Heat Sealing Laminate with Acid-Modified Polyolefin Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Films made from ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) used in packaging suffer from inferior impact resistance, bending fatigue resistance, stretchability, thermoformability, adhesiveness, and sealant aptitude, and are prone to dimensional changes and wrinkle formation in humid environments, leading to defective adhesion and reduced sealing strength when laminated with other substrates.

Innovation Solution

A laminate for heat sealing comprising a non-adsorbing layer with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and acid-modified polyolefin, and a non-swelling layer with polyolefin and acid-modified polyolefin, where the non-swelling layer contains 20% to 60% by weight of acid-modified polyolefin, is developed to prevent dimensional changes and maintain non-adsorbing properties in humid environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If EVOH film is used for packaging, then gas impermeability and aroma retention are improved, but dimensional stability in humid environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas impermeabilityVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of an EVOH layer (7-20 μm) laminated between two polyolefin layers (15-30 μm each). The polyolefin layers act as barrier layers that prevent moisture from reaching the EVOH layer, thereby preventing dimensional changes while maintaining the gas impermeability of the EVOH layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The polyolefin layers serve as intermediary barrier layers that mediate between the external humid environment and the EVOH layer. These layers absorb or block moisture, preventing it from interacting with the EVOH layer, thus protecting the EVOH from dimensional changes while allowing the EVOH to maintain its gas barrier properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If EVOH film is used for packaging, then aroma retention is improved, but adhesion to substrates deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearoma retentionVSAvoidadhesion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a composite laminate where the polyolefin layers provide adhesion to external substrates (such as aluminum foil or other packaging materials), while the EVOH layer maintains its aroma retention properties. The polyolefin acts as an adhesive interface between the EVOH and external materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The polyolefin layers function as intermediary adhesion layers that mediate between the EVOH layer and external substrates. They provide the necessary adhesion strength for lamination while allowing the EVOH layer to maintain its non-adsorbing properties for aroma retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If EVOH film is used for packaging, then gas impermeability is improved, but sealant aptitude deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas impermeabilityVSAvoidsealant aptitude
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention structures the laminate with sealable polyolefin layers on the outer surfaces, which provide good sealant aptitude for heat sealing operations. The EVOH layer remains in the middle to provide gas impermeability, while the polyolefin seal layers facilitate easy sealing without compromising the barrier properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3269548B1Laminate for heat sealing
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 KYODO PRINTING CO LTD
  • EP3269548B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3269548B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3269548B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides a film which has non-adsorbing properties equivalent to those of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer film, and which does not undergo a dimensional change in a humid environment. A laminate for heat sealing according to the present invention provided with: a non-adsorbing layer containing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer and an acid-modified polyolefin, and a non-swelling layer laminated on the non-adsorbing layer and containing a polyolefin and/or an acid-modified polyolefin.