Metathesized Polyol Ester Paintball Colorant Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paintball colorant compositions using polyethylene glycol (PEG) face issues such as high cost, staining, freezing at low temperatures, separation of ingredients, and wear on manufacturing equipment, while substituting PEG with soybean oil lowers density and requires added density agents that can settle and cause equipment issues.
Innovation Solution
A colorant composition comprising a carrier made of hydrogenated metathesized unsaturated polyol ester and polyol ester, along with a density agent like glycerol, which maintains density and prevents separation, ensuring improved performance and reduced equipment wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If PEG is used as carrier, then colorant composition provides good consistency and prevents separation, but it stains target fabrics and freezes at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with specific molecular weight distributions (average molecular weights of 300-1000 g/mol) and controlled saturation levels (iodine value 50-150). These parameter changes provide a carrier that maintains compositional stability without the harmful freezing and staining properties of PEG.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite carrier system combining metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with specific physical properties (density 0.90-1.10 g/cm³, viscosity 10-1000 cP) that integrates the benefits of stability prevention while eliminating the drawbacks of PEG through material composition design.
2Quantity of substance
If soybean oil is used to replace PEG, then cost is reduced and staining is minimized, but density decreases and requires added density agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the carrier parameters by selecting metathesized unsaturated polyol esters with adjustable density (0.90-1.10 g/cm³) and molecular weight characteristics, enabling cost-effective replacement of PEG while maintaining or adjusting density without requiring additional density agents.
3Weight of stationary object
If density agents are added to soybean oil formulations, then density is increased, but manufacturing equipment experiences wear and components settle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves the desired density (0.90-1.10 g/cm³) through intrinsic properties of metathesized unsaturated polyol esters by controlling molecular weight distribution and saturation level, eliminating the need for density agents that cause settling and equipment wear.
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 composition provides improved cold temperature performance, reduced separation of components, and minimized wear on manufacturing equipment, maintaining desired density and flight characteristics for paintballs.
Implementation Method 1
a metathesized unsaturated polyol ester
Implementation Method 2
the metathesized unsaturated polyol ester is hydrogenated (i.e., fully or partially hydrogenated)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are improved colorant compositions that are suitable for encapsulation in an impact-rupturable casing that is adapted for intact projectile motion and rupture upon contact with a target surface. In many embodiments, the colorant compositions comprise (a) a carrier comprising: (i) a metathesized unsaturated polyol ester; and (ii) a polyol ester; and (b) a colorant. The colorant compositions are useful in paint balls for use in conjunction with projectile devices, such as paint ball markers.