Fluorescent Polyolefin Composition for UV-Detectable Cable Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marking techniques, such as ink jet and embossing, are not suitable for polyolefin compositions with high carbon black content, particularly in applications like wire and cable jacketing, as the carbon black masks fluorescence, making it difficult to detect optical brighteners under UV light.
Innovation Solution
A polyolefin composition comprising 0.25 to 1.0 wt% carbon black, an optical brightener, and a UV agent, which allows for fluorescence detection when irradiated with UV light, enabling visible marking and improved UV stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high carbon black content is used in polyolefin composition, then UV stability and laser printing contrast are improved, but fluorescence detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the carbon black content within a specific range (0.25-1.0 wt%) and optimizing the optical brightener content (0.01-0.5 wt%) to achieve a balance between UV stability and fluorescence detection capability. This quantitative parameter optimization allows the composition to simultaneously maintain good UV resistance while enabling visible fluorescence marking.
2Illumination intensity
If high carbon black content is used in polyolefin composition, then laser printing contrast is improved, but fluorescence detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the carbon black content parameter to a specific range (0.25-1.0 wt%) that provides sufficient contrast for laser printing while leaving enough optical brightness for fluorescence detection. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between needing dark background for contrast and maintaining fluorescence visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining polyolefin, carbon black, and optical brightener in optimized proportions. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both good laser printing contrast (from carbon black) and fluorescence detection capability (from optical brightener), resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional printing techniques are used, then marking is achieved, but they are not suitable for polyolefin compositions with high carbon black content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing techniques with fluorescence-based optical detection. Instead of relying on physical imprinting or ink deposition that fails on high carbon black surfaces, the solution uses UV irradiation to induce fluorescence, providing a non-contact marking and detection method that works effectively on dark, carbon black-containing surfaces.
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 reduced carbon black content allows for visible fluorescence detection, enhancing marking visibility and UV protection, while maintaining laser printing efficiency and contrast.
Implementation Method 1
polyolefin composition which shows fluorescence when irradiated with UV light
Implementation Method 2
comprising carbon black in an amount of 0.25 to 1.0 wt%
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a polyolefin composition comprising carbon black which shows fluorescence when irradiated with UV light. The polyolefin composition of the present invention comprises a polyolefin, carbon black in an amount of 0.25 to 1.0 wt %, an optical brightener in an amount of 0.001 to 0.1 wt %, and a UV agent.The present invention is further directed to a molded article comprising the polyolefin composition of the present invention. The present invention is further directed to a wire or cable comprising an outer layer comprising the polyolefin composition of the present invention. Finally, the present invention is directed to a method for detection of a polyolefin composition by UV light and to a method for detection of a molded article or a wire or cable by UV light.