Blow Molding Polymer Composition with Clarifying Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for molding polymer compositions often result in high haze levels in molded articles, which affects their aesthetics, and are inefficient in terms of energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving extrusion blow molding using a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol, and an ester composition of 1,2,3-propanetriol with a C 14-22 -fatty acid, processed at lower temperatures (≤ 200 °C) to produce articles with low haze and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional molding methods are used, then molded articles can be produced, but high haze levels result affecting aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer by incorporating specific clarifying agents (1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol) and ester compositions (1,2,3-propanetriol with C14-22 fatty acid) to modify the optical properties of the molded article, reducing haze levels and improving aesthetic quality
2Productivity
If higher temperatures are used for molding, then polymer composition can be extruded, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the processing temperature parameter by extruding the polymer composition at lower temperatures (≤200°C) compared to conventional methods, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity through the use of specific polymer additives that enable low-temperature processing
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 method effectively reduces haze levels in molded articles while achieving energy savings by using a specific polymer composition and processing conditions, resulting in improved aesthetic quality and efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
heating the polymer composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer composition so that it may be extruded through the die
Implementation Method 2
blowing a pressurized fluid into the parison under sufficient pressure to inflate the parison so that it conforms to the interior surface of the mold cavity
Implementation Method 3
allowing the molded article to cool to a temperature at which the polymer composition at least partially solidifies so that the molded article retains its shape
Data Source
AI summary
A method for blow molding a polymer composition comprises the steps of (a) providing an apparatus comprising a die and a mold cavity, (b) providing a polymer composition comprising (i) a thermoplastic polymer and (ii) 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol (and preferably also 1,3:2,4-bis-O-[(3,4-dimethylphenyl)methylene]-D-glucitol), (c) heating the polymer composition to a temperature sufficient to melt the polymer composition, (d) extruding the molten polymer composition through the die to form a parison at a temperature of 200°C or less, (e) capturing the parison in the mold cavity, (f) blowing a pressurized fluid into the parison, (g) allowing the molded article to cool, and (h) removing the molded article from the mold cavity.