Antistatic Coating on Paper Release Liner for Label Laminates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Label laminates with filmic faces and paper-based release liners experience electrical charging during printing and converting processes, leading to paper jams due to the attraction between the filmic face and the release liner.

Innovation Solution

An antistatic coating comprising a binder and an anti-blocking agent, such as amide wax, is applied to the release liner to reduce or eliminate static electricity, comprising a water-based acrylic binder and ethylene bis(stearamide) as the anti-blocking agent, which aids in neutralizing static charge and promoting adhesion to the paper substrate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a paper-based release liner is used with a filmic face, then the label laminate can be manufactured with common materials, but electrical charge builds up between the filmic face and release liner causing paper jams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturability of label laminateVSAvoidprinting process continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An antistatic coating is applied to the paper-based release liner as an intermediary layer between the filmic face and the paper substrate. This coating mediates the electrical charge interaction by providing antistatic properties, preventing charge buildup that causes the filmic face to cling to the release liner during printing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the release liner surface is made smooth for easy handling, then handling efficiency improves, but static electricity builds up more easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling efficiency of release linerVSAvoidstatic electricity buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The surface properties of the release liner are modified by applying an antistatic coating that changes the electrical parameters of the surface. This coating reduces static electricity buildup while maintaining the smooth surface texture needed for easy handling during printing and converting processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If printing speed is increased to improve productivity, then output increases, but electrical charge builds up faster causing more frequent paper jams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting speedVSAvoidpaper jam frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The antistatic coating is applied in advance to the release liner before printing begins. This preliminary action prepares the surface to prevent electrical charge buildup from the outset, enabling higher printing speeds without the risk of paper jams that would otherwise occur at increased speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 antistatic coating effectively reduces static electricity, preventing paper jams and ensuring smoother printing processes by maintaining non-tackiness and stability during printing, allowing for higher yields and reduced material waste.

Implementation Method 1

an antistatic coating comprising a binder and an anti-blocking agent... effectively reduces static electricity, preventing paper jams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic electricity neutralization: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

ethylene bis(stearamide) as the anti-blocking agent, which aids in neutralizing static charge and promoting adhesion to the paper substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4368681A1A release liner and a label laminate
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 UPM RAFLATAC OY
  • EP4368681A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4368681A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4368681A1 patent drawing

AI summary

This specification relates to a release liner (101, 201) for a label. Further, the specification relates to a label laminate (210), to its use as well as to a method of manufacturing the label laminate. The solution aims at reducing or eliminating build-up of static electricity on label laminates, especially during printing and converting processes. The release liner (101,201) comprises a paper-based substrate (102, 202), the paper-based substrate (102, 202) having a first surface (102a) and a second surface (102b). The first surface (102a) comprises a release coating (103, 203) and the second surface (102b) comprises an antistatic coating (104, 204). The antistatic coating (104, 204) comprises a binder and an antiblocking agent.