Molded Fiber Packaging Grease Resistance via Polymer Complex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber-based packaging technologies lack sufficient grease and oil resistance, particularly for applications involving meat, poultry, prepared foods, and beverages, limiting their use in these markets.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a composition comprising at least one anionic polymer with a molecular weight of at least 100 kDa and a cationic polymer, which provides a specific charge density range, is introduced into a fiber stock. This composition, optionally combined with polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin, glyoxalated polyacrylamide, starch, or a mixture thereof, is then molded to enhance the grease and oil resistance of the fiber-based articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional fiber-based packaging is used, then the material is biodegradable and environmentally friendly, but the grease and oil resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining cellulosic fibers with polymeric materials (such as polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin, glyoxalated polyacrylamide, or starch) to create a molded fiber-based article with enhanced grease and oil resistance. This composite structure allows the material to maintain its biodegradable properties while achieving the necessary barrier performance against grease and oil, thereby resolving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and functional performance.
2Reliability
If fossil-based plastic packaging is used, then grease and oil resistance is achieved, but environmental pollution and non-biodegradability occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical and physical properties of the fiber-based material through the incorporation of polymeric materials. These parameter changes include altering the surface properties, charge density, and molecular structure of the fiber matrix to achieve grease and oil resistance comparable to fossil-based plastics, while maintaining the biodegradable and environmentally friendly characteristics of natural fibers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber stock is treated with polymeric composition, then grease and oil resistance is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the polymeric composition into the fiber stock during the molding process itself, rather than applying it as a post-treatment. This allows the polymeric material to be evenly distributed and integrated into the fiber matrix before the article is formed, simplifying the overall process while achieving effective grease and oil resistance.
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 treated molded fiber-based articles exhibit significantly improved oil resistance, with increased penetration time and reduced oil uptake, as well as enhanced grease resistance, making them suitable for applications previously challenging for traditional fiber technologies.
Implementation Method 1
introducing to the fiber stock a composition comprising at least one anionic polymer having molecular weight at least 100 kDa, and cationic polymer, wherein the anionic polymer having molecular weight at least 100 kDa and the cationic polymer provide the composition with a charge density in the range of 0.1-1.5 meq/g, when measured at pH 2.8, and −0.1-−3 meq/g, preferably −0.3-−2.5 meq/g, more preferably −0.5-−2.0 meq/g, when measured as an aqueous solution at pH 7.0
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article comprising introducing to a fiber stock a composition comprising at least one anionic polymer and cationic polymer and moulding the fiber stock. There is also provided a moulded fiber based article and a use of the composition for improving grease and oil resistance of a moulded fiber based article. There is also provided a method for preparation of a moulded fiber based article.