Multilayer Film Delamination Layer for Burst Peel Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer film structures for burst peel packaging face limitations in combinations of sealant and adjacent layers due to strong interfacial adhesion, requiring a mechanical support layer like polyester, which complicates the manufacturing process and increases costs, and existing solutions are restricted to specific sealant layer-adjacent layer combinations.

Innovation Solution

A coextruded biaxially oriented food packaging film with a layer structure comprising an external polyester layer, a polyamide layer in contact with a delamination layer made from an anhydride-modified polymer, and a polyolefin sealant layer, manufactured using a triple bubble process, allowing for adjustable adhesion and eliminating the need for a separately laminated mechanical support layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a polyester layer is used as mechanical support layer in burst peel packaging, then the package exhibits proper burst peel behavior, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and costs increase due to required lamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburst peel behaviorVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical support function and the sealant function into a single multilayer film structure that can be produced by extrusion blowing. The film includes a sealant layer with specific composition (polyethylene, EVA, and adhesion promoter) that provides both mechanical support and sealing capability, eliminating the need for separate polyester layer lamination while maintaining burst peel performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealant layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables heat sealing, and ensures proper delamination behavior. The specific composition with polyethylene, EVA, and adhesion promoter allows the layer to serve as both structural support and sealing interface, replacing the need for separate functional layers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If the adhesion between sealant layer and adjacent layer is too strong, then the package structure is stable, but the package becomes difficult to open or causes uncontrolled tearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterfacial adhesionVSAvoidpackage opening
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the adhesion parameter by carefully selecting the sealant layer composition (polyethylene, EVA, adhesion promoter) and sealing parameters (temperature, pressure, time). This creates a balanced adhesion strength that maintains package integrity during storage and transport while allowing controlled opening through delamination at the seal interface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If specific sealant layer-adjacent layer combinations are used to achieve low adhesion, then burst peel behavior is achieved, but the versatility of the packaging solution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburst peel behaviorVSAvoidlayer combination flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sealant layer composition (polyethylene, EVA, adhesion promoter) is designed to be universally compatible with various adjacent layers (polyester, polypropylene, metalized films). This universal formulation allows the same sealant layer to work with different packaging materials and structures while maintaining consistent burst peel performance and adhesion characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 film exhibits burst peel behavior with high initiation force and lower propagation force, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs by enabling flexible packaging solutions without the need for additional lamination steps.

Implementation Method 1

a delamination layer in direct contact with the polyamide layer comprising an anhydride-modified polymer comprising a base polymer comprising a polyethylene homopolymer or copolymer, polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, or an ethylene copolymer comprising copolymerized units derived from ethylene and at least one additional polar comonomer, preferably ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, wherein the base polymer is grafted with up to 1 weight % of an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride, preferably maleic anhydride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

A coextruded biaxially oriented food packaging film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical stretching: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3233486B1Multilayer film structures comprising delamination layer
Publication Date: 2018.07.25 EI DU PONT DE NEMOURS & CO
  • EP3233486B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

Disclosed is a coextruded bi-axially oriented multilayer film structure obtainable in a triple bubble process comprising an external layer, a polyamide layer, a delamination layer and a sealant layer, which can be used in packaging applications, in particular in food packaging applications.