Melt-Processable Cellulose Ester Compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for single-use consumer products that are both biodegradable and have adequate performance and melt-processing properties, while also incorporating significant content of renewable, recycled, and reused materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of melt-processable plasticized cellulose ester compositions that include cellulose ester, plasticizer, and a polymer comprising aromatic sulfonate repeat units, which are used to form biodegradable articles with improved processability and properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable materials such as cellulose esters are used in existing manufacturing systems, then environmental sustainability is improved, but equipment replacement or modification costs increase and processing efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidequipment modification cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies processing parameters including temperature ranges (heating to melt the cellulose ester composition), residence time, and shear rate to enable successful processing with biodegradable materials in existing equipment without requiring costly modifications or replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite formulations combining cellulose ester with complementary materials to achieve both biodegradability and compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, allowing processing in conventional equipment while maintaining environmental benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If processing conditions are changed to accommodate biodegradable materials, then biodegradability is achieved, but productivity and material yield decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebiodegradabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and optimizes critical processing parameters such as temperature, residence time, and shear rate to achieve the right balance between enabling biodegradability and maintaining high productivity, allowing faster cycle times and reduced material degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies controlled levels of processing intensity that are sufficient to achieve biodegradability without over-processing that would reduce material yield and productivity, using precise parameter control to avoid excessive heating or extended residence times

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of manufacture

If heating is applied to melt cellulose ester compositions, then melt-processing is enabled, but color formation and loss of compositional components occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemelt-processing capabilityVSAvoidcompositional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies optimized temperature ranges and heating rates that provide sufficient thermal energy to melt and process the cellulose ester composition while minimizing thermal degradation, color formation, and loss of plasticizers or other compositional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs rapid processing through the melt phase, minimizing the time the material spends at elevated temperatures where degradation can occur, thereby maintaining compositional stability while still achieving effective melt-processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

4Strength

If thickness is increased for article strength, then mechanical performance is improved, but biodegradation rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearticle strengthVSAvoidbiodegradation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops composite formulations where cellulose ester is combined with materials that enhance mechanical strength without significantly impeding biodegradation, allowing thicker articles to maintain both structural integrity and compostability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention may employ varying thickness profiles or localized reinforcement strategies where material is concentrated only where structurally necessary, maintaining overall strength while maximizing biodegradation in thinner regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

These compositions enable the production of biodegradable articles with enhanced processability and performance, while also incorporating renewable and recycled materials, addressing the challenges of biodegradability and melt-processing in existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

the material is melted into flowable form, processed and cooled to form a functional article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the material is melted into flowable form, processed and cooled to form a functional article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS20250154344A1Melt-processable cellulose ester compositions, melts and melt-formed articles made therefrom

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 EASTMAN CHEM CO

AI summary

A melt-processable, plasticized cellulose ester composition is described. The melt-processable, plasticized cellulose ester composition of the present invention includes (i) cellulose ester; (ii) plasticizer; and (iii) a sulfonated isophthalic acid material or salt thereof. Cellulose acetate melts and melt-formed articles are also described.