Materials with improved water and / or oil repellency, methods for manufacturing the same, and uses

Abstract

Materials with improved water and / or oil repellency, methods for improving water and / or oil repellency, products derived therefrom, and uses are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to materials with improved water repellency and / or oil repellency, preferably materials containing cellulosic fibers, methods for improving water repellency and / or oil repellency, and products made from such materials and their uses. Products that can be multilayered (such as three-layer) are intended to be used for the press molding of fiber products and can be formed at high pressure and high temperature, preferably by a press pad device and a stamp device. This material results in fiber products with improved water repellency and / or oil repellency. Furthermore, the present invention provides a sustainable and industrially applicable method for improving the water repellency and / or oil repellency of cellulosic materials treated as described above without using additional chemical products.

Background Art

[0002] Water repellents or oil repellents can be applied to cellulosic materials and, for example, AKD, ASA. Alternatively, waxes have been used in the paper-making field for a long time. Countless papers and studies have been published on the mechanisms associated with these substances.

[0003] For example, when using cellulosic materials, the materials used to form lids and closures generally have bulkiness (7 - 8 cm 3 / g), loosely held fibers, and a very high porosity. These parameters can be further enhanced by using an anti-warping unit before compressing the object. This breaks the bonds between the fibers to facilitate shaping of the fiber mat. As a result, the hydrophobic substances added to the fiber mat can be spread through the structure of the material on the one hand to provide hydrophobicity due to the high porosity and specific surface, but due to the high porosity and further structural breakdown by the anti-warping unit, a complete network cannot be formed through any of cross-linking, polymerization, or coalescence. However, the high porosity of cellulosic materials can also result in easy water absorption from the relative humidity of the ambient air. Therefore, this can mean hydrolysis and loss of hydrophobic substances, for example, in the case of AKD.

[0004] Therefore, particularly in the food and beverage sector, there is a need to provide a simplified method for making water-repellent or oil-repellent materials useful for products beneficial to packaging solutions. Furthermore, there is a need for a sustainable and industrially applicable method for improving the water-repellency and / or oil-repellency of cellulosic materials treated as described above, without the use of additional chemical products. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0005] The present invention solves or mitigates one or more of the above-mentioned problems by providing a material according to a first embodiment. This material preferably contains cellulose fibers, has improved water and oil repellency, is suitable for packaging purposes, and has a density of approximately 1.11 to 1.25 kg / dm 3 It has a density of [value]. Preferably, this improved repellency is achieved by one or more types of water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agents, preferably by one or more types of sizing agents.

[0006] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment, a method for improving the water-repellent and / or oil-repellent properties of a material suitable for packaging purposes is provided, comprising the following steps: a) Preferably a step of providing a material containing cellulosic fibers, b) The step of passing this material through a warp prevention unit, c) spraying a water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agent onto the treated material (i.e., the material treated by the warp-prevention unit), d) A step of subjecting the treated material described above to high pressure and high temperature to provide a product useful for packaging solutions for food or beverages, which has improved water repellency and / or oil repellency (i.e., hydrophobicity and / or oil repellency).

[0007] A warp prevention device (or warp prevention unit) exerts a mechanical effect on the fibers, meaning that any pre-existing bends in the fibers can essentially be eliminated using the warp prevention device.

[0008] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a product is provided that has improved water-repellent and / or oil-repellent properties (i.e., hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties) obtained by the method according to the second aspect.

[0009] Furthermore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a material or product is provided that has improved water-repellent and / or oil-repellent (i.e., hydrophobic and / or oleophobic) properties according to the first or third aspect. The product is part of a molded product, such as a screw cap, a container, a bread bag clip, or a packaging box. The container may be a disposable beverage cup, a carton for dairy products, an autoclave packaging box or tray, a plate for eating or holding food, or paper or cardboard such as foldable cardboard.

[0010] Furthermore, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the use of a material or product having improved water-repellent and / or oil-repellent (i.e., hydrophobic and / or oleophobic) properties, as described in the first or third aspect, is provided. The material or product is a molded product, such as a screw cap, container, bread bag clip, or packaging box, molded in multiple layers, such as three layers. The container may be a disposable beverage cup, a carton for dairy products, an autoclave packaging box or tray, a plate for eating or holding food, or paper or cardboard such as foldable cardboard. Preferably, the layer having improved water-repellent and / or oil-repellent properties faces the food or beverage during the consumer's final use.

[0011] The terms "fibre" and "fiber" may be used interchangeably in this specification and have the same meaning.

