Stable Composite Material with Entrapped Stabilizing Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite materials with dense polymeric gels lack mechanical stability and efficiency in separating substances and supporting chemical synthesis and microorganism growth due to the inability to retain entrapped polyelectrolytes without crosslinking or grafting, and they exhibit low permeability and mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A stable composite material comprising a support member with macroporous crosslinked gel that entraps a stabilizing polymer, allowing for high flow rates and efficient separation and synthesis by varying environmental conditions, with the gel being formed by introducing a monomer and crosslinking agent into the support member's pores to create a macroporous structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dense polymeric gels are used to entrap polyelectrolytes, then the gel structure can be formed, but the mechanical stability is poor and polyelectrolytes cannot be retained without crosslinking or grafting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a hydrogel matrix with a hydrophobic polymer to create a composite material that integrates the advantages of both components: the hydrogel provides porosity and biocompatibility while the hydrophobic polymer provides mechanical strength and structural stability, eliminating the need for complex crosslinking or grafting processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a porous hydrogel structure with controlled pore sizes that can physically entrap polyelectrolytes through size exclusion and hydrophobic interactions, providing mechanical stability and polyelectrolyte retention without requiring additional crosslinking or grafting modifications
2Stability of the object's composition
If crosslinked gels are used to retain polyelectrolytes, then polyelectrolyte retention is improved, but permeability and mechanical properties remain low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local hydrophobic regions within the hydrogel matrix by incorporating hydrophobic polymer domains that specifically interact with and retain polyelectrolytes, while the bulk hydrogel structure maintains its porosity and high permeability characteristics for efficient substance transport
3Productivity
If macroporous gels are used to improve permeability, then flow rates increase, but mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where the hydrogel phase provides macroporosity for high flow rates while the hydrophobic polymer phase forms a reinforcing network that provides mechanical strength, achieving both high permeability and mechanical stability simultaneously
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 material achieves enhanced mechanical stability, high permeability, and efficient separation and synthesis by maintaining the stabilizing polymer within the gel, allowing for larger molecules to pass through and supporting biological processes with improved mechanical and hydraulic properties.
Implementation Method 1
a macroporous crosslinked gel that is located in, and fills, the pores of the support member, in which crosslinked gel is entrapped a stabilising polymer
Implementation Method 2
a stabilising polymer that is substantially water-insoluble but water swellable
Implementation Method 3
allowing for larger molecules to pass through
Implementation Method 4
high flow rates
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a stable composite material comprising a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member, and a macroporous crosslinked gel that is located in, and fills, the pores of the support member, in which crosslinked gel is entrapped a stabilizing polymer, which stabilizing polymer is neutral, linear or branched, non-crosslinked, and substantially water-insoluble. The presence of the stabilizing polymer is such that it allows the composite material to largely retain its porosity and morphology after being dried. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the stable composite material described above, and to its use. The stable composite material is suitable, for example, for separation of substances, for example by filtration or adsorption, including chromatography, for use as a support in synthesis or for use as a support for cell growth.