Active Moisture Control Material for Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current packaging materials lack effective active moisture control, especially after the package is opened, leading to issues with maintaining constant humidity for sensitive products like cigarettes and dry foods, and often require complex laminate structures or separate humidifier materials.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing an active moisture control material using a base board of cellulose fibers treated with a surface composition of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and a metal salt, such as sodium nitrate, which absorbs and desorbs moisture, providing improved humidity control and strength, allowing for easier production and integration into conventional papermaking processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive barrier structure with separate barrier layers (e.g., plastic film combined with aluminum foil) is used, then moisture barrier properties are improved, but the material cannot actively control humidity after opening the package
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the packaging material from a passive barrier to an active moisture control system by incorporating hygroscopic substances (salts like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or their hydrates) that can dynamically absorb and release moisture based on ambient humidity conditions, enabling the material to adapt to changing environmental conditions after package opening
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material structure combining a base board (paper or cardboard) with embedded hygroscopic salt layers and protective coatings, integrating multiple functional components into a single material that provides both barrier properties and active moisture regulation capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate humidifier materials or laminate structures are added to achieve active moisture control, then humidity control capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the base packaging material (paper/cardboard) with the moisture control function by embedding hygroscopic salts directly into the board structure or coating them onto the surface, eliminating the need for separate humidifier materials or complex laminate structures while maintaining effective moisture control
Solution Approach 2:
The base board material serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, moisture absorption, and humidity regulation, by incorporating hygroscopic substances that can both absorb excess moisture and release moisture when needed, making the packaging material itself the active moisture control system
3Quantity of substance
If the base board bulk is increased to at least 1.2 cm3/g, then moisture absorption capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies a minimum bulk threshold (≥1.2 cm3/g) for the base board to ensure sufficient porosity and moisture absorption capacity, while using the inherent variability of paper and cardboard materials to accommodate normal manufacturing tolerances without requiring excessive precision
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 material effectively maintains moisture levels within a wide range of humidity conditions, enhancing the storage and preservation of moisture-sensitive products before and after opening, reducing the need for additional humidifying measures and simplifying packaging production.
Implementation Method 1
a surface treatment of at least one side of said base board with a surface treatment composition comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and a metal salt
Implementation Method 2
which absorbs and desorbs moisture, providing improved humidity control
Implementation Method 3
Packaging made from active fiber based materials may for instance prevent oxygen to deteriorate food
Data Source
AI summary
Method of manufacturing an active moisture control material, wherein the material is formed from a base board comprising cellulose fibers and having a basis weight in the range of from 50 to 500 g/m2 and having a bulk of at least 1.2 cm3/g, wherein the method comprises a surface treatment of at least one side of said base board with a surface treatment composition comprising carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and a metal salt, wherein said surface treatment composition comprises carboxymethyl cellulose in a range of from 2 to 10 weight-% based on the total solid content of said surface treatment composition, and the metal salt in a range of from 10 to 30 weight-% based on the total solid content of said composition.