Bio-sourced Polymer Authentication via Isotope 14C Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current secure documents rely heavily on synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels for security and reinforcement elements, which limits their authenticity verification and environmental sustainability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating synthetic hydrocarbon polymers derived from plant resources, specifically bio-sourced materials, into security and reinforcement elements within secure documents, allowing for authentication through analysis of the bio-sourced material content, including the use of isotope 14C, to verify the document's authenticity without altering manufacturing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels are used for security and reinforcement elements, then mechanical strength and economic cost are improved, but environmental sustainability and authenticity verification capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidauthenticity verification capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the compositional parameter of the polymer from fossil-based to bio-sourced, enabling authentication through detection of specific bio-based compounds while maintaining mechanical properties through careful selection of bio-polymer types and ratios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism based on detecting specific bio-based compounds (such as amino acids, sugars, or other organic markers) within the polymer structure, which serves as a mediator between the physical material and verification of authenticity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If synthetic polymers derived from fossil fuels are used for security and reinforcement elements, then mechanical strength is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the source parameter of the polymer from non-renewable fossil fuels to renewable bio-sourced materials, thereby improving environmental sustainability while maintaining mechanical strength through appropriate bio-polymer selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes bio-sourced polymers that are inherently more environmentally friendly and potentially biodegradable, replacing persistent fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives that have reduced environmental impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If artificial polymers such as modified or regenerated cellulose are used for security elements, then uniformity with natural cellulose fibers is improved, but mechanical resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity with natural cellulose fibersVSAvoidmechanical resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite material system combining bio-sourced synthetic polymers with natural cellulose fibers, where the synthetic component provides mechanical strength while the natural component ensures uniformity and biocompatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This approach enhances document security by enabling precise authentication of bio-sourced materials, replacing fossil-based polymers with renewable alternatives, and improving mechanical properties while promoting environmental sustainability.

Implementation Method 1

the content of the element and/or document is analyzed using a method based on the amount of bio-based compound, in particular isotope 14C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIsotope 14C analysis: Radioactive Tracing

Data Source

PatentEP2893514B1Authentication method based on the amount of biobased compound
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 ARJO WIGGINS SECURITY SAS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for authentication or identification of a secured document, said document comprising at least one security or reinforcement element containing at least one hydrocarbonated synthetic polymer at least partially obtained from plant resources. According to said method, the biosourced material content of the element and/or the document is analysed and information relating to the identity or the authenticity is generated according to the comparison between the measured content and a reference value.