Bimodal Polyethylene Coating for Thin Film Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polymeric coating compositions for substrates, such as paper or paperboard, face limitations in forming thin, efficient coatings with high line speed processing and adhesion, which affects seal strength and hot tack performance.

Innovation Solution

The development of polymeric coating compositions comprising an ethylene-based polymer with specific melting properties and molecular weight distribution, blended with a second polymeric component, allowing for the formation of thin, high-strength coatings with enhanced draw down and neck in processing properties, and improved adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional polymeric coating compositions are used, then coating application is straightforward, but thin coating formation is inefficient and requires thick coatings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating thickness controlVSAvoidcoating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular weight distribution of the polyethylene polymer, specifically using a bimodal distribution with distinct low and high molecular weight components. This parameter change enables the coating composition to form thin, uniform coatings efficiently at high line speeds while maintaining adhesion, resolving the contradiction between coating precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating a polymeric coating composition that blends polyethylene with specific molecular weight distribution characteristics. The composite nature of the polymer mixture allows simultaneous achievement of thin coating formation and high processing efficiency, overcoming the limitations of conventional single-mode polyethylene coatings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If high line speed processing is used, then productivity increases, but adhesion and seal strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline speed processingVSAvoidadhesion and seal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight distribution parameter of the polyethylene to a bimodal distribution, which provides optimal balance between processing speed and adhesion. The specific distribution parameters enable the coating to adhere properly and form strong seals even at high line speeds, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by optimizing the molecular weight distribution to respond dynamically to processing conditions. The bimodal distribution allows the coating to maintain adhesion and seal strength across varying line speeds, enabling high productivity without sacrificing reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of substance

If thin coatings are applied, then material usage decreases, but coating strength and adhesion worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer material consumptionVSAvoidcoating adhesion and seal strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight distribution parameter to bimodal, which enables thin coatings to achieve sufficient strength and adhesion. This parameter optimization allows reduced material consumption while maintaining or improving coating performance, resolving the contradiction between material efficiency and strength

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 described polymeric coating compositions enable the application of thin, high-strength coatings at high line speeds, achieving enhanced seal strength and processing efficiency while maintaining adhesion, even at reduced coat weights compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

an ethylene-based polymer which exhibits desirable melting properties and flow behavior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

an ethylene-based polymer which exhibits desirable melting properties and flow behavior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow behavior:

Data Source

PatentEP3768787B1Polymeric coating compositions and articles coated with the same
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL PATENTS INC
  • EP3768787B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3768787B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3768787B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Polymeric coating compositions and articles coated with the polymeric coating compositions are provided. The polymeric coating composition can include an ethylene-based polymer that exhibits desirable melting properties and molecular weight distribution. The polymeric coating composition can provide a thin coating layer on an article while still providing advantageous properties, such as seal strength.