Dried Distillers Solubles Biocomposite Additive for Plastic Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for inexpensive, non-toxic compatibility and melt agents for biocomposite materials, as well as cost-effective and energy-efficient methods to produce biocomposites, as existing chemical agents are toxic and expensive, and foaming processes require expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
The use of DDS biocomposite additive compositions comprising dried distiller's solubles, metal oxides, fibers, and latex, produced through methods like pulsed drying, which act as compatibility agents, melt agents, and foaming agents, reducing processing temperatures and enabling the processing of incompatible thermoplastic mixtures into homogeneous compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If chemical compatibility agents (such as polystyrol and polybutadiene) are used to process mixed plastics, then the plastics can be molded into uniform materials, but the agents are toxic and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using dried distiller's solubles (DDS) as a compatibility agent instead of conventional chemical agents. DDS is derived from renewable resources and contains proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids that provide compatibility between different plastics without the toxicity of synthetic chemicals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining DDS with thermoplastic polymers and other additives to create a biocomposite system. This composite approach allows the natural components of DDS to interact with different plastic types, providing compatibility and uniformity while maintaining non-toxicity
2Temperature
If chemical melt agents are used to lower processing temperatures, then processing becomes easier, but the agents are toxic and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition by using DDS as a melt agent that lowers processing temperatures through its natural compositional properties. The proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in DDS facilitate polymer chain movement and reduce melt viscosity without requiring toxic chemical additives
3Shape
If physical blowing agents (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide in supercritical state) are used to produce foamed polymer, then foaming is achieved, but expensive equipment and materials are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and compositional parameters by using DDS as a foaming agent that decomposes to generate gas bubbles. This decomposition process occurs under mild conditions without requiring supercritical state equipment, thereby achieving foaming with simpler equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable, inexpensive foaming agent (DDS) that can be easily disposed of or decomposed after use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex equipment to recover and recycle supercritical gases. The foaming action occurs in-situ during processing
4Device complexity
If recycled mixed plastics are processed without compatibility agents, then processing is simpler, but the materials are incompatible and cannot be molded uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition by introducing DDS as a compatibility agent that modifies the interfacial properties between different plastic polymers. This compositional change enables incompatible recycled plastics to bond and mold uniformly while maintaining processing simplicity
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 DDS biocomposite additive enables the production of cost-effective, energy-efficient biocomposites by lowering processing temperatures, reducing material consumption, and creating foamed compositions without the need for expensive equipment, while providing a non-toxic and homogeneous output.
Implementation Method 1
drying the mixture in a pulsed drying gas stream using a pulse combustion dryer
Data Source
AI summary
Biocomposite compositions and compositions, which include dried distillers solubles, and which can be used in making biocomposite compositions are described. Methods for preparing the compositions are also described.