Packaged abrasive articles
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing packaging solutions for abrasive articles fail to effectively control moisture transfer, leading to performance degradation due to environmental exposure, and lack sustainability and transparency features.
A packaged abrasive article using a multilayer barrier film enclosure with a puncture resistance of at least 80 N and a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) less than 1.0 grams per meter squared per day, incorporating 20% post-consumer recycled material and a transparent portion for visibility.
The solution provides a durable, moisture-resistant, and sustainable packaging option that maintains abrasive article performance while meeting environmental and transparency requirements.
Smart Images

Figure IB2024057706_20022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] PACKAGED ABRASIVE ARTICLES
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure broadly relates to packaged abrasive articles.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005] Abrasive articles are generally manufactured at a first location, shipped to a distributor at a second location, sometimes one or several vendors, and then to a customer at a third location where they are utilized. The environmental conditions during the shipment and storage of the abrasive article can negatively affect the performance of the abrasive article. For example, extended storage in humid conditions has been observed to negatively affect the performance of phenolic resin based abrasive articles such as, for example, resin-bonded cut-off wheels (COWs).
[0006] Paper packaging, including for example, cardboard, has been used to package a variety of abrasive articles to help contain the abrasive articles and reduce their exposure to environmental conditions. The cardboard packaging allows air and moisture to transfer through and subjects the packaged abrasive article to environmental fluctuations.
[0007] Shrink wrap or blister packs have also been used to package a variety of abrasive articles to help reduce packaging costs and reduce exposure to environmental conditions. When shrink wrap is used, the abrasive articles to be packaged are typically enclosed in the shrink wrap. The enclosure is then subjected to an environment with an elevated temperature that causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the abrasive articles to produce a tight wrapping that closely conforms to the outer contour of the abrasive articles. The inner portion of the wheels is not always covered by the shrink wrap, allowing for air and moisture to enter the packaging structure. Vents, such as a series of pinholes, are usually provided in the shrink wrap to allow the enclosed air to evacuate during the shrinking process. After wrapping, the shrink wrap allows air and moisture to transfer through the shrink wrap and subjects the packaged abrasive article to environmental fluctuations.
[0008] In another approach, U. S. Pat. No. 7,661247 (Schwabel et al.) discloses a system for packaging resin bonded abrasive articles that includes a flexible package comprising a multilayer barrier film that optionally contains a metal layer.
[0009] SUMMARY
[0010] A packaged abrasive article is presented that includes an abrasive article and an enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of surfaces, each surface comprising a multilayer barrier film. The multilayer barrier film has a puncture resistance of 201bs, 88 Newtons. The multilayer barrier film has a MVTR less than 1.0 grams per meter squared per day measured according to ASTM F 1249 - 13. The multilayer barrier fdm comprises a first layer and a second layer. One of the plurality of surfaces is transparent. The enclosure comprises 20% post-consumer recycled material.
[0011] Features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further understood upon consideration of the detailed description as well as the appended claims.
[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a packaged abrasive article 100 according to the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of multilayer barrier film 150.
[0015] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate results described in the EXAMPLES.
[0016] It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of the disclosure. The figures may not be drawn to scale.
[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Moisture control is an issue in the abrasives industry. Many abrasive articles include phenolic- based composites, which degrade quickly when exposed to moisture in the atmosphere. Coated abrasive articles can experience curling when exposed to moisture in the air. It is important to reduce the amount of moisture that contacts abrasive articles prior to use.
[0019] Shipping abrasive articles presents a moisture control challenge, as containers housing abrasive articles may experience a number of different environments that have higher atmospheric moisture. Additionally, it is desired that abrasive products have a reasonable performance once delivered to the consumer. However, the atmospheric conditions at the consumer (e.g. materials storage) are also unknown. A packaging solution is needed that slows down the transmission of water from the atmosphere into a package containing the abrasive article.
[0020] Some previous solutions, such as that described in U.S. Pat. 7,661,247 to Schwabel et al., have added a metallized layer to a flexible package (e.g. flexible bag or envelope). However, metallized layers are not sustainable and may not be recyclable yet in most industrial recycling infrastructure. As sustainability regulations increase, a new solution is needed. Additionally, these solutions are not transparent because of the metallized layer.
[0021] Other previous solutions, such as that described in WO 2022 / 159357 to Givot et al. or US 2020 / 0122914 to Latoumerie et al. have included using a rigid container to house abrasive articles. Rigid containers include thicker layers of material which naturally increases resistance to moister transfer. Rigid containers have a higher volume and weight than flexible packaging, and use more material which increases the cost of the overall packaging solution. Flexible-packaged abrasive articles are easier to store on-site and require less plastic to manufacture, resulting in less plastic waste than rigid options.
