Aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and uses thereof as an adhesive composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesives for labelling bottles fail to meet the requirements of excellent water resistance at cold temperatures and room temperature, while also being easily removable in hot caustic baths, and are not cost-effective, particularly for Asian markets like China, and do not maintain compatibility with casein-based binders.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous dispersion of polymer particles is developed through a monomeric composition comprising non-ionic aliphatic monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, non-ionic styrenic monomers, ethylenically unsaturated monomers with acidic groups, and ethylenically unsaturated monomers with silane groups, which are polymerized to create polymer particles with specific properties for adhesive compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If alkali-soluble or alkali-swellable acrylic copolymers are used as binders to replace casein, then cost is reduced and alkali removal is improved, but water resistance at room temperature is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite binder system combining acrylic copolymer with starch derivative and casein in specific ratios (acrylic copolymer 5-50 parts, starch derivative 3-20 parts, casein 1-10 parts). This composite approach leverages the water resistance of acrylic, the thickening and adhesion properties of starch derivative, and the bonding strength of casein to achieve both cost reduction and superior water resistance at room temperature and in iced water.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the binder by introducing specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl) and adjusting the molecular weight and composition ratios of the polymer components. The acrylic copolymer contains 0.1-5 mmol/g carboxyl groups and specific monomer ratios, which change the physical and chemical properties to achieve both cost-effectiveness and enhanced water resistance at different temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If adhesive strength and water resistance are increased to meet international standards, then label adhesion is improved, but removal in hot caustic bath becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabel adhesionVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic adhesive system where the binder properties change with temperature and pH conditions. At application and storage temperatures, the adhesive forms strong bonds through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. However, in hot caustic bath conditions (high temperature and high pH), the starch derivative and casein components become soluble or swellable, dynamically changing the adhesive from a strong bond to a removable state, thus achieving both strong adhesion and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces local quality differences in the adhesive composition by using components with different responses to environmental conditions. The acrylic copolymer provides water resistance, while the starch derivative and casein provide temperature-dependent solubility. This local differentiation of material properties within the composite binder enables the adhesive to exhibit strong bonding under normal conditions but become removable under hot caustic conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If casein binder is used to achieve good adhesion and water resistance, then label performance is improved, but cost increases and environmental sustainability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive casein with a more cost-effective combination of acrylic copolymer and starch derivative, which can be produced more economically. The acrylic copolymer with specific functional groups provides the necessary adhesion and water resistance properties at lower cost, while the starch derivative enhances performance and provides biodegradability, replacing the need for expensive natural casein binder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces starch derivative as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between acrylic copolymer and casein functionality. The starch derivative with hydroxyl groups provides thickening, adhesion, and biodegradability similar to casein, while being more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. This intermediary component enables the formulation to achieve casein-like performance without the high cost and environmental concerns associated with casein.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adhesive composition exhibits excellent water resistance at cold and room temperatures, is easily removable in hot caustic baths, maintains compatibility with casein, and is cost-effective, meeting the stringent requirements of various markets including China.

Implementation Method 1

The adhesive composition exhibits superior water resistance at both cold and room temperatures, maintains label adhesion on bottles for extended periods

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

An aqueous dispersion of polymer particles is developed using a monomeric composition comprising non-ionic aliphatic monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, non-ionic styrenic monomers, ethylenically unsaturated monomers with acidic groups, and ethylenically unsaturated monomers with silane groups, obtained through emulsion polymerization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEmulsion polymerization:

Data Source

PatentUS12630660B2Aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and uses thereof as an adhesive composition
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 ARKEMA FRANCE SA
  • US12630660B2 patent drawing
  • US12630660B2 patent drawing
  • US12630660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and its preparation process, to an adhesive composition comprising the aqueous dispersion and to the use of the adhesive composition for adhering a label on a bottle.