Biodegradable Profile Extruded Articles Using PHA Resin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional petroleum-derived polymers used in disposable food service items are non-biodegradable, leading to environmental challenges as they do not decompose and can linger in landfills for centuries.
Innovation Solution
Development of biodegradable tubular articles and food service items formed through extrusion molding using a polymer resin composed of at least 25 weight percent biodegradable polymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, and polylactic acid, along with fillers, nucleating agents, and plasticizers, which are suitable for forming items like drinking straws and medical tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional petroleum-derived polymers (PE, PP, PET) are used for extruding food service items, then the items exhibit suitable chemical and mechanical properties for extrusion molding, but the materials do not biodegrade and linger in landfills for centuries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining biodegradable polymers (such as polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polylactic acid) with conventional polymers or adding biodegradable additives to the polymer resin. This composite approach maintains the extrusion moldability of conventional materials while introducing biodegradability, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and environmental persistence.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable polymers are used to replace conventional polymers, then the environmental impact is reduced through biodegradation, but the mechanical and chemical properties may not be suitable for extrusion molding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and adjusting the molecular weight, composition ratios, and physical state of biodegradable polymers and additives. By optimizing these parameters, the material maintains both biodegradability and the necessary processability for extrusion molding, resolving the contradiction between environmental benefit and manufacturing suitability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If polymer resin with at least 25 weight percent biodegradable polymer is used, then the items can biodegrade in various environments, but the material composition becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediaries such as compatibilizers and processing aids that facilitate the integration of biodegradable polymers with conventional polymer matrices. These intermediary substances simplify the overall composition by enabling effective mixing and processing of multiple components, thereby reducing the practical complexity despite the multi-component nature of the resin.
Data Source
AI summary
Biodegradable articles such as tubing and food service items are disclosed. The articles are extrusion molded from a polymer resin which is made up of at least 25 weight percent of at least one biodegradable polymer, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates. Preferably the articles are formed by profile extrusion.