[0022] There is a need for a sustainable, flexible packaging solution for abrasive articles that provides a low moisture vapor transfer rate that meets sustainability requirements such as mechanical or chemical recyclability, or use post-consumer recycled material. However, adding in post-consumer recycled content is not a trivial modification, as it can alter the mechanical properties of the resulting mixed material. Additionally, it can be difficult to form a transparent construction using postconsumer recycled material.
[0023] Additionally, it is desired that the packaging solution have a transparent window. Through a transparent window, a user may be able to see product specifications either printed on the abrasive article, or included with the abrasive article in the package. While many previous solutions describe using a desiccant, it is desired to have a transparent window so an end-user can see whether or not a color-changing desiccant has been saturated, which may indicate that the enclosed abrasive articles are compromised. However, it is expressly contemplated that while some embodiments herein include desiccants, that desiccants are not required for all embodiments herein.
[0024] Another need specific to the abrasive industry is that the flexible package must meet puncture resistant requirements. Abrasive articles include abrasive particles which include sharp edges or tips. In contrast to, for example, compact-discs (CDs) which are similarly shaped to some abrasive discs, abrasive articles have at least one surface that is not smooth and has abrasive particles exposed. It is required that the flexible packaging solution be sufficiently tough to resist puncture by those abrasive particles.
[0025] For some applications, it is also desired that the packing material meet a maximum cost target and / or manufacturing complexity. It is desired to reduce the number of layers required for a packaging material which can also reduce an overall thickness and improve malleability.
[0026] It may be desired, in some embodiments, for a flexible packaging solution to be self-sealed - e.g. that the flexible package seals to itself without other components involved. In some embodiments herein, a flexible packaging solution is heat-sealed, or vacuum heat-sealed.
[0027] Systems and methods herein are drawn to packaged abrasive articles that include a transparent portion, are puncture resistant, meet sustainability requirements, and have a low moisture vapor transfer rate. Referring now to FIG. 1, packaged abrasive article 100 comprises bonded abrasive wheels 110 (shown as cut-off wheels) which are hermetically sealed in bag 120 by heat seal 130. In some embodiments, bag 120 also contains an optional desiccant 135. Optional label 140 is affixed to bonded abrasive wheels 110. Bag 120 comprises multilayer barrier film 150, shown in greater detail in FIG. 2.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, multilayer barrier film 150 comprises a first layer 152, a second layer 154, and a third layer 156. In some embodiments, additional layers, illustrated as layer 158, may be included. FIG. 2 illustrates a multilayer barrier film 150 with layers of equal thickness, however it is expressly contemplated that this is by illustration only.
[0029] Multilayer barrier film 150, in embodiments herein, includes a transparent portion. In some embodiments, a packaging article formed from multilayer barrier film 150 has a transparent portion. For example, a packaging article may be a packet or envelope, with one side that is transparent. In another example, a packaging article may include three or more surfaces (e.g. a bottom and two or more sides), with one of the surfaces being transparent. In another example, the packaging article is a stand-up pouch having a bottom surface and three or more side surfaces angled with respect to the bottom surface. The stand-up pouch may have atop surface or, in some embodiments, two of the side surfaces form a closure. The closure may be a resealable closure - e.g. using interlocking protrusions (such as that provided by ZIPLOC®), a zipper, or another suitable resealable closure mechanism. In some embodiments, a closure between a first and second surface comprises a heat-seal.
[0030] In some embodiments, the packaging article includes transparent material on all sides. In some embodiments, multibarrier film 150 includes one or more layer with printed material deposited thereon, or in between layers, such that some portions of a packaging surface are obscured by printing.
[0031] At least one of layers 152-158 are formed of a polymeric puncture-resistant film. Examples of useful polymeric puncture resistant films include polymers such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene napthalate (PEN), polyether sulfone (PES), polycarbonate, polyestercarbonate, polyetherimide (PEI), polyarylate (PAR), polymers with trade name ARTON (available from the Japanese Synthetic Rubber Co., Tokyo, Japan), polymers with trade name AVATREL (available from the B.F. Goodrich Co., Brecksville, Ohio), polyethylene-2, 6- naphthalate, polyvinylidene difluoride, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene sulfide, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). Also useful are the thermoset polymers such as polyimide, polyimide benzoxazole, polybenzoaxozole and cellulose derivatives. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with a thickness of approximately 0.002 inch (0.05 mm) is considered a convenient choice, as is biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film. Biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) is commercially available from several suppliers including: ExxonMobil Chemical Company of Houston, Tex.; Continental Polymers of Swindon, UK; Kaisers International Corporation of Taipei City, Taiwan and PT Indopoly Swakarsa Industry (ISI) of Jakarta, Indonesia. Other examples of suitable film material are taught in WO 02 / 11978, titled “Cloth-like Polymeric Films,” (Jackson et al.). In some embodiments, the substrate may be a lamination of two or more polymeric layers.