[0012] An anti-warping unit that can be used in connection with the method described above according to a second aspect may be, for example, an anti-warping component for rolls provided by Maxson Automatic Machinery Company, or an anti-warping unit provided by Ricoh. These are just one non-limiting example. The anti-warping unit described above may comprise one sponge roller, two metal rollers, and two paths for paper or other cellulosic materials. The anti-warping strength or direction of warping may be adjustable. A "sandwich" configuration may exist in which an upper pressure roller, an anti-warping roller, and a lower pressure roller are present.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the high-pressure and high-temperature step d) is provided by a press pad device and a stamp device.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the high pressure and high temperature in step d) is a combination of a pressure of about 10 to about 100 MPa, preferably about 20 to about 30 MPa, and a temperature of about 120 to about 250°C, preferably about 120 to about 180°C, and accordingly preferably the above conditions are maintained for a period of about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the material is derived from CTMP (chemothermetic pulp), TMP (thermomechanical pulp), kraft pulp, sulfate pulp, sulfite pulp, recycled pulp material, cardboard or carton, or a combination thereof.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the material is derived from bleached pulp, unbleached pulp, or a combination thereof.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the material is derived from hardwood or softwood, bagasse paper, algae or straw, or a combination thereof.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the material provided in step a) is preferably an airlaid material containing cellulosic fibers, or preferably a wet material containing cellulosic fibers, or a combination thereof. Preferably the material provided in step a) is about 7-8 cm 3 It has a specific volume of / g. The above airlaid material consists of long-fiber softwood, originally soft pulp in roll form, which is cut (fiber separation process) for example in a hammer mill. Typically, airlaid webs (such as paper) can consist of 85% fibers. The remaining percentage consists of binders and / or one or more types of additives, which can be applied through spraying or foaming.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agent is one or more sizing agents, preferably selected from the group consisting of AKD (alkyl ketene dima), ASA (alkenyl succinic anhydride), and waxes, or a combination thereof.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the second aspect, the above method provides the product according to the first aspect.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect, the multilayer product is provided such that one of the outer layers forms a screw-in or snap-in function for sealable packaging, such as a container, a closure, or a part of a container or closure.

[0022] Preferred features of each aspect of the present invention are similarly applicable to each of the other aspects. The present invention will be further illustrated by the following examples with reference to the drawings, but these will not limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with the help of examples and drawings. Their purpose is to illustrate the present invention and not to limit its scope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing compression when making a closure suitable for use with a bottle. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing compression when making a closure suitable for use with a bottle. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing compression when making a closure suitable for use with a bottle. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing hydrophobicity for a lid. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing hydrophobicity for a lid. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing hydrophobicity for a closure.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] In a method provided according to a second aspect of the present invention, that is, a method for improving the water repellency and oil repellency of a dry-compressed cellulose-based material, the bulging material can be compressed after passing through an anti-warping unit. The material to which a combination of pressure (20 - 30 MPa) and heat (120 - 180 °C) is applied for 0.5 - 2 seconds results in a high-density cellulose-based object having a limited porosity and a structure without capillary action, of about 1.11 - about 1.25 kg / dm 3 ³. Before the pressure and temperature as set above are applied, a water repellent and / or an oil repellent is sprayed onto the material treated by the anti-warping unit. Non-limiting examples of such devices are the anti-warping components for rolls provided by Maxson Automatic Machinery Company, or the anti-warping unit provided by Ricoh.

[0026] This process affects in several ways: a) The high temperature at which the material is compressed allows the fiber mat to be heated beyond the melting point of the substance used for water and / or oil repellency. This allows for a more even redistribution / spreading of the substance on / around the fibers during compression, and to achieve a more homogeneous fiber coating, thus achieving higher hydrophobicity and oil repellency. b) Very high densification during compression results in a smooth, closed-surface object with a lower specific volume compared to other cellulosic materials such as cardboard or wet-molded cellulose. Densifying the fibrous network allows for the creation of a network of hydrophobic and / or oleophobic substances around the fibers, which are then fixed within the structure due to the lack of space available for flow. Furthermore, the smooth, closed surface improves performance by further reducing the possibility of flow, fixing substances within the material, and similarly reducing the possibility of hydrophilicity. Finally, densifying the material increases the volume fraction of hydrophobic and oleophobic substances in a given amount of material, resulting in further densification of the network and improved performance. [Experiments using hydrophobic materials]

[0027] Materials treated with various hydrophobic products were manufactured and compressed as lids or screw caps. These materials were treated on one or two sides with a click chemical product accompanied by AKD(AP), wax dispersion (AN), or (ASCL), and without a binder (AS). The percentage of added hydrophobic product (dry / dry) was either 1% or 2%. Layers of the materials were stacked before compression to create multilayer materials with varying levels of hydrophobic treatment on the inside and outside. These materials were compressed at 80–140°C using a servo press and screw cap or lid mold tool to the desired shape.

