Carrier-Free Oxygen Scavenging Masterbatch for Stable Catalyst Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oxygen scavenging compositions using transition metal catalysts require carriers, which increase costs and processing complexity, and are prone to degradation during high-temperature processing, while direct addition of powdered catalysts cause odor and content changes.

Innovation Solution

Development of oxygen scavenging master batch compositions comprising a transition metal composition and an oxygen scavenger without a polymer carrier, allowing for high load levels of transition metal catalysts in a solid form that can be easily handled and processed, eliminating the need for carriers and reducing degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transition metal catalysts are used to accelerate oxygen scavenging rate, then oxygen scavenging efficiency is improved, but handling difficulty and degradation risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen scavenging efficiencyVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a polymer carrier as an intermediary substance to deliver the transition metal catalyst. The carrier protects the catalyst from direct exposure to moisture and oxygen during handling, while still allowing it to function when incorporated into the packaging material. This resolves the contradiction by mediating between the need for catalyst activity and the need for stable handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and concentration parameters of the catalyst system. By formulating the catalyst at controlled concentrations within the polymer carrier matrix, the system transitions from highly reactive pure catalyst to a stabilized formulation that maintains scavenging efficiency while improving handling characteristics through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If carrier materials are used to distribute catalyst evenly, then distribution uniformity is improved, but cost and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst distribution uniformityVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the catalyst and polymer carrier into a single integrated formulation rather than treating them as separate components. This combination eliminates the need for additional processing steps to separate or recombine components, reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining uniform distribution through the inherent mixing capability of the formulation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymer carrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a distribution medium for uniform catalyst dispersion, provides structural support for handling, and serves as part of the final packaging material matrix. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate carrier removal or additional processing steps, simplifying the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If high load levels of transition metal catalyst are used, then oxygen scavenging rate is improved, but degradation during processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxygen scavenging rateVSAvoidprocessing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating the transition metal catalyst into a polymer carrier formulation before processing. This pre-protection strategy cushions the catalyst against degradation during high-temperature processing by providing a protective matrix that stabilizes the catalyst while still allowing it to function at high load levels for accelerated oxygen scavenging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 provides a cost-effective, easy-to-handle, and stable oxygen scavenging system that maintains packaging integrity by minimizing degradation and odor issues, ensuring effective oxygen scavenging in packaging materials.

Implementation Method 1

oxygen scavenging compositions... when oxygen permeates a polymeric composition or article, it can cause oxidative damage to the contents of the package

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxygen scavenging reaction: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

it is advantageous to use transition metal catalysts, such as cobalt II neodecanoate ('CoNDA') or octoate, in order to accelerate the scavenging rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentEP3183292B1Oxygen scavenging compositions, articles containing same, and methods of their use
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 PLASTIPAK PACKAGING INC
  • EP3183292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3183292B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3183292B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure relates to oxygen scavenging compositions, methods of making the compositions, articles prepared from the compositions, and methods of making the articles. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.