[0032] In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 is formed from at least one recyclable polymer such as, for example, polyethylene. In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 contains post-consumer recycled content.
[0033] In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 includes a thermoplastic polymer, which may allow for self-sealing of one sheet of the multilayer barrier film to another (e.g. to form a packaging structure).
[0034] In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 comprises at least 10% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 comprises as least 15% postconsumer recycled content. In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 comprises as least 20% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 comprises as least 25% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, the first substrate layer 152 comprises as least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
[0035] The multilayer barrier film 150, in some embodiments, is at least 50 pm thick. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film 150 is at least 100 pm thick. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film 150 is at least 150 pm thick. The multilayer barrier film 150, in some embodiments, is less than 300 pm thick. The multilayer barrier film 150, in some embodiments, is less than 250 pm thick. In some embodiments, multilayer barrier film 150 is less than 200 pm thick.
[0036] The second substrate layer 154 may be compositionally the same as, or different from, the first substrate layer and may comprise any of the foregoing polymers listed as suitable for the first substrate layer. Likewise, second substrate layer 154 may have the same or different thickness as the first substrate layer. Both the first substrate layer 152 and / or second substrate layer 154 may be provided by extrusion (including coextrusion) or provided as a free standing film, for example.
[0037] Layers 152-156 may be compositionally the same or different. Likewise they may have different or the same thickness.
[0038] One or more of layers 152-158 may include a metal component to improve moisture barrier properties. For example, a polyester layer may include: aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, aluminum- silicon-oxide, aluminum-silicon-nitride, and aluminum-silicon-oxy-nitride, CuO, TiO2, ITO, Si3N4, TiN, ZnO, aluminum zinc oxide, ZrO2, yttria-stabilized zirconia and Ca2SiO4. The metal-containing layer may have a thickness of no more than 50 pm, or no more than 40 pm, or no more than 30 pm, or no more than 25 pm, or no more than 20 pm, or no more than 15 pm. To obtain desired transparency requirements, the layer containing the metal component must be substantially transparent - e.g. have a high enough total transmittance that at least some written text / logos / labels on abrasive products within are visible and readable.
[0039] In addition to packaging including multilayer barrier films described herein, a puncture resistant shrinkwrap layer may also be used. For example, a cross-linked shrink film, such as ShrinkBox® polyolefin film available from CLYSAR®, incorporated in Minnesota, USA. A single layer of puncture resistant shrinkwrap may be used. In some embodiments, multiple layers of puncture resistant shrinkwrap film are used.
[0040] Layers 152-156, in some embodiments, are heat-based bonded together. In some embodiments, a printed layer is included as one of the layers in a multibarrier film. The printed layer may be formed of ink deposited onto a substrate layer, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, an additional layer is included in the multibarrier film that has printed shapes, color, and / or alphanumeric text.
[0041] In some embodiments, printing is deposited before a last layer of the multibarrier film is added to the multibarrier film, but before lamination of the construction.
[0042] As an example, a multibarrier film includes three layers: a polyester layer including aluminum oxide 152, coupled to a polyamide layer 154, which is also coupled to a cast polypropylene layer 156. The cast polypropylene layer may have a thickness around 90 pm. As an example, a multibarrier film includes three layers: a first polyester layer 152 coupled to a second polyester 154 layer including aluminum oxide, which is also coupled to a cast polypropylene layer 156. The cast polypropylene layer may have a thickness around 70 pm.
[0043] As an example, a multibarrier film includes three layers: a first polyester layer 152 coupled to a second polyester layer 154 including aluminum oxide, which is also coupled to a polyethylene layer 156. The polyethylene layer may have a thickness around 90 pm.
[0044] As an example, a multibarrier film includes two layers: a first polyester layer 154 having a thickness of 12 pm, coupled to a second cast polypropylene layer 156. The cast polypropylene layer may have a thickness around 55 pm.