[0028] The table below summarizes the evaluated material composition. The numbers (0, 1, 2) represent the percentage of hydrophobic treatment in each layer.

[0029] [Table 1]

[0030] All materials performed well in terms of both the composition and water repellency of the 3D object. Variations in mechanical performance were observed depending on the type and amount of processing. This allows for adjustment of the performance of the final product according to needs and specifications.

[0031] Figures 1-3 emphasize compression. Figures 4 and 5 clearly show that the closure is useful as a lid after hydrophobic treatment as described above. The closure shown in Figure 6 was made in a shape suitable for use on bottles such as those used for alcoholic beverages.

[0032] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art will likely come up with other minor modifications that fall within the scope of the invention. The breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents. For example, any of the methods mentioned above can be combined with other known methods. Other embodiments, advantages, and modifications within the scope of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art relating to the invention.

Claims

1. Preferably containing cellulose fibers, it exhibits improved water and oil repellency, making it suitable for packaging purposes, with a density of approximately 1.11 to 1.25 kg / dm ３ A material having a density such that the improved water-repellent and oil-repellent properties are preferably achieved by one or more types of water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agents, preferably by one or more types of sizing agents.

2. A method for improving the water-repellent and / or oil-repellent properties of a material suitable for packaging purposes, comprising the following steps: a) Preferably a step of providing a material containing cellulose fibers, b) The step of passing the material through a warp prevention unit, c) spraying a water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agent onto the treated material, d) A step of subjecting the repellent treated material to high pressure and high temperature, thereby providing a product with improved water and / or oil repellency, which is useful, for example, in packaging solutions for food or beverages. Methods that include...

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the high pressure and high temperature in step d) are provided by a press pad device and a stamp device.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the high pressure and high temperature in step d) is a combination of a pressure of about 10 to about 100 MPa, preferably about 20 to about 30 MPa, and a temperature of about 120 to about 250°C, preferably about 120 to about 180°C, and accordingly preferably the above conditions are maintained for a period of about 0.5 to 2 seconds.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein the material is derived from chemothermetic pulp, thermomechanical pulp, kraft pulp, sulfate pulp, sulfite pulp, recycled pulp material, paperboard or carton, or a combination thereof.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein the material is derived from bleached pulp, unbleached pulp, or a combination thereof.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the material is derived from hardwood or softwood, bagasse paper, algae or straw, or a combination thereof.

8. The material provided in step a) is preferably an airlaid material containing cellulose fibers, or preferably a wet material containing cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof, and preferably the material provided in step a) is about 7 to 8 cm ３ The method according to claim 2, having a specific volume of / g.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the water-repellent and / or oil-repellent agent is one or more sizing agents, preferably selected from the group consisting of alkyl ketene dima, alkenyl succinic anhydride, and wax, or a combination thereof.

10. The method according to claim 2, which provides the product according to claim 1.

11. A product having improved water repellency and / or oil repellency, obtained by the method according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

12. Use of a product having improved water and / or oil repellency as described in claim 11, or use of a material as described in claim 1, wherein the product / material is part of a molded product such as a screw cap, container, bread bag clip, or packaging box, and the container may be paper or cardboard such as a disposable beverage cup, dairy carton, autoclave packaging box or tray, plate for eating or holding food, or foldable cardboard.

13. In a molded product such as a screw cap, container, bread bag clip, or packaging box, which is molded in multiple layers, such as three layers, the container is a disposable beverage cup, a carton for dairy products, an autoclave packaging box or tray, a plate for eating or holding food, or paper or cardboard such as foldable cardboard, preferably the layer having improved water and / or oil repellency is in contact with food or beverages during the consumer's final use, using the product with improved water and / or oil repellency as described in claim 11, or using the material as described in claim 1.

14. The use according to claim 13, wherein the multilayer product is provided such that one of the outer layers forms a screw-in or snap-in function for sealable packaging, such as a container, a closure, or part of a container or closure.

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