Multilayer Films with Aliphatic Polyester for Marine Biodegradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymer compositions for films lack the ability to quickly biodegrade in marine environments and disintegrate at low temperatures under domestic composting conditions while maintaining optimal mechanical and optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A polymer composition comprising 10-49% aliphatic polyesters, 0-15% aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, 51-90% lactic acid polyesters, 0-1.5% inorganic filler, and 0-2.5% crosslinking agent, which allows for increased low-temperature disintegration and biodegradability in marine environments without compromising mechanical and optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and aliphatic aromatic polyesters or polybutylene succinate are combined to produce films, then the films can be used for packaging applications, but they exhibit low biodegradability at room temperature and low biodegradability in the marine environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer blend by incorporating specific aliphatic polyesters with controlled molecular weights and compositions, along with precise ratios of PHA and polybutylene succinate, to achieve optimal biodegradability while maintaining mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining multiple polymers (PHA, polybutylene succinate, and aliphatic polyesters) in specific proportions to achieve synergistic effects that improve marine biodegradability while preserving mechanical strength and optical properties
2Reliability
If the amount of polyhydroxyalkanoate is increased to improve biodegradability, then the biodegradability should increase, but it is known that this material does not permit high biodegradability and the transparency properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of PHA within the 10-30% range and adjusts the molecular weight and composition parameters of the aliphatic polyester components to achieve the right balance between biodegradability enhancement and transparency preservation
3Reliability
If films are designed to disintegrate readily at low temperature under domestic composting conditions and biodegrade readily in marine environment, then the environmental degradation performance improves, but the mechanical properties such as stiffness and tensile strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a composite polymer system where aliphatic polyesters provide structural integrity and mechanical strength, while PHA and polybutylene succinate components provide biodegradability, creating a balanced composite that satisfies both mechanical and environmental requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different polymer components with specialized functions: aliphatic polyesters for mechanical strength, PHA for biodegradability initiation, and polybutylene succinate for flexibility and processability, allowing each component to optimize its local contribution to the overall film performance
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 enables films to effectively disintegrate in home composting and biodegrade in marine environments, while maintaining excellent mechanical and optical properties, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
biodegrade in seawater, so that they may be disposed of in the sea through the action of micro-organisms in the water
Implementation Method 2
disintegrate in a compostable aerobic environment at a temperature of 28° C., so that after use they can be treated in home composting
Data Source
AI summary
Multilayer films which are highly biodegradable in a marine environment and highly disintegratable in domestic composting comprising an aliphatic polyester, an aliphatic-aromatic polyester, one or more lactic acid polyesters and optionally an inorganic filler, a cross-linking agent and/or a chain extender.