[0045] As an example, a multibarrier film 150 includes three layers: a first polyester layer 152 including aluminum oxide coupled to a second polyamide layer 154, which is also coupled to a cast polypropylene layer 156. The cast polypropylene layer may have a thickness around 90 pm. The multibarrier film 150 may include a gusset having the same construction, with a cast polypropylene layer having a thickness of 90um.
[0046] As an example, a multilayer film includes three layers: a first polyester layer 152 including aluminum oxide coupled to a polyamide layer 154, which is coupled to a cast polypropylene layer 156. The cast polypropylene layer may have a thickness around 90. The multibarrier film may include a gusset having the same construction, with a cast polypropylene layer having a thickness of 90um.
[0047] As an example, a multilayer film includes three layers: a first polyamide layer 152 coupled to a second PET-aluminum oxide layer 154, which is also coupled to a low-density polyethylene layer 156.
[0048] As an example, a multilayer film includes three layers, a first polyamide layer 152 with a thickness of 15 pm, which is coupled to a second PET-aluminum oxide layer 154 with a thickness of 12 pm, which is coupled to a polyethylene layer 156 with a thickness of 130 pm.
[0049] As an example, a multilayer film 150 includes three layers, a first polyamide layer 152 with a thickness of 25 pm, which is coupled to a second PET-aluminum oxide layer 154 with a thickness of 12 pm, which is coupled to a polyethylene layer 156 with a thickness of 150 pm.
[0050] As an example, a multilayer film 150 includes three layers, a first polyamide layer 152 with a thickness of 12 pm, which is coupled to a second PET-aluminum oxide layer 154 with a thickness of 12 pm, which is coupled to a polyethylene layer 156 with a thickness of 90 pm.
[0051] As an example, a multilayer film 150 includes three layers: a first polyester layer 152 including aluminum oxide coupled to a second polyamide layer 154, which is also coupled to a polyethylene layer 156.
[0052] Multilayer films 150 described herein may have more than 30% post-consumer recycled material. The post-consumer content portion could be increased, for example to 50%, at a cost to the puncture resistance and general toughness.
[0053] In some examples, a multilayer film 150 is constructed from machine direction oriented high density polyethylene and white ethyl vinyl alcohol.
[0054] A thickness of multilayer barrier film 150 may be thinner than 500 pm in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a thickness of multilayer barrier film 150 may be thinner than 400 pm, or even thinner than 300 pm, or even thinner than 250 pm. In some embodiments, a thickness of multilayer barrier film 150 is thinner than 200 pm.
[0055] Multilayer barrier film, in some embodiments, is at least 75 pm thick, or at least 100 pm thick, or at least 150 pm thick, or even at least 170 pm thick. A puncture resistance of multilayer barrier film 150 may be constructed to pass an International Safe Transit Association vibration and drop test, procedures 1A and / or 3A. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film is compliant with MIL Standard 3010 for puncture resistance for at least 201bs, 88N. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film is compliant with ISTA 1 or 3A. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film has a puncture resistance of 175N, measured using ASTM D-7192.
[0056] In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 30% postconsumer recycled content. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 50% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 60% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 70% post-consumer recycled content. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 80% postconsumer recycled content. In some embodiments, one or more layers of a multilayer barrier film 150 are at least 90% post-consumer recycled content.
[0057] In some embodiments, a calculated post-consumer content for the multilayer barrier film 150 is at least 10%. In some embodiments, a calculated post-consumer content for the multilayer barrier film 150 is at least 20%. In some embodiments, a calculated post-consumer content for the multilayer barrier film 150 is at least 30%.
[0058] In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film 150 is substantially transparent. For example, the multilayer barrier film 150 may be transparent enough that a user can view a color of a desiccant through the film. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film 150 is sufficiently transparent that a user can read a label printed on an abrasive article through the film.
[0059] Transmittance may be measured using a BYK Haze-Gard i, cat no. : 4775, calibrated with BYK Calibration Standard cat no.: 4776. Transmittance may be measured according to ASTM Standard D1003, illuminants C and A, or according to ISO 13468, illuminant D65. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film may have a total transmittance between 80% and 90%. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film 150 may have a transmission haze between 50% and 60%. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film may have a clarity between 80% and 95%.
[0060] Multilayer barrier film 150 may have a moisture vapor transfer rate less than 2 g / m2 / day, or even less than 1.5 g / m2 / day, or even less than 1.2 g / m2 / day, or even less than 1 g / m2 / day. In some embodiments, multilayer barrier film 150 has a moisture vapor transfer rate less than 0.8 g / m2 / day, or even less than 0.6 g / m2 / day, or even less than 0.5 g / m2 / day, or even less than 0.4 g / m2 / day. Moisture vapor transfer rates may be determined according to ASTM F 1249 - 13. Moisture vapor transfer rates may be determined using a PERMATRAN-W Model 3 / 34 humidity chamber. A sample of a multilayer barrier fdm construction is placed within the chamber at 90% relative humidity at 90°F. The transmission rate is measured over 24 hours.
