Surface-Modified Fibrous Material Using Sol-Gel and Plasma Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for enhancing the functionality of fibrous materials are not applicable to natural fibers, and existing surface modification techniques have not achieved sufficient enhancement of natural fibers' functionality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the attachment of inorganic materials like titania, alumina, or ceramic on natural fibers via a sol-gel reaction, followed by atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma treatment, to enhance the surface properties of natural fibers while maintaining their inherent characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surface modification techniques are applied to natural fibers, then the functionality of the fibrous material is enhanced, but the inherent characteristics of natural fibers are lost or compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of surface modification by using atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma instead of conventional high-temperature or chemical methods. This allows inorganic materials to be attached to natural fiber surfaces without compromising the fibers' inherent characteristics, achieving both functionality enhancement and characteristic retention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates composite structures by attaching inorganic materials (such as titanium oxide, alumina, or silica) onto the surface of natural fibers through sol-gel reaction followed by plasma treatment. This composite approach enhances functionality while preserving the natural fiber's inherent properties
2Reliability
If inorganic materials are attached on natural fibers via sol-gel reaction, then the surface properties are modified, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical or chemical processing systems with atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma technology. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while achieving effective surface modification and inorganic material attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma as an intermediary between the sol-gel reaction and the final surface modification. This plasma treatment facilitates uniform inorganic material attachment without requiring complex manufacturing equipment or processes
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
This method effectively imparts novel functionalities to natural fibers, resulting in highly functional surface-modified fibrous materials with increased bulkiness and durability, offering high added value while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
attaching an inorganic material on the surface of a natural fibrous material by a sol-gel reaction
Implementation Method 2
an atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma is applied to the surface of the fibrous material on the surface of which an inorganic material has been attached
Data Source
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Figure 4(a)~5(d)
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a highly functional surface-modified fibrous material with high added value, to which a novel functionality is imparted while making use of the characteristics inherent in the fibrous material, by modifying the surface of a natural fibrous material derived from an animal or a plant, or of a synthetic fiber; and a surface-modified fibrous material thereby obtained. The method of manufacturing a surface-modified fibrous material according to the invention includes attaching an inorganic material on the surface of a fibrous material by a sol-gel reaction, while allowing the fibrous material to move via an air stream. Preferably, an atmospheric-pressure low-temperature plasma is further applied to the surface of the fibrous material on the surface of which the inorganic material has been attached, while allowing the fibrous material to move via an air stream.