Elastomer Composite Storage Oxygen Barrier Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomer composites, particularly those that are uncured and containing fillers, are prone to degradation due to exposure to oxygen, which poses challenges during storage and transportation, leading to mechanical strength issues and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of sealed containers with oxygen barrier layers that maintain a low oxygen partial pressure, typically below 21 kPa, to prevent degradation by reducing oxygen transmission rates to less than 100 cm3/(m2·day·atm) at 23°C and 0% relative humidity, thereby protecting the elastomer composite.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomer composites are stored in conventional packaging without oxygen barrier, then storage and transportation are simple and cost-effective, but the composites undergo degradation leading to mechanical strength loss and performance inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inert atmosphere by replacing air with nitrogen gas inside the packaging container, creating an oxygen-free environment that prevents oxidative degradation of the elastomer composite. The nitrogen atmosphere maintains the composite's mechanical properties and prevents performance degradation during storage and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oxygen barrier layer as an intermediary between the elastomer composite and the external oxygen-containing environment. This barrier layer, made of materials like EVOH, PVdC, or aluminum foil, selectively blocks oxygen transmission while allowing the composite to be stored in conventional packaging structures.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If elastomer composites are stored for long periods without oxygen protection, then storage time can be extended, but degradation occurs leading to loss of rubber properties and increased hysteresis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitrogen inert atmosphere to enable long-term storage of elastomer composites without degradation. The nitrogen-filled packaging maintains the composite's rubber properties including tensile strength, elongation, and hysteresis characteristics stable over extended storage periods of months or years.
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen barrier layer serves as a mediator that enables extended storage time by blocking oxygen transmission. This layer allows the composite to be stored for long durations while maintaining composition stability, preventing oxidative crosslinking and property degradation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional packaging is used for elastomer composites, then packaging cost and complexity are low, but oxygen transmission leads to degradation and performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an oxygen barrier layer as a mediator within the packaging structure. This layer, made of materials like EVOH, PVdC, or aluminum foil, is integrated into conventional packaging formats and selectively blocks oxygen transmission while maintaining ease of manufacture and implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies inert nitrogen atmosphere inside the packaging to eliminate oxygen exposure. This approach protects the elastomer composite from harmful oxidative effects while using simple, easily manufactured packaging structures that are widely available.
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
This method effectively arrests the degradation of elastomer composites, maintaining or enhancing their rubber properties, such as tensile stress ratio and reducing hysteresis, by minimizing oxygen exposure, thus improving the composite's mechanical strength and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
the package comprises at least one wall surrounding the composite wherein the at least one wall comprises at least one oxygen barrier layer such that the package has an oxygen transmission rate of no more than 100 cm3/(m2·day·atm) at 23° C. and 0% relative humidity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are elastomer composites stored in a container or package. The composite is uncured and comprises at least one elastomer and at least one filler. The package or container comprises at least one wall surrounding the composite wherein the at least one wall comprises at least one oxygen barrier layer. Containers or packages having this oxygen barrier wall have an oxygen transmission rate of no more than 100 cm3/(m2·day·atm) at 23° C. and 0% relative humidity. Also disclosed are methods for storing elastomer composites with the packages or containers disclosed herein.