[0061] Any or all of layers 152-158 may be formed, for example, by flash evaporation and vapor deposition of a suitable monomer, followed by crosslinking, with volatilizable monomers being preferred. Coating may be accomplished of the monomer may also be accomplished by conventional coating methods such as roll coating (e.g., gravure roll coating) or spray coating (e.g., electrostatic spray coating). Further details concerning deposition and polymerization can be found in, for example, U. S. Pat. Nos. 4,842,893 (Yializis et al.); 4,954,371 (Yializis); 5,032,461 (Shaw et al.; 5,440,446 (Shaw et al.); 5,725,909 (Shaw et al.); 6,231,939 (Shaw et al.); 6, 045 , 864 ( Lyons et al.); 6,224,948 (Affmito), and 8,658,248 (Anderson et al.).
[0062] The second substrate layer may be compositionally the same as, or different from, the first substrate layer and may comprise any of the foregoing polymers listed as suitable for the first substrate layer. Likewise, the second substrate layer may have the same or different thickness as the first substrate layer. Both the first substrate layer and / or the second substrate layer may be provided by extrusion (including coextrusion) or provided as a free-standing film, for example.
[0063] Various optional layers may also be included in the multilayer barrier film. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film further includes a first adhesive layer disposed on the first substrate layer. The adhesive may comprise a pressure -sensitive adhesive, hot melt adhesive, and / or thermosetting resin, for example. In one embodiment, adhesive comprises a two-component laminating adhesive system that combines an isocyanate-terminated polyester urethane with a coreactant commercially available as ADCOAT 577 from Dow Chemical of Midland, Michigan. Any suitable thickness may be used; however, athickness between about 500 and 50,000 (nm) is considered convenient, with approximately 2000 nm is considered particularly convenient.
[0064] A heat sealable layer may optionally be disposed on the first adhesive layer. Any heat-sealable polymer may be used. Generally, the melting and / or softening point of the heat-sealable polymer should be below that of the first and second substrates. Polyethylene, or a blend of linear low-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene are considered suitable. A heat seal layer may be applied to the barrier film by extrusion, coating, or lamination. A co-extruded layer comprising a high-density polyethylene is also considered suitable.
[0065] In some embodiments, hermetic sealing of the bag may be accomplished by other means such as, for example, adhesive transfer tape or packaging tape. In some embodiments, the multilayer barrier film further comprises a second adhesive layer disposed on the second layer. The second adhesive layer may be compositionally and / or dimensionally the same as or different than the first adhesive layer. Materials suitable for use in the first adhesive layer are also suitable for use in the second adhesive layer.
[0066] Optionally, a desiccant may be included in the sealed bag to scavenger any water vapor that may be present after sealing the bag, but generally it is unnecessary. One useful desiccant is anhydrous silica gel. Another useful desiccant is calcium chloride. In some embodiments herein including a desiccant, the desiccant is a color-changing desiccant, visible through a transparent portion of the multilayer barrier film.
[0067] Phenolic resins are commonly used to form phenolic binder in abrasive articles and is used in both the powder form (e.g., novolac phenolic resins) and liquid state (e.g., resole phenolic resins). Phenolic binders may also be modified with other binder material(s) to improve or alter the properties of the phenolic binder. As used herein, such materials are included within the meaning of the term "phenolic binder". For example, the phenolic binder may be modified with a rubber to improve the toughness of the overall binder.
[0068] The various types of abrasive articles will be known to those of ordinary skill in the abrasive arts and are briefly set forth below.
[0069] Coated abrasive articles generally include a backing, abrasive particles, and at least one binder (in this instance a phenolic binder) to hold the abrasive particles onto the backing . Examples of suitable backing materials include woven fabric, polymeric film, vulcanized fiber, a nonwoven fabric, a knit fabric, paper, combinations thereof, and treated versions thereof. The abrasive particles can be present in one layer or in two layers of the coated abrasive article. Examples of coated abrasive article include abrasive discs (including vulcanized fiber abrasive discs), abrasive sheets and belts.
[0070] Bonded abrasive articles typically include a shaped mass of abrasive particles held together by an organic binder (in this instance a phenolic binder), which may contain optional additives such as, for example, fillers, pore formers, and grinding aids. Such shaped mass can be, for example, in the form of a wheel such as a grinding wheel or cut-off wheel. The shaped mass can also be in the form, for example, of a honing stone, segment, mounted point, disc, or other conventional bonded abrasive shape.
