Biodegradable Refrigerant Gel for Cold Pack Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cold pack industry generates significant packaging waste due to non-renewable and non-recyclable materials, particularly sodium polyacrylate-based hydrogels, which are not biodegradable, contributing to environmental issues and waste management challenges.
Innovation Solution
A readily biodegradable refrigerant gel formulation for cold packs, composed of water, a non-ionic biodegradable thickening agent, and preservatives, contained in a high barrier material, achieving 100% biodegradation within 28 days and maintaining shelf-stability for at least 12 months, using a combination of preservatives and pH reducers, and a thickening agent like Guar Gum, within a high barrier container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sodium polyacrylate-based hydrogel is used in cold packs, then the cold pack has good fluid retention properties and is inexpensive, but the material is not biodegradable and contributes to packaging waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the hydrogel by replacing sodium polyacrylate with a biodegradable polymer blend consisting of polyglutamic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch derivatives. This parameter change maintains the gel's fluid retention capabilities while achieving biodegradability, resolving the contradiction between reliability and environmental harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite hydrogel material by combining multiple biodegradable polymer components (polyglutamic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, starch derivatives) with specific ratios. This composite approach provides both the necessary fluid retention properties and biodegradability, eliminating the harmful waste issue while maintaining functional reliability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used in cold packs, then packaging waste is reduced, but the shelf-stability and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the biodegradable polymer blend through controlled synthesis ratios and additive incorporation. These parameter changes enhance the gel's structural integrity and shelf-stability, allowing the cold pack to maintain its cooling function for extended periods while remaining biodegradable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-linking agents and stabilizing additives as intermediary substances that mediate between the biodegradable polymer components. These intermediaries strengthen the gel matrix and improve shelf-stability without compromising the biodegradability of the base materials, thus resolving the contradiction between waste reduction and duration of action.
3Reliability
If conventional plastic packaging is used for cold packs, then protection and barrier properties are achieved, but the materials are non-renewable and non-recyclable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from conventional petroleum-based plastics to biodegradable polymer blends with tailored molecular weights and ratios. This parameter change maintains the necessary barrier properties and protection functions while eliminating reliance on non-renewable resources, achieving both reliability and sustainability.
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 solution enables the cold packs to biodegrade completely within 28 days, reducing waste and environmental impact while maintaining shelf-stability, allowing for sustainable disposal and minimizing landfill contributions.
Implementation Method 1
a non-ionic, biodegradable thickening agent
Implementation Method 2
at least one preservative which may target a large microbial spectrum including the anerobic type
Implementation Method 3
a pH reducer
Implementation Method 4
contained in a high barrier material
Implementation Method 5
A cold pack may have a high latent heat of fusion to allow the cold pack to absorb a large quantity of heat or energy per unit mass
Implementation Method 6
The refrigerant gel is able to meet the standard for Ready Biodegradability as defined by OECD 301B by achieving 100% biodegradation within 28 days of contact with an aerobic environment
Data Source
AI summary
A readily biodegradable refrigerant gel in a cold pack is provided. The readily biodegradable refrigerant gel is contained within a high barrier container. The refrigerant gel includes water, at least one preservative, a pH reducer, and a thickener. The refrigerant gel is shelf-stable for at least 12 months and readily biodegradable upon disposal.