Anti-Fogging Adhesive Composition for Food Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive compositions for food packaging containers face challenges in achieving durable anti-fogging and adhesive properties, with previous methods experiencing issues such as inconsistent anti-fogging agent distribution, layer detachment, and low productivity due to complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A composition combining a polyester resin with a glass transition temperature between -30°C and 30°C, and an anti-fogging agent, preferably a nonionic surfactant, applied through co-extrusion or solvent coating, forming a laminated film with excellent adhesive and anti-fogging properties without compromising durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the anti-fogging agent is kneaded into the resin, then the anti-fogging effect is achieved, but the anti-fogging effect is not constant and lacks durability due to transfer in multi-laminated film

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-fogging effect durabilityVSAvoidanti-fogging agent distribution stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anti-fogging agent from the bulk resin matrix and concentrates it in the adhesive layer that bonds the covering material to the container. This is achieved by controlling the composition and properties of the adhesive layer to selectively incorporate and retain the anti-fogging agent, preventing its transfer to adjacent layers while maintaining durable anti-fogging effect on the inner surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the anti-fogging agent specifically in the adhesive layer rather than distributing it uniformly throughout the entire multi-laminated structure. The adhesive layer is formulated with specific properties (composition, thickness, glass transition temperature) that enable it to locally hold the anti-fogging agent and release it controllably to the inner surface without affecting other layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the anti-fogging agent is kneaded into the resin, then the anti-fogging effect is achieved, but the anti-fogging agent transfers to adjacent layers causing layer detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-fogging effectVSAvoidadhesive bond strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anti-fogging agent from the bulk resin and confines it to the adhesive layer, preventing unwanted transfer to adjacent structural layers. The adhesive layer is specifically designed with composition and properties that enable it to retain the anti-fogging agent while maintaining strong adhesion to both the covering material and the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the adhesive layer (composition, glass transition temperature, thickness) to optimize its ability to hold the anti-fogging agent and maintain adhesive strength. By adjusting these parameters, the adhesive layer becomes a stable repository for the anti-fogging agent that does not transfer to adjacent layers, thus preventing layer detachment while preserving bond strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the coating liquid is coated onto the film surface, then the anti-fogging agent is applied, but a drying step is necessary reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-fogging agent applicationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anti-fogging agent application with the adhesive layer formation process. The anti-fogging agent is incorporated into the adhesive layer during its application to the covering material, eliminating the need for a separate drying step. This integration of functions maintains reliable anti-fogging agent application while significantly improving manufacturing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the anti-fogging agent is coated onto the film surface, then the anti-fogging effect is achieved, but the anti-fogging agent flows out due to moisture evaporation reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-fogging effectVSAvoidanti-fogging effect durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the anti-fogging agent from the bulk resin and concentrates it in the adhesive layer, which is specifically designed to control its release. The adhesive layer's composition and properties prevent premature flow-out of the anti-fogging agent due to moisture evaporation, while still allowing it to be released to the inner surface for the desired anti-fogging effect, thus maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the adhesive layer (glass transition temperature, composition, thickness) to control the release behavior of the anti-fogging agent. By optimizing these parameters, the adhesive layer prevents premature flow-out of the anti-fogging agent while ensuring controlled release to the inner surface, thereby maintaining both the anti-fogging effect and its durability over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a robust adhesive and anti-fogging effect, ensuring clear visibility of perishable food contents and maintaining sealing integrity, while simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a polyester resin (A) and an anti-fogging agent (C), and satisfies the following requirement (1): (1) Glass transition temperature of the polyester resin (A) is from −30 to 30° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlass transition:

Implementation Method 2

an anti-fogging agent (C), and satisfies the following requirement (1): (1) Glass transition temperature of the polyester resin (A) is from −30 to 30° C.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS11459492B2Adhesive composition having anti-fogging property
Publication Date: 2022.10.04 TOYOBO MC CORP

AI summary

The present invention aims to provide an adhesive composition having excellent adhesive property and excellent anti-fogging property by way of simple and easy means such as co-extrusion with a substrate film, extrusion coating, solvent coating, etc. According to the present invention, there is provided an adhesive composition, characterized in that it contains a polyester resin (A) and an anti-fogging agent (C), and satisfies the following requirement (1):(1) Glass transition temperature of the polyester resin (A) is from −30 to 30° C.