[0071] Nonwoven abrasive articles typically include an open porous lofty polymer filament structure having abrasive particles according to the present disclosure distributed throughout the structure and adherently bonded therein by an organic binder (in this instance a phenolic binder). Examples of filaments include polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, and polyaramid fibers. A packaged abrasive article is presented that includes an enclosure. The enclosure includes: a plurality of surfaces, each surface including a multilayer barrier fdm. The multilayer barrier fdm has a puncture resistance of at least 80 N, a MVTR less than 1.0 grams per meter squared per day measured according to ASTM D 7192. The multilayer barrier fdm includes a first layer and a second layer. One of the plurality of surfaces is transparent. The enclosure includes 20% post-consumer recycled material.
[0072] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article is a first abrasive article and the packaged abrasive includes a second abrasive article.
[0073] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the enclosure is self-sealing such that a first surface of the plurality of surfaces seals directly to a second surface of the plurality of surfaces.
[0074] The packaged abrasive article may also include a resealable closure between a first surface and a second surface of the plurality of surfaces.
[0075] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the resealable closure includes a sliding closure mechanism.
[0076] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that first surface includes a first plurality of edges, the second surface includes a second plurality of edges, and the first and second plurality of edges interlock.
[0077] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the resealable closure includes a zipper mechanism.
[0078] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first surface includes the zipper mechanism.
[0079] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article includes a phenol compound.
[0080] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article is a coated abrasive article.
[0081] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article is a nonwoven abrasive article.
[0082] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article is a bonded abrasive article.
[0083] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article is a grinding wheel. The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer film includes printing on the first layer.
[0084] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first or second layer include a material selected from the group consisting of: PET, polyamide, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl alcohol, or cast polypropylene.
[0085] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multibarrier film is less than 300 pm thick.
[0086] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multibarrier film is at least 50 pm thick.
[0087] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the plurality of surfaces includes at least three surfaces.
[0088] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes no more than 5 layers.
[0089] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes no more than 4 layers.
[0090] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm includes no more than 3 layers.
[0091] The packaged abrasive article may also include a desiccant within the enclosure.
[0092] The packaged abrasive article may also include a moisture indicator.
[0093] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the moisture indicator includes a water-sensitive color-changing indicator.
[0094] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the moisture indicator includes a capacitive hygrometer, a resistive hygrometer, a condensation-type hygrometer, a humidity indicating card or a psychrometer.
[0095] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the enclosure includes at least 25% post consumer recycled materials.
[0096] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the enclosure includes at least 30% post consumer recycled materials.
[0097] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer includes aluminum oxide.
[0098] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer includes PET.
[0099] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer includes polyamide. The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer includes cast polypropylene.
[0100] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer includes polyethylene.
[0101] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 1 gram per meter squared per day.
[0102] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 0.8 gram per meter squared per day.
[0103] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 0.6 gram per meter squared per day.
[0104] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film includes a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 0.4 gram per meter squared per day.
[0105] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the enclosure is hermetically sealed.
[0106] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the abrasive article includes abrasive particles at least partially retained in a phenolic binder.
[0107] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first or second layer includes a biodegradable material.
[0108] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first or second layer includes a recyclable material.
[0109] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the first layer and the second layer are coupled by an adhesive.
[0110] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film has a total transmittance above 70%.
[0111] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film has a total transmittance above 80%.
[0112] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film has a total transmittance above 85%.
[0113] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film has a transmission haze between of at least 50.
[0114] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier film may have a clarity between 80 and 95. A packaged abrasive article includes an abrasive article and an enclosure including a multilayer barrier fdm. The multilayer barrier film includes: a polyamide layer, a polyester layer including aluminum oxide, and a polyethylene layer. The multilayer barrier film includes 20% post-consumer recycled content. The multilayer barrier film has an MVTR less than lg / m2 / day. The multilayer barrier film includes a thickness less than 300 pm. The multilayer barrier film includes a transparent portion.
[0115] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer is less than 20 pm thick.
[0116] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer is less than 15 pm thick.
[0117] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer includes more than 30% post-consumer recycled content.
[0118] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer includes more than 50% post-consumer recycled content.
[0119] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer includes more than 70% post-consumer recycled content.
[0120] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer includes more than 90% post-consumer recycled content.
[0121] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyamide layer is less than 30 pm thick.
[0122] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyethylene layer is less than 200 pm thick.
