Bicomponent Fiber Polymer Composition for Impact Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Molded articles made from polymers derived from renewable resources often exhibit non-optimum physical properties such as brittleness and low impact strength, limiting their use in various applications.
Innovation Solution
An extrudable polymer composition comprising a base polymer and a bicomponent fiber with a low melt temperature component and a high melt temperature component, along with optional additives like natural oils and nanofibers, is developed to enhance properties like heat deflection temperature, ductility, and barrier properties, mimicking non-biodegradable petroleum-based polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If polymers derived from renewable resources are used to make molded articles, then environmental sustainability is improved, but physical properties such as impact strength and toughness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining biodegradable polymer base material with bicomponent fibers containing both low melt temperature and high melt temperature components. This composite structure allows the material to achieve both environmental sustainability and improved impact strength, as the different components work together to provide both eco-friendliness and mechanical toughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by creating regions with different properties within the polymer matrix. The bicomponent fibers introduce localized areas of varying melt temperatures and mechanical properties, allowing certain regions to provide toughness and impact resistance while maintaining the overall biodegradable nature of the material.
2Temperature
If bicomponent fiber with high melt temperature component is added to base polymer, then heat deflection temperature is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber structure into two distinct components with different melt temperatures. The low melt temperature component facilitates processing at lower temperatures, while the high melt temperature component provides the desired heat deflection temperature. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring complex processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the material system by incorporating components with different melt temperatures. This allows the material to exhibit dual thermal behavior: easy processing at lower temperatures (due to the low melt component) and high heat resistance at elevated temperatures (due to the high melt component), thereby improving heat deflection temperature without proportionally increasing processing complexity.
3Strength
If bicomponent fiber is incorporated into base polymer, then impact resistance is improved, but material homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing bicomponent fibers that create localized regions of enhanced impact resistance within the base polymer matrix. These fibers are distributed throughout the material, providing discrete zones of improved toughness while maintaining overall material homogeneity at the macro scale. The different melt temperature components within each fiber create local property variations that enhance impact performance.
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 extrudable polymer composition achieves improved physical properties, including higher heat deflection temperatures and impact resistance, making it suitable for forming articles like containers and closures with enhanced performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a bicomponent fiber comprising a low melt temperature component and a high melt temperature component
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an extrudable polymer composition comprising a base polymer and a bicomponent fiber comprising a low melt temperature component selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) and a high melt temperature component selected from the group consisting of PET, 100% PDLA, 100% PLLA or a 50/50 blend of 100% PDLA and 100% PLLA, and nylon wherein the base polymer has a melt temperature of about 20° C. to 40° C. lower than this high melt temperature component of the bicomponent fiber.