Biodegradable Capsule Composite Structure for Hot Beverage Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-use capsules for hot beverages are not fully biodegradable and lack appropriate mechanical and barrier properties, posing ecological concerns and failing to meet sustainability standards.
Innovation Solution
A capsule composed of one or more fiber layers and one or more polymer layers, specifically using bio-based and biodegradable materials like polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate, which provide mechanical strength and barrier properties while ensuring substantial biodegradability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional materials (aluminium or plastic) are used for capsules, then mechanical strength and barrier properties are achieved, but biodegradability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of multiple layers including fiber layers (cellulose, wood pulp) and polymer layers (PLA, PBAT, PHA) to create a capsule that achieves both mechanical strength and biodegradability. The fiber layers provide structural integrity while the biodegradable polymers ensure environmental compatibility, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ecological impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by selecting specific biodegradable polymers with appropriate molecular weights and compositions. By adjusting the ratio of fiber layers to polymer layers and selecting polymers with specific degradation characteristics, the capsule achieves sufficient mechanical strength during use while maintaining complete biodegradability after use.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for capsules, then environmental compatibility is improved, but barrier properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures with multiple functional layers. The fiber layers provide basic barrier properties while the polymer layers (PLA, PBAT, PHA) provide enhanced oxygen, aroma, and moisture barrier properties. This multi-layer composite approach ensures that biodegradability is maintained while barrier properties meet the requirements for hot beverage preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the capsule structure. The fiber layers provide structural support and basic protection, while the polymer layers provide specialized barrier functions. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the capsule to achieve both biodegradability and appropriate barrier properties for its specific application.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for capsules, then sustainability is improved, but mechanical properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction combining fiber layers (cellulose, wood pulp) with biodegradable polymer layers (PLA, PBAT, PHA). The fiber layers provide mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the polymer layers provide biodegradability and barrier properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between sustainability and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material parameters including the ratio of fiber to polymer layers, molecular weight of polymers, and composition ratios to achieve sufficient mechanical strength. By carefully controlling these parameters, the capsule maintains the mechanical properties needed for hot beverage preparation while ensuring complete biodegradability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a capsule (10) for preparing a beverage, in particular coffee or tea, the capsule comprising one or more fiber layers comprising fibers, and one or more polymer layers comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a polysaccharide or combinations thereof.