[0123] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm is less than 300 pm thick.
[0124] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm is less than 250 pm thick.
[0125] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm is less than 200 pm thick.
[0126] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm includes at least 25% post-consumer recycled content.
[0127] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm includes at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
[0128] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the moisture vapor transfer rate is less than 0.8 lg / m2 / day. The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the moisture vapor transfer rate is less than 0.6 lg / m2 / day.
[0129] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the moisture vapor transfer rate is less than 0.4 lg / m2 / day.
[0130] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm has a total transmittance of greater than 80%.
[0131] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm has a total transmittance of greater than 85%.
[0132] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm has a total transmittance of greater than 80%.
[0133] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm has a transmission haze is less than 70%.
[0134] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm has a transmission haze is less than 60%.
[0135] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the multilayer barrier fdm that has a clarity of greater than 80%.
[0136] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyethylene layer is an interior layer of the enclosure.
[0137] The packaged abrasive article may be implemented such that the polyester layer is the outermost layer of the enclosure.
[0138] All cited references, patents, and patent applications in this application are incorporated by reference in a consistent manner. In the event of inconsistencies or contradictions between portions of the incorporated references and this application, the information in this application shall control. The preceding description, given in order to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the claimed disclosure, is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims and all equivalents thereto.
[0139] EXAMPLES
[0140] Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages, ratios, etc. in the Examples and the rest of the specification are by weight; and wt. % means weight percent. EXAMPLE 1
[0141] A packaging material was formed using a transparent multilayer film. The multilayer film had a polyester layer with aluminum oxide over a polyamide layer over a polyethylene substrate. The polyester layer was 12 pm thick and included 90% post-consumer recycled content. The polyamide layer was 15 pm thick. The low-density polyethylene layer was 90 pm thick and included 30% postconsumer recycled content.
[0142] The packaging material had a seal strength greater than 40 N / 15mm, measured according to EN ISO 520. The packaging material had a moisture vapor transfer rate, at 23°C and a relative humidity of 85% of less than 1.0 grams / m2 / day, measured according to ISO 15106-3.
[0143] The packaging material was sealed into a stand-up gusseted pouch with a zipper lock design, in a temperature range of 150-190°C. The packaging material had more than 30% post-consumer content.
[0144] The packaging material had a total transmittance (T) of 85.9 + / - 0.41, a transmission haze (H) of 57.6 + / - 0.48, and a clarity (C) of 89.4 + / - 0.29, as measured using a BYK-Gardner Haze Gard. The instrument was calibrated using a reference standard before taking measurements. The results are below in Table 2.
[0145] TABLE 1
[0146] COUNTER-EXAMPLE
[0147] A packaging material was made formed of a three layer film with a basis weight of 3g / m2. The packaging material had a low-density polyethylene substrate with a thickness of 120 pm. An aluminum layer, with a thickness of 8 pm, was between the polyethylene substrate and a polyester layer having a thickness of 12 pm.
[0148] The packaging material had a tensile strength of 6000 PSI, a puncture resistance of at least 20 lbs, a seal strength of 151bs . The seal was formed at a temperature of 400°F, at a pressure between SOTO PSI using a seal bar roughly 5 mm wide and 500 mm long. The packaging material had no post-consumer recycled content and was not transparent.
[0149] Moisture vapor transfer rate Testing
[0150] Moisture vapor transfer rate testing consisted of placing samples in a PERMATRAN-W Model 3 / 34 relative humidity test cell (hereinafter “humidity chamber”) at a set temperature and relative humidity (RH). Samples were removed from the humidity chamber, weighed, and returned to the humidity chamber after 0, 3 and 7 days.
[0151] Two each of EXAMPLE 1 and COUNTER EXAMPLE were filled with 10 3M CUBITRON II® 122mm x 1.0 mm PN 66512 cut-off wheels, available from 3M Company. Each bag had one sachet of desiccant added - DDC15g calcium chloride. All four bags were sealed using a bar sealer and stored in a humidity chamber at 90°F and 90% relative humidity. Each bag was weighed after 0, 3 and 7 days.
[0152] For reference, the weight change of two desiccant pouches not in an enclosure was tracked in low (65°F at 15% RH), medium (65°F at 55% RH), and high RH (90°F at 90% RH). FIG. 3 shows the weight change of the desiccant pouches for each package during exposure in low (65°F at 15% RH), medium (65°F at 55% RH), and high RH (90°F at 90% RH)
[0153] FIG. 4 shows the weight change of EXAMPLE 1 and COUNTER EXAMPLE packages. One of each of EXAMPLE 1 and COUNTER EXAMPLE were stored at low RH (65 °F at 15% RH) and high RH (90°F at 90% RH).
