Enzyme Masterbatch Mixing for Homogeneous Biodegradable Plastics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing biodegradable plastics with enzymes face issues of homogeneity and roughness, affecting the physical and mechanical properties due to enzyme aggregates, and there is a need for a simplified process that maintains enzyme activity and improves biodegradability.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the separate and simultaneous introduction of enzymes in solution, polysaccharide, and carrier polymer in a mixer, mixed at a temperature where the carrier polymer is partially or completely melted, followed by recovery of the masterbatch, ensuring homogeneous dispersion and enzyme activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If enzymes are added directly to polymer without proper dispersion method, then enzyme activity is maintained, but homogeneity and roughness are compromised due to enzyme aggregates
Solution Approach 1:
The process segments the mixing operation into distinct phases: initial mixing of polymer with enzymes in solution at low temperature to prevent aggregation, then adding polysaccharide, then gradual heating. This segmentation allows each component to be incorporated under optimal conditions, achieving homogeneity without excessive process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer and enzymes are mixed preliminarily at low temperature before adding polysaccharide and before final heating. This preliminary action ensures enzymes are distributed in the polymer matrix under gentle conditions, preventing aggregation and ensuring homogeneity before the more vigorous heating and mixing stages.
2Ease of manufacture
If enzymes are dispersed in polymer using conventional methods, then processing is simplified, but enzyme aggregates form reducing product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The process dynamically changes temperature and mixing intensity parameters throughout the procedure. It starts with low-temperature mixing to prevent enzyme aggregation, then gradually increases temperature while continuing mixing. This parameter progression achieves homogeneous dispersion without requiring complex equipment, maintaining ease of manufacture while improving precision.
3Productivity
If high temperature is used to melt carrier polymer for mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but enzyme activity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is melted preliminarily before adding the enzymes in solution. This preliminary melting creates the molten polymer matrix that will receive the enzymes, allowing subsequent mixing at controlled temperatures that maintain enzyme activity while ensuring good dispersion through the liquid polymer medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The process uses progressive temperature changes: polymer is heated to melting point first, then enzymes are added at this temperature, followed by controlled cooling or maintenance at this temperature during mixing. This parameter control ensures mixing efficiency in molten state while protecting enzyme activity through controlled thermal exposure.
4Ease of operation
If enzymes are added as dry powder to polymer, then handling is easier, but dispersion homogeneity and biodegradability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of enzymes from dry powder to solution form. Enzymes are supplied dissolved in a volatile solvent that evaporates during processing. This allows enzymes to be handled as a liquid solution that mixes uniformly with molten polymer, achieving homogeneous dispersion while maintaining ease of operation through liquid handling rather than fine powder manipulation.
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 method enhances enzyme dispersion and biodegradability of plastics without altering mechanical properties, facilitating industrial implementation and improving the biodegradability rate.
Implementation Method 1
mixed at a temperature at which the support polymer is partially or completely melted
Implementation Method 2
The present invention describes a method for preparing a masterbatch... which makes it possible to improve the dispersion of the enzymes in the final compound
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for preparing a masterbatch comprising a polysaccharide, enzymes and a low-melting polymer in a mixer. The masterbatch is used in particular for the production of biodegradable plastic articles.