Amine-Removing Zeolite Element for Food Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling amine-related odors in food packaging, such as using acid or oxidizing agents, are inefficient and can damage zeolites, and existing zeolites are not suitable for amine absorption due to their high Si/Al ratios and sensitivity to environments.
Innovation Solution
A food package with an amine-absorbent element comprising ammonium-exchanged mordenite (MOR) type zeolites with a lower Si/Al ratio (5-20) and optionally combined with ZnO-doped Faujasite or CuO-doped ZSM-5 zeolites, which are designed to effectively absorb and retain amines without forming reaction products, enhancing sorption capacity and reversibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If acid or oxidizing agents are used to remove amines, then amine-related odors are controlled, but the zeolite structure is damaged and reaction products are formed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of zeolite by adjusting the Si/Al ratio to a specific range (5-20), which fundamentally alters the material's properties to enable amine absorption without structural damage or reaction product formation, resolving the contradiction between odor control and zeolite stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite amine-absorbent element combining zeolite with specific additives (metal oxides, organic compounds) that enhance amine absorption capability while protecting the zeolite structure from damage and preventing harmful reaction products, thus controlling odors without compromising structural integrity
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional zeolites with high Si/Al ratios are used, then zeolite stability is maintained, but amine absorption capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the Si/Al ratio parameter from conventional high values (>100) to a specific lower range (5-20), which dramatically increases the density of acid sites and thereby enhances amine absorption capacity while maintaining sufficient structural stability through optimized composition
3Quantity of substance
If ammonium-exchanged mordenite zeolites with low Si/Al ratio are used, then amine absorption capacity increases, but sensitivity to environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite material system where ammonium-exchanged mordenite zeolite is combined with specific additives (metal oxides like ZnO, CuO; organic compounds) that protect the zeolite structure from environmental damage while preserving its high amine absorption capacity, thus improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective additives into the amine-absorbent element that preemptively shield the sensitive low Si/Al ratio zeolite structure from environmental conditions, preventing structural degradation before it occurs
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 package effectively controls amine-related odors by increasing zeolite activity and selectivity, maintaining high sorption performance across various temperatures, and preventing the formation of harmful reaction products, thus improving food freshness and reducing consumer rejection.
Implementation Method 1
an amine-absorbent element comprising ammonium-exchanged mordenite (MOR) type zeolites
Implementation Method 2
zeolites having 'high' silicate/aluminate ratios... U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,870 reports to zeolites characterized by a Si/Al ratio between 100 and 250
Implementation Method 3
MOR zeolites, suitable to be used in the present invention, are present in an amount comprised between 2 μg and 50 μg per gram of weight of an amines-releasing fresh food
Data Source
AI summary
A food package suitable for manufacturing as a closed packaging system contains an amine-absorbent element comprising ammonium-exchanged mordenite (MOR) type zeolites and optionally further comprises ZnO-doped Faujasite (FAU) type zeolites and/or CuO-doped ZSM-5 type zeolites.