Biodegradable Paper-Plastic Laminate for RFID Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paper/plastic laminates lack effective electromagnetic shielding capabilities, particularly against RFID frequencies, and are not biodegradable, posing security and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

A biodegradable paper/plastic laminate is developed, comprising a polymeric film with a conductive layer and adhesives, which provides electromagnetic shielding from 125 kHz to 3 GHz frequencies, using materials like polyester and conductive metals like aluminum and copper, and adhesives such as 100% solids adhesives for dimensional stability and biodegradability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional paper/plastic laminates are used, then durability and tear resistance are improved, but electromagnetic shielding capability is insufficient and biodegradability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic shielding capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite laminate structure consisting of paper web, polymeric film, and conductive material layers. This multi-material composite combines the durability of paper/plastic with the electromagnetic shielding properties of conductive materials (aluminum, copper, or conductive polymers), resolving the contradiction between durability and electromagnetic shielding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If conventional plastic laminates are used, then tear resistance is improved, but environmental friendliness deteriorates due to non-biodegradability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetear resistanceVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the polymeric film by incorporating biodegradable additives or using biodegradable polymers, changing the chemical composition parameters while maintaining the physical tear resistance properties. This allows the material to remain durable during use but degrade after disposal, resolving the contradiction between strength and environmental impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If thin conductive layers are used for shielding, then material usage is reduced, but shielding effectiveness at higher frequencies decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductive material thicknessVSAvoidshielding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies conductive material in specific configurations and thicknesses optimized for different frequency ranges. The conductive layer may be applied selectively or in varying thicknesses to address different shielding requirements, allowing reduced material usage while maintaining effectiveness across the target frequency spectrum through localized optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 laminate offers enhanced tear resistance, dimensional stability, and effective electromagnetic shielding, while being biodegradable, addressing security and environmental issues by preventing unauthorized RFID readings and ensuring eco-friendly disposal.

Implementation Method 1

The laminate material is configured to shield radiation having frequencies from 125 kHz to at least 3 GHz

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The top surface of the polymeric film is bonded to a bottom surface of the paper web by an adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11123958B2Paper/plastic laminate and electromagnetic shielding material
Publication Date: 2021.09.21 CHASE CORP
  • US11123958B2 patent drawing
  • US11123958B2 patent drawing
  • US11123958B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A laminate material comprising a paper web and a polymeric film adhered to the paper web, the polymeric film comprising a biodegradable polymeric material that includes an organic additive.