Enzyme Masterbatch Preparation for Biodegradable Plastics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing biodegradable plastic articles with enzymes dispersed in polymers face issues of homogeneity and roughness, affecting the physical and mechanical properties, and aesthetics of the final product.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the preparation of a masterbatch comprising polysaccharides, enzymes, and a low-melting-point polymer in a mixer, where enzymes and polysaccharides are mixed at a temperature below the polymer's melting point before adding the polymer, ensuring homogeneous dispersion and enhanced biodegradability without compromising mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If enzymes are added directly to the polymer without preliminary mixing with polysaccharide, then the process is simpler, but the dispersion of enzymes becomes non-uniform causing roughness and aesthetic defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mixing enzymes with polysaccharide at low temperature before adding the polymer. This preliminary mixing step creates a homogeneous enzyme-polysaccharide complex that ensures uniform distribution throughout the final product, eliminating the need for complex high-shear mixing while preventing enzyme aggregation and surface roughness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polysaccharide as an intermediary substance that facilitates uniform enzyme distribution. The polysaccharide acts as a carrier medium, allowing enzymes to be dispersed evenly throughout the polymer matrix without direct high-temperature contact, thereby maintaining both process simplicity and manufacturing precision
2Productivity
If high temperature is used to mix enzymes with polymer, then mixing efficiency improves, but enzyme activity is reduced affecting biodegradability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mixing process into two distinct stages: first mixing enzymes with polysaccharide at low temperature to preserve enzyme activity, then adding the polymer in a second step. This segmentation allows each stage to occur under optimal conditions, maintaining both enzyme reliability and final mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling temperature at different process stages. Low temperature is maintained during enzyme-polysaccharide mixing to preserve enzyme activity, while the polymer addition step occurs under conditions that ensure proper incorporation. This dynamic parameter control resolves the contradiction between mixing efficiency and enzyme activity
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 improves the dispersion of enzymes within the polymer matrix, enhancing biodegradability while maintaining the mechanical properties of the plastic articles, resulting in improved aesthetics and performance.
Implementation Method 1
biological entities having a polyester degrading activity
Implementation Method 2
a low-melting-point polymer... mixing them at a temperature less than the melting temperature of the support polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preparing a masterbatch comprising a polysaccharide, enzymes and a low-melting-point polymer in a mixer. This masterbatch is used, in particular, for the production of biodegradable plastic articles.