Multilayer Polymeric Preform Balancing Oxygen Scavenging and Recycled Content
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric containers with active oxygen scavenger layers have limited recycled content due to the negative impact of recycled polymers on the effectiveness of passive barriers, resulting in a trade-off between oxygen scavenging performance and recycled material usage.
Innovation Solution
A preform and container design incorporating a first layer with an active oxygen scavenger and up to 25% recycled polymer, and a second layer with at least 25% recycled polymer, utilizing a multi-layer injection molding process to integrate an active oxygen scavenger layer with recycled materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active oxygen scavenger layer is used in polymeric containers, then oxygen barrier performance is improved and shelf life is extended, but the ability to incorporate recycled polymer material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into multiple functional layers: an active oxygen scavenger layer containing oxygen scavenger and catalyst, a barrier layer providing additional oxygen barrier, and an outer layer incorporating recycled polymer material. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while enabling high recycled content in the outer layer without compromising the oxygen scavenging performance of the inner layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite multi-layer structure combining different polymeric materials with distinct functions. The oxygen scavenger layer uses composite formulation with oxygen scavenger, catalyst, and polymer matrix, while the barrier layer provides enhanced oxygen resistance. The outer layer combines recycled polymer with aesthetic and structural requirements, creating a composite system that achieves both high recycled content and superior oxygen barrier performance.
2Productivity
If recycled polymer material is incorporated into the oxygen scavenger layer, then resource conservation is improved, but the effectiveness of the oxygen scavenger is negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The container structure is segmented into functional zones where the oxygen scavenger layer is kept separate from the recycled polymer-containing outer layer. This ensures that the oxygen scavenger maintains its full effectiveness without interference from recycled polymer contaminants, while the outer layer maximizes recycled content for resource conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the container have different material compositions optimized for their specific functions. The inner oxygen scavenger layer has high purity and controlled composition to ensure scavenger effectiveness, while the outer layer has high recycled content for sustainability. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between scavenger effectiveness and resource conservation.
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 design achieves improved oxygen barrier performance while maintaining high recycled content, extending the shelf life of stored commodities and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer is an active oxygen scavenger layer including an oxygen scavenger
Data Source
AI summary
A preform configured to be blow-molded into a container. The preform includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is an active oxygen scavenger layer including an oxygen scavenger, a catalyst, and a first material having up to 25% recycled polymer. The second layer includes a second material having at least 25% recycled polymer.