Degradable Sheath-Core Composite Fiber for Moisture Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current running clothing materials fail to adequately meet the requirements of moisture absorption, quick drying, and biodegradability, which are essential for high-sweat events like marathons, and are not environmentally friendly.
Innovation Solution
A degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous composite fiber is prepared by blending polybutylene adipate terephthalate and polyvinyl alcohol, forming a sheath-core configuration, and then partially removing polyvinyl alcohol to create a surface microporous structure through post-finishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional polyester blend fabrics are used for running clothing, then durability and comfort are maintained, but moisture absorption and quick drying performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite fiber structure combining polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) as the core and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the sheath. This composite material structure enables the fiber to simultaneously achieve good moisture absorption and quick drying performance while maintaining durability, resolving the contradiction between performance and manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates microporous structures on the fiber surface through post-finishing treatment that removes part of the PVA sheath. These micropores enhance moisture absorption and quick drying capabilities by facilitating capillary action and evaporation, directly improving the reliability parameter without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If conventional polyester blend fabrics are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but biodegradability and environmental friendliness are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by using PBAT (a biodegradable polyester) instead of conventional polyester and incorporating PVA which is also biodegradable. This parameter change in material selection enables the fabric to maintain structural integrity while achieving biodegradability, addressing both the reliability and environmental harm aspects of the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a sheath-core structure where the PVA sheath can be partially removed through post-finishing treatment. This allows the fiber to maintain its structural core while the removable sheath portion can be discarded or degraded, improving biodegradability without compromising the overall structural integrity of the fiber.
3Reliability
If polyvinyl alcohol is completely removed to create microporous structure, then moisture absorption improves, but fiber strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by removing only a portion of the PVA sheath through post-finishing treatment rather than completely removing it. This partial removal creates sufficient micropores for improved moisture absorption while retaining enough PVA material to maintain fiber strength, thus resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local microporous structures on the fiber surface by selectively removing PVA from specific areas during post-finishing. This local quality change allows moisture absorption to be enhanced at the surface level while the core structure retains its full strength, resolving the contradiction between moisture absorption and fiber strength.
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 composite fiber enhances moisture absorption and quick drying properties while being degradable, thus meeting environmental and functional requirements for sports clothing.
Implementation Method 1
washing the composite fiber with sheath-core configuration with hot water at 70° C. to 100° C., and drying to obtain the degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous composite fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The application provides a degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous composite fiber, preparation method therefor and application thereof, which belong to the field of preparation and application of functional textiles. The degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous composite fiber is prepared by a method comprising: performing blending and composite spinning on polybutylene adipate terephthalate and polyvinyl alcohol to form a composite fiber with sheath-core configuration; and then post-finishing the composite fiber with sheath-core configuration, so that the polyvinyl alcohol is partially removed and a surface microporous structure is formed to obtain the degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous composite fiber. The application develops a degradable moisture-absorbing and quick-drying microporous fiber (yarn), fabric and garment through a series of technological processes such as selecting degradable raw materials, spinning, post-finishing and the like, which is beneficial to meet the environmental protection requirements and functional requirements of consumers for sports shoes and clothing.