbial growth and prevents food adhesion, while also enhancing corrosion resistance.

Implementation Method 1

The oxidation layer structure is a titanium dioxide film generated by a combination of the titanium substrate and oxygen atoms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The oxidation layer structure is the titanium dioxide film in a rutile crystalline form that is formed by oxidation of the titanium in α phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 3

an oxygen diffusion layer is formed at an interface of the oxidation layer structure and the titanium substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

the surface of the titanium that has not undergone a surface treatment is matte and has limited catalytic activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS11993853B2Antimicrobial and adhesion-proof titanium tableware and manufacturing method of the same

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 TIMAS TITAN CO LTD

AI summary

An antimicrobial and adhesion-proof titanium tableware and a manufacturing method of the same are provided. The antimicrobial and adhesion-proof titanium tableware is made of a titanium substrate, and includes a contact portion and an oxidation layer structure. The contact portion is used for contacting foods, food ingredients, drinking water, beverages, or body parts of a user. The oxidation layer structure is formed on one part of a surface of the titanium substrate corresponding to the contact portion. The titanium substrate is made of titanium in α phase, and the oxidation layer structure is a titanium dioxide film in a rutile crystalline form. The oxidation layer structure has a roughened surface and an oxygen diffusion layer formed at an interface of the oxidation layer structure and the titanium substrate.