Solution-Dyed Protein Fiber Uniform Colorant Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solution-dyed protein fibers face issues with pigment dispersibility and cost, leading to yarn breakage and non-uniform composition, particularly with the use of GFP, which is expensive and poorly soluble, resulting in less vibrant color tones.
Innovation Solution
A solution-dyed protein fiber is produced by dissolving or dispersing a colorant in dimethyl sulfoxide or N,N-dimethylformamide, then mixing with silk fibroin and spider silk protein powders to create a spinning solution, allowing for uniform dye distribution and bright color exhibition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pigments are added directly into a spinning solution, then the fiber can be colored, but the pigment dispersibility is poor resulting in yarn breakage and non-uniform composition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary substance to dissolve or disperse the pigment before incorporating it into the spinning solution. This mediator ensures uniform pigment distribution, preventing aggregation and yarn breakage while maintaining continuous fiber formation during spinning.
Solution Approach 2:
The pigment is pre-dissolved or pre-dispersed in a suitable solvent before being added to the spinning solution. This preliminary action ensures the pigment is in a stable, uniform state that prevents aggregation during the spinning process, thereby avoiding yarn breakage and ensuring continuous production.
2Ease of manufacture
If GFP is used as a colorant, then the fiber can be colored, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive GFP with cost-effective alternative colorants such as food dyes, natural pigments, or synthetic dyes that can be easily dissolved in common solvents. These substitutes maintain the coloring function while dramatically reducing material costs, making the process economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the colorant system by selecting different dye types and solvents that are more economical than GFP. By adjusting the chemical composition and solubility characteristics of the colorant-solvent system, the patent achieves effective coloring at lower cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If pigments are added to spinning solution, then the fiber can be colored, but the color tone is not bright due to poor dispersibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solvent as a mediator to ensure uniform dispersion of pigment molecules throughout the spinning solution. This intermediary prevents pigment aggregation, allowing light to interact more effectively with the pigment particles, thereby enhancing color brightness and vibrancy in the final fiber product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneous distribution of pigment throughout the spinning solution by using appropriate solvents and mixing conditions. This uniform distribution ensures consistent coloration and maximum light reflection, resulting in bright and vibrant color tones without dark spots or uneven coloring.
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 method results in a low-cost, solution-dyed protein fiber with uniform colorant dispersion and bright color tones, capable of exhibiting metallic luster depending on the silk fibroin and spider silk protein ratio, avoiding issues of yarn breakage and cost associated with previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
dissolving or dispersing a solution-dyeing colorant in a solvent selected from dimethyl sulfoxide and N,N-dimethylformamide
Implementation Method 2
dispersing a solution-dyeing colorant in a solvent selected from dimethyl sulfoxide and N,N-dimethylformamide
Implementation Method 3
extruding the solution into a methanol coagulation liquid for spinning
Implementation Method 4
performing cold drawing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A solution-dyed protein fiber of the present invention includes 0-100 mass% of silk fibroin and 100-0 mass% of a polypeptide derived from spider silk proteins when the protein fiber is assumed to be 100 mass%, wherein the solution-dyed protein fiber contains a solution-dyeing colorant. The fiber is obtained by: dissolving or dispersing a solution-dyeing colorant in a solvent used for a spinning solution or in dimethyl sulfoxide, thereby preparing a coloring liquid; adding a solvent to the coloring liquid in an amount necessary for a spinning solution; adding and dissolving protein powder into the solvent, thereby preparing a spinning solution; and subjecting the spinning solution to wet spinning or dry-wet spinning. Thereby, the present invention provides a low-cost solution-dyed protein fiber in which a solution-dyeing colorant is dispersed uniformly and that can exhibit bright color tone, and a method for producing the same.