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaged abrasive article comprising: an abrasive article; and an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: a plurality of surfaces, each surface comprising a multilayer barrier film, wherein the multilayer barrier film has a puncture resistance of at least 80N, a MVTR less than 1.0 grams per meter squared per day measured according to ASTM D 7192; wherein the multilayer barrier film comprises a first layer and a second layer; wherein one of the plurality of surfaces is transparent; and wherein the enclosure comprises 20% post-consumer recycled material.
2. The packaged abrasive article of claim 1, wherein the abrasive article is a first abrasive article and wherein the packaged abrasive comprises a second abrasive article.
3. The packaged abrasive article of claim 1 or 2, wherein the enclosure is self-sealing such that a first surface of the plurality of surfaces seals directly to a second surface of the plurality of surfaces.
4. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-3, and further comprising a resealable closure between a first surface and a second surface of the plurality of surfaces.
5. The packaged abrasive article of claim 4, wherein the resealable closure comprises a sliding closure mechanism.
6. The packaged abrasive article of claim 4, wherein the first surface comprises a first plurality of edges, the second surface comprises a second plurality of edges, and wherein the first and second plurality of edges interlock.
7. The packaged abrasive article of claim 4, wherein the resealable closure comprises a zipper mechanism.
8. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-7, wherein the abrasive article comprises a phenol compound.
9. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-8, wherein the abrasive article is a coated abrasive article, abrasive article, or a bonded abrasive article.
10. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-9, wherein the multilayer fdm comprises printing on the first layer.
11. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first or second layer comprise a material selected from the group consisting of: PET, polyamide, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, ethyl vinyl alcohol, or cast polypropylene.
12. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-11, wherein the multibarrier film is less than 300 pm thick.
13. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-12, wherein the multibarrier film is at least 50 pm thick.
14. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-13, wherein the multilayer barrier film comprises no more than 5 layers.
15. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-14, and further comprising a desiccant within the enclosure.
16. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-15, and further comprising a moisture indicator.
17. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-16, wherein the enclosure comprises at least 25% post consumer recycled materials.
18. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-17, wherein the enclosure comprises at least 30% post consumer recycled materials.
19. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-18, wherein the first layer comprises aluminum oxide.
20. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-19, wherein the first layer comprises PET.
21. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-20, wherein the first layer comprises polyamide.
22. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-21, wherein the first layer comprises cast polypropylene.
23. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-22, wherein the first layer comprises polyethylene.
24. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-23, wherein the multilayer barrier film comprises a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 1 gram per meter squared per day.
25. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-24, wherein the multilayer barrier film comprises a moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR) of less than 0.8 gram per meter squared per day.
26. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-25, wherein the enclosure is hermetically sealed.
27. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-26, wherein the first layer and the second layer are coupled by an adhesive.
28. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-27, wherein the multilayer barrier film has a total transmittance above 70%.
29. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-28, wherein the multilayer barrier film has a transmission haze between of at least 50.
30. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 1-29, wherein the multilayer barrier film may have a clarity between 80 and 95.
31. A packaged abrasive article comprising: an abrasive article; and an enclosure comprising a multilayer barrier fdm, the multilayer barrier fdm comprising: a polyamide layer; a polyester layer comprising aluminum oxide; a polyethylene layer; and wherein the multilayer barrier fdm comprises 20% post-consumer recycled content, wherein the multilayer barrier fdm has an MVTR less than lg / m2 / day, wherein the multilayer barrier fdm comprises a thickness less than 300 pm, and wherein the multilayer barrier fdm comprises a transparent portion.
32. The packaged abrasive article of claim 31, wherein the polyester layer is less than 20 pm thick.
33. The packaged abrasive article of claim 31 or 32, wherein the polyester layer includes more than 30% post-consumer recycled content.
34. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-33, wherein the polyamide layer is less than 30 pm thick.
35. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-34, wherein the moisture vapor transfer rate is less than 0.8 lg / m2 / day.
36. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-35, wherein the multilayer barrier fdm has a total transmittance of greater than 80%.
37. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-36, wherein the multilayer barrier fdm has a transmission haze is less than 70%.
38. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-37, wherein the multilayer barrier fdm that has a clarity of greater than 80%.
39. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-38, wherein the polyethylene layer is an interior layer of the enclosure.
40. The packaged abrasive article of any of claims 31-39, wherein the polyester layer is the outermost layer of the enclosure.