Antibacterial Zeolite Particles with Silver-Zinc Gradient for UV Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional antibacterial zeolite particles incorporated into resins often undergo color changes when exposed to severe conditions, such as prolonged ultraviolet light, leading to a deterioration in the commercial value of resin products.
Innovation Solution
Antibacterial zeolite particles with ion-exchangeable ions replaced by silver and zinc ions, where the silver to zinc ion concentration ratio increases along the depth of the particles, specifically in the regions near the surface and deeper within, to enhance discoloration resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional antibacterial zeolite particles are incorporated into resin, then antibacterial durability is improved, but discoloration resistance deteriorates under severe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform distribution of metal ions within the zeolite particle structure. Specifically, the silver ion concentration is higher in the inner region while the outer region has lower silver ion concentration and higher ammonium ion concentration. This spatial differentiation of ion composition allows the inner region to provide strong antibacterial activity while the outer region resists UV-induced discoloration, thus resolving the contradiction between antibacterial durability and discoloration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple metal ions (silver, zinc, and ammonium ions) within the zeolite structure to achieve synergistic effects. The composite ion composition enables the material to simultaneously exhibit antibacterial properties from silver and zinc ions while the ammonium ions provide protection against UV-induced discoloration. This multi-component approach allows the resin composition to maintain both high antibacterial durability and excellent discoloration resistance.
2Reliability
If silver ion concentration is increased for better antibacterial action, then antibacterial power is improved, but discoloration resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the zeolite particle into functional regions with different ion compositions. The inner region contains high silver ion concentration for strong antibacterial action, while the outer region has reduced silver ion concentration and increased ammonium ion concentration to minimize UV-induced discoloration. This spatial segmentation allows the material to deliver high antibacterial power where needed while protecting against discoloration at the surface exposed to UV light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the concentration parameters of different metal ions across the zeolite particle structure. The silver ion concentration parameter is optimized to be high in the inner region for antibacterial efficacy while low in the outer region to reduce discoloration. Simultaneously, the ammonium ion concentration parameter is increased in the outer region to enhance UV resistance. This dynamic parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between antibacterial power and discoloration resistance.
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 modified zeolite particles exhibit excellent discoloration-resistant characteristics, preventing significant color changes in resin compositions even under intense UV exposure, thus maintaining the product's value.
Implementation Method 1
antibacterial zeolite particles whose ion-exchangeable ions have completely or partially been replaced with silver ions and zinc ions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention herein provides antibacterial zeolite particles whose ion-exchangeable ions have completely or partially been replaced with silver ions and zinc ions, wherein the ratio (A/B) of the silver ion concentration (A) to the zinc ion concentration (B) in the antibacterial zeolite particles increases in the direction along the depth of each zeolite particle. The antibacterial zeolite particles show excellent discoloration-resistant characteristics, while maintaining their excellent antibacterial activities. Accordingly, the antibacterial zeolite particles can suitably be applied to all sorts of products that are required to have antibacterial properties.