Zinc Oxide Artificial Marble Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Artificial marble compositions face challenges in achieving both discoloration resistance and antibacterial effects without compromising aesthetics, as conventional inorganic antibacterial agents are costly, have poor dispersibility, and organic agents are toxic and lack durability.
Innovation Solution
A composition for artificial marble comprising a binder resin, zinc oxide with specific photoluminescence and BET surface area characteristics, and inorganic fillers, which provides effective antibacterial activity and discoloration resistance while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic antibacterial agents (silver or copper) are used, then antibacterial effects are provided, but cost increases and dispersibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive inorganic antibacterial agents (silver, copper) with zinc oxide, which is significantly cheaper and provides comparable antibacterial activity. This substitution resolves the cost issue while maintaining the antibacterial function, allowing for better dispersibility and overall manufacturability.
2Reliability
If organic antibacterial agents are used, then cost decreases and antibacterial effects improve, but toxicity increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces organic antibacterial agents with zinc oxide, eliminating toxicity concerns while maintaining cost-effectiveness and durability. Zinc oxide is non-toxic, thermally stable, and provides long-lasting antibacterial activity, resolving all the drawbacks associated with organic agents.
3Reliability
If conventional antibacterial agents are used, then antibacterial effects are achieved, but discoloration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses zinc oxide as a replacement for conventional antibacterial agents that cause discoloration. Zinc oxide maintains color stability and does not induce metal ion-induced discoloration, thereby achieving both antibacterial activity and discoloration resistance simultaneously.
4Reliability
If excess inorganic antibacterial agents are used to improve antibacterial activity, then antibacterial effects increase, but price increases and dispersibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves effective antibacterial activity with zinc oxide at optimal concentrations without needing excessive amounts. The high efficiency of zinc oxide allows for sufficient antibacterial protection with moderate quantities, avoiding the problems of overuse such as poor dispersibility and increased cost.
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 composition achieves significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and maintains color stability after weather resistance testing, ensuring both functional and aesthetic performance.
Implementation Method 1
the zinc oxide has a peak intensity ratio (B/A) of 0.01 to 1, where A indicates a peak in the wavelength range of 370 nm to 390 nm and B indicates a peak in the wavelength range of 450 nm to 600 nm in photoluminescence measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A composition for artificial marble, of the present invention comprises: a binder resin; an inorganic filler excluding zinc oxide; and zinc oxide, wherein the zinc oxide has a size ratio (B/A), in which peak A is a 370 nm to 390 nm region and peak B is a 450 nm to 600 nm region, of approximately 0.01 to 1 during photoluminescence measurement, and has a BET surface area of approximately 10 m2/g or less.