Wet-Strength Absorbent Sheet via Intermediary Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-performance wiper products made from mixtures of pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic fibers lack strength, especially wet strength, due to poor interfiber bonding, and are difficult and expensive to produce on conventional papermachines.
Innovation Solution
A wet-laid absorbent sheet comprising a mixture of pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic polymer fibers, incorporating an epihalohydrin/amine functional wet-strength resin, carboxymethylcellulose, and an anionic olefin copolymer resin to enhance wet strength and wet/dry tensile ratios, allowing for economic production on conventional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mixture of pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic fibers is used to make high-performance wipers, then the wipers can be produced on conventional papermachines, but the wet strength is poor due to poor interfiber bonding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wet-strength resin as an intermediary substance that bonds between pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic fibers. This resin acts as a mediator that facilitates interfiber bonding despite the inherent incompatibility between different fiber types, thereby improving wet strength while maintaining producibility on conventional equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining pulp-derived papermaking fibers, synthetic fibers, and wet-strength resin. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both natural and synthetic fibers while using the resin matrix to ensure strong interfiber bonding, resolving the strength deficit of fiber mixtures
2Reliability
If microfibers with diameter less than 20 microns are used to improve wiper performance, then cleaning efficiency is enhanced, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs conventional papermaking fibers and standard synthetic fibers that can be produced through existing, well-established processes rather than requiring complex microfiber production infrastructure. This approach achieves acceptable performance through material selection and chemical bonding rather than relying on expensive, complex microfiber manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the fiber mixture by introducing wet-strength resin and other chemicals that modify the bonding characteristics. This chemical parameter change enables strong interfiber bonding without requiring physical parameter changes such as reducing fiber diameter to microfiber levels
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 sheet exhibits surprising wet strength and elevated wet/dry tensile ratios, overcoming the production challenges and strength limitations of previous products while being economically viable on conventional papermachines.
Implementation Method 1
an anionic olefin copolymer resin effective to increase the wet/dry tensile ratio of the sheet
Implementation Method 2
anionic olefin copolymer resin
Implementation Method 3
epihalohydrin/amine functional wet-strength resin
Implementation Method 4
a strength agent selected from carboxymethylcellulose and anionic starch
Data Source
AI summary
A wet-laid absorbent sheet includes a mixture of pulp-derived papermaking fibers and synthetic polymer fibers, a strength agent selected from carboxymethylcellulose and anionic starch as well as an epihalohydrin/amine functional wet strength resin. Also included is an anionic olefin copolymer resin effective to increase the wet/dry tensile ratio of the sheet.