Sublimable Binder Paper Product Self-Disintegration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper products face challenges in maintaining desirable attributes like softness, strength, and bulk while occupying less space in waste bins, as they tend to lose strength and compress, leading to unsanitary conditions and overflow.
Innovation Solution
A nonwoven paper product with a topically applied binder composition containing at least 5% wt/wt sublimable material, such as cyclododecane or menthol, which sublimes over time, reducing fiber bonding and allowing the product to self-disintegrate, thereby occupying less space and maintaining integrity before and during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional paper products are made with high strength binders to maintain integrity during use, then strength is improved, but the product occupies more space in waste bins and does not disintegrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a binder composition where the binder material undergoes a phase change from solid to gas through sublimation. The binder is applied to the paper product and remains intact during use, then sublimates at controlled rates (e.g., 5-50% weight loss per day) to reduce waste volume. This transforms the binder's physical state over time, allowing the product to maintain strength initially and then disintegrate into smaller particles that occupy less space in waste bins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a time-dependent strength profile where the binder provides full bonding strength during the product's service life, then gradually weakens through sublimation. The binder composition is designed to sublime at controlled rates, transforming the product from a strong, intact structure to a disintegrated state with reduced volume. This dynamic behavior allows the same binder to serve opposing functions at different time points.
2Volume of stationary object
If paper products are compressed to reduce waste space, then waste volume is reduced, but the product loses its desirable attributes like softness and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by employing a binder that sublimes (transitions directly from solid to gas phase) after the product is discarded. During use, the binder remains in solid form maintaining product integrity, softness, and strength. After disposal, the binder sublimates at controlled rates, causing the product to disintegrate into smaller particles that occupy less volume. This phase transition occurs naturally at ambient conditions without requiring mechanical compression that would compromise product attributes during use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If creping is used to improve the feel and softness of the web, then softness is improved, but significant strength is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating a sublimable binder into the paper product during manufacturing that will provide temporary strength during use and softness through controlled debonding. The binder is applied at sufficient concentration (e.g., 0.1-10% by weight of dry fibers) to maintain product integrity during service, then sublimates to allow the web to debond and crepe, improving softness and feel. This preliminary binding approach enables subsequent creping without excessive strength loss.
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 paper product retains strength and softness before use, then self-disintegrates, reducing waste volume and preventing unsanitary conditions, while the sublimable material ensures a controlled disintegration process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one outer surface comprises a topically applied binder composition comprising at least about 5% wt/wt sublimable material... the sublimable material sublimes over time, reducing fiber bonding and allowing the product to self-disintegrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed towards a paper product which can remain intact prior to and during usage and can self-disintegrate over time. Such a paper product can occupy less space in a user's waste bin following usage when compared with a similar paper product that does not self-disintegrate. Such a paper product can be treated with a topical binder that includes a sublimable material. The sublimable material can sublime away from the paper product over time thereby reducing the ability of the fibers of the paper product to remain bonded together.