Textile Cleaning With Polymeric Particles Instead of Solvents
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional dry cleaning methods for textiles rely on toxic and environmentally harmful solvents, such as halocarbon solvents or carbon dioxide, which pose safety risks and environmental concerns, and lack efficient means for removing hydrophobic and aqueous stains.
Innovation Solution
A solvent-free cleaning method using polymeric particles, particularly nylon chips, with optional surfactant coating, that requires limited water for effective stain removal from textile fibers, avoiding the use of organic solvents and high-pressure systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional dry cleaning solvents (halocarbon or carbon dioxide) are used, then cleaning capability is achieved, but environmental harm and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the harmful solvent component from the dry cleaning system, replacing it with polymeric particles that perform the cleaning function without requiring toxic solvents or high-pressure carbon dioxide systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive polymeric particles (such as nylon chips) that can be discarded after use or easily regenerated, replacing expensive and hazardous solvent systems with affordable, environmentally benign alternatives
2Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide systems are used, then solvent-free cleaning is achieved, but high pressure requirements increase safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the high-pressure mechanical system (supercritical carbon dioxide) with a low-pressure polymeric particle system that achieves cleaning through mechanical action and surface chemistry rather than pressure-induced phase changes
3Quantity of substance
If conventional washing methods are used, then water-based cleaning is achieved, but hydrophobic stain removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric particles possess specific local properties (hydrophobic surfaces, appropriate melting points, and surfactant compatibility) that enable them to selectively interact with and remove hydrophobic stains while using minimal water
4Object-affected harmful factors
If polymeric particles are used for cleaning, then environmental benefits are achieved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls polymeric particle performance through parameter optimization (particle size, melting point, hydrophobicity) rather than complex formulation, using simple parameters like particle diameter and material composition to achieve desired cleaning effects
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 achieves efficient removal of hydrophobic and aqueous stains with significant environmental and economic benefits, reducing solvent-related hazards and water usage, while allowing for re-use of polymeric particles with minimal effluent generation.
Implementation Method 1
the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles
Implementation Method 2
fabrics and garments which are subjected to dry cleaning will inevitably contain significant amounts of water, which generally becomes entrapped therein by absorption or adsorption from the atmosphere
Implementation Method 3
systems which employ liquid carbon dioxide in combination with surfactants containing a CO2-philic functional moiety have been proposed
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w. Optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one cleaning material and, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the polymeric particles are coated with the at least one cleaning material. Preferably, the cleaning material comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fiber. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon, most preferably in the form of nylon chips. The results obtained are very much in line with those observed when carrying out conventional dry cleaning processes and the method provides the significant advantage that the use of solvents, with all the attendant drawbacks in terms of cost and environmental considerations, can be avoided.