Method for preparing a thermoplastic composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Balancing biodegradability, thermoplasticity, and material properties of cellulose and hemicellulose derivatives is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing a thermoplastic composition by partially dissolving cellulose and optionally hemicelluloses, reacting them with a cyclic ester monomer to graft the solubilized cellulose and hemicelluloses, and coagulating the grafted materials to obtain a thermoplastic composition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cellulose and hemicelluloses are fully dissolved and grafted with cyclic ester monomer to achieve thermoplasticity, then thermoplastic processing capability is improved, but biodegradability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermoplastic processing capabilityVSAvoidbiodegradability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial dissolution of cellulose and hemicelluloses rather than complete dissolution, and partial grafting with cyclic ester monomer rather than complete substitution. This controlled partial action maintains enough native cellulose structure to preserve biodegradability while achieving sufficient thermoplastic properties for processing. The degree of substitution is carefully controlled to balance these competing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters including the degree of dissolution, grafting extent, and molecular weight distribution of the cellulose derivatives. By adjusting these parameters, the material achieves an optimal balance between thermoplastic processability and biodegradability, transforming the material properties to simultaneously satisfy both requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If grafting level is increased to improve thermoplastic properties, then material strength and processability are improved, but barrier properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial strengthVSAvoidbarrier properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local variations in grafting density and molecular structure within the material. Different regions have different degrees of substitution and molecular arrangements, allowing some areas to provide mechanical strength while others maintain barrier properties. This spatial differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between strength and barrier performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure combining grafted cellulose/hemicellulose with retained native cellulose domains. This composite architecture allows the grafted regions to contribute to thermoplastic strength and processability, while the native cellulose domains maintain barrier properties, achieving synergistic performance.

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 resulting thermoplastic composition is biodegradable, with adjustable grafting levels affecting barrier properties and material performance, enabling efficient thermoplastic processing and post-consumer waste management.

Implementation Method 1

adding a cyclic ester monomer to the solution, such that the cyclic ester monomer reacts with the solubilized cellulose and optionally the solubilized hemicelluloses, thereby grafting the solubilized cellulose and optionally the solubilized hemicelluloses with the cyclic ester monomer at least partially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGrafting reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

coagulating the grafted cellulose and optionally the grafted hemicelluloses, thereby obtaining the thermoplastic composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoagulation: Coagulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250171594A1Method for preparing a thermoplastic composition

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 UPM KYMMENE OYJ

AI summary

A method for preparing a thermoplastic composition comprising grafted cellulose and optionally grafted hemicelluloses is disclosed. The method comprises providing a composition comprising cellulose and optionally hemicelluloses; dissolving the cellulose and optionally the hemicelluloses of the composition at least partially, thereby obtaining a solution comprising solubilized cellulose and optionally solubilized hemicelluloses; adding a cyclic ester monomer to the solution, such that the cyclic ester monomer reacts with the solubilized cellulose and optionally the solubilized hemicelluloses, thereby grafting the solubilized cellulose and optionally the solubilized hemicelluloses with the cyclic ester monomer at least partially; and coagulating the grafted cellulose and optionally the grafted hemicelluloses, thereby obtaining the thermoplastic composition.