TPEE Meltblown Membrane Bonding Strength via Chemical Modification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current bonding materials for textiles, such as thermosetting polyurethane and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, are toxic and cause environmental pollution, and thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) materials lack compatibility and bonding strength when used in polyester fiber applications.

Innovation Solution

A method is developed to prepare a polyester elastomer meltblown nonwoven fabric membrane by adding a reaction solvent, a modifier, and an initiator to TPEE powder, followed by a meltblown process, resulting in a membrane with enhanced bonding strength and elastic recovery rate, using solvents like methyl formate and ethyl acetate, and modifiers like o-xylylenediamine, which improves compatibility with polyester fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If thermosetting polyurethane or thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer is used as bonding material, then bonding strength is achieved, but environmental pollution and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the bonding material by using polyester elastomer (TPEE) instead of polyurethane-based materials. This substitution maintains bonding strength while eliminating toxic di-isocyanate components, thereby resolving the contradiction between bonding performance and environmental safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of TPEE resin combined with specific additives including crosslinking agents and catalysts. This composite formulation achieves both the required bonding strength and environmental compatibility by integrating multiple functional components that work synergistically

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) is used as bonding material, then material compatibility with polyester fiber is improved, but conformability and elastic recovery rate are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidconformability and elastic recovery rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of TPEE through compound addition, specifically incorporating crosslinking agents that alter the molecular structure. This transformation enhances the elastic recovery rate and conformability while preserving the inherent material compatibility with polyester fibers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces compound additives as intermediaries between the TPEE base material and the final bonding performance. These compounds act as modifiers that bridge the gap between TPEE's inherent compatibility and the required mechanical properties, enabling both good adhesion and superior elastic recovery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If conventional bonding materials are used, then bonding performance is achieved, but recycling difficulty and residue generation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding performanceVSAvoidrecycling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the thermal and chemical parameters of the bonding material by selecting TPEE with specific melting characteristics. This material can be melted and reprocessed at relatively low temperatures without generating toxic residues, enabling easy recycling while maintaining bonding performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adopts a bonding material system that is designed for recyclability, effectively treating the bonding layer as a reusable component rather than a permanent fixture. The TPEE-based material can be easily separated and reprocessed, eliminating the need for complex recycling procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 produces a membrane with high bonding strength and compatibility with PET fabric, capable of withstanding over 10,000 mmH2O water pressure and allows for easy recycling without generating toxic residues, addressing the environmental concerns of existing materials.

Implementation Method 1

Adding a reaction solvent with 0.5-20 parts by weight to thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) powder or granules to prepare a solvent mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Adding a modifier with 0.5-10 parts by weight to the solvent mixture, and mixing uniformly to prepare a first mixture, the modifier including at least one of o-xylylenediamine, m-xylylenediamine, alpha, alpha'-diamino-p-xylene

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

Adding an initiator with 0.5-20 parts by weight to the first mixture, and mixing uniformly to prepare a second mixture, the initiator including a photo initiator or a thermal initiator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 4

preparing the polyester elastomer meltblown nonwoven fabric membrane by passing the masterbatch through a meltblown process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3916054B1Method of preparing polyester elastomer meltblown nonwoven fabric membrane with high bonding strength
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 TAIWAN TEXTILE FEDERATION R O C
  • EP3916054B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3916054B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3916054B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A method of preparing polyester elastomer meltblown nonwoven fabric membrane (100) with porous and high bonding strength includes the following steps of: (a) Adding a reaction solvent to a reaction solvent to thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) powder or granules to prepare a solvent mixture, (b) Adding a modifier to the solvent mixture, and mixing uniformly to prepare a first mixture, the modifier includes at least one of o-xylylenediamine, m-xylylenediamine, alpha, alpha'-diamino-p-xylene, 2,3,5,6-Tetrachloro-p-xylene-alpha,alpha'-diamine, and 1,3,5,7-Tetraazatricyclodecane. (c) Adding an initiator to the first mixture, and mixing uniformly to prepare a second mixture, (d) Drying the second mixture to form a masterbatch, and (e) preparing the polyester elastomer meltblown nonwoven fabric membrane (100) by passing the masterbatch through a meltblown process.