Beeswax Cheese Coating Composition for Crack-Resistant Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cheese coating compositions based on petroleum waxes are brittle, prone to cracking, and lack flexibility, adhesion, and stability, while bio-based alternatives face issues with softness, low melting points, and microbial growth, leading to reduced shelf life and storage issues.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 70-99% beeswax combined with 1-30% unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, or fatty alcohols, providing strength, flexibility, and adhesion, while avoiding petroleum-based waxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If petroleum-based waxes (paraffin and microcrystalline wax) are used for coating cheese, then the coating is strong and flexible with good adhesion, but the coating is brittle and prone to cracking when stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite coating system with two distinct layers: an inner layer of acetic acid esters of glycerides providing flexibility and adhesion, and an outer layer of hydrocarbon waxes providing protective properties. This composite structure combines the advantages of both materials while compensating for their individual weaknesses, preventing cracking during storage
2Adaptability or versatility
If acetic acid esters of monoglycerides are used alone as a coating, then the coating is free of petroleum-based waxes, but the coating is too soft with low melting point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-layer composite coating where the inner layer uses acetic acid esters of monoglycerides for bio-based compatibility and adhesion, while the outer layer uses hydrocarbon waxes to provide the necessary firmness and higher melting point, thus combining the benefits of both material types
3Adaptability or versatility
If high amount of acetylated mono/diglycerides is used in coating preparation, then the coating is free of mineral hydrocarbon waxes, but the coating is very soft and prone to hydrolysis and oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure where the inner layer contains acetylated mono/diglycerides for mineral-free formulation, while the outer layer of hydrocarbon waxes provides stability against hydrolysis and oxidation. The layered structure protects the sensitive inner layer while maintaining the desired mineral-free composition
Solution Approach 2:
The outer layer of hydrocarbon waxes acts as a protective intermediary layer that shields the inner acetylated mono/diglyceride layer from environmental factors causing hydrolysis and oxidation, thereby extending shelf life while maintaining the mineral-free composition
4Adaptability or versatility
If beeswax alone is used for coating cheese, then the coating is bio-based and free of petroleum waxes, but the coating becomes brittle and may crack and pull away from the cheese
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite two-layer coating system where the inner layer of acetic acid esters of glycerides provides flexibility and adhesion to prevent cracking and pulling away, while the outer layer can include beeswax for bio-based properties, combining the advantages of both material types
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 composition achieves flexibility and adhesion similar to petroleum-based waxes, preventing cracking, maintaining cheese integrity, and reducing microbial growth, with stable properties and quick solidification.
Implementation Method 1
solidifies quickly
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for coating cheese. In particular, the present invention relates to a composition for coating cheese comprising a high amount of beeswax and one or more further compound selected from the group of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters and fatty alcohols.