Enzymatically Modified Starch Adhesive for Dimensionally Stable Glue Sticks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glue sticks rely on petrochemical components and fossil resources, and starch-based alternatives still contain non-renewable components, lacking high adhesive strength, dimensional stability, and abrasion resistance.

Innovation Solution

A water-based adhesive composition using solubilized and enzymatically modified starch with a specific viscosity, sucrose, and C12 to C22 fatty acids, with a defined weight ratio, to achieve dimensional stability and abrasion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If starch-based adhesives are used to replace petrochemical components, then sustainability is improved, but adhesive strength and dimensional stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoidadhesive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the starch through enzymatic treatment to alter its molecular structure and viscosity characteristics. The enzymatically modified starch achieves optimal viscosity (100-500 mPa·s at 50% solids) and molecular weight parameters that enable both sustainability and high adhesive strength, resolving the contradiction between using renewable materials and achieving sufficient bonding performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite adhesive system combining enzymatically modified starch with specific additives including polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and titanium dioxide. This composite formulation integrates the sustainability of starch with the functional properties of other materials to achieve dimensional stability, adhesive strength, and abrasion resistance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If chemically modified starches are used to improve adhesive performance, then adhesive strength is improved, but environmental sustainability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidenvironmental sustainability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical modification methods with enzymatic modification. Instead of using chemical reagents to alter starch properties, the invention employs enzymes (such as amyloglucosidase or pullulanase) to catalyze the modification of starch molecules. This biological approach maintains adhesive strength while improving environmental sustainability by avoiding harmful chemical processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If high viscosity starch is used to increase adhesive strength, then adhesive strength is improved, but dimensional stability and abrasion resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent precisely controls the viscosity parameter of the starch solution to optimize performance. By adjusting the degree of enzymatic modification and starch concentration, the adhesive achieves a viscosity range of 100-500 mPa·s at 50% solids content. This specific viscosity parameter provides sufficient adhesive strength while maintaining dimensional stability and abrasion resistance, resolving the contradiction between these properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If renewable materials are used to replace fossil resources, then sustainability is improved, but abrasion resistance and dimensional stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesustainabilityVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a composite formulation where enzymatically modified starch is combined with PEG, PVA, and titanium dioxide. This composite structure provides dimensional stability and abrasion resistance that pure starch cannot achieve alone, while maintaining the sustainability benefit of using renewable starch as the primary adhesive component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 provides high adhesive strength, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance, primarily using renewable materials, ensuring a stable and effective bonding solution.

Implementation Method 1

modifying native starch using a glycogen branching enzyme (EC 2.4.1.18)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzymatic modification: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

solubilised starch with a dynamic viscosity of less than 500,000 mPas, measured according to Brookfield, obtainable by modifying native starch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelatinization:

Implementation Method 3

The adhesive composition provides high adhesive strength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 4

at least 3% by weight of builder substance selected from C 12 to C 22 fatty acids and/or their salts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressive strength:

Data Source

PatentEP4352151B1Dimensionally stable adhesive composition containing enzymatically modified starch

Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The invention relates to a dimensionally stable adhesive composition comprising enzymatically modified starch and to the use of the adhesive composition as a glue stick.