Natural Material Flexible Support Coating for Barrier and Flatness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible supports coated with film-forming polymers tend to develop a significant 'curl' or 'winding effect', making them unsuitable for industrial use due to insufficient rigidity and requiring multiple layers for adequate barrier properties.
Innovation Solution
A flexible coated support comprising at least 90% natural materials, with a heat-sealing polymer layer containing natural waxes or polysaccharides, applied in a process that includes drying to prevent curling and achieve flatness, allowing for both barrier and heat-sealing properties without additional adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If film-forming polymers are applied to waterproof the surface, then barrier properties are improved, but the edges curl and roll up significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the moisture content of the flexible support (keeping it between 5% and 20%, preferably 8% and 15%) and adjusting the composition and amount of film-forming polymer applied. This optimization prevents excessive shrinkage and curling while maintaining effective barrier properties against water and grease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple film-forming polymers with complementary properties in the coated layer. This composite approach provides both waterproofing and grease resistance while reducing the overall shrinkage effect that causes curling, achieving both barrier performance and edge flatness.
2Reliability
If multiple separate layers are used to achieve sufficient barrier properties, then barrier performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple barrier functions into a single coated layer by using composite film-forming polymers that provide both waterproofing and grease resistance simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple separate layers while maintaining comprehensive barrier properties against different contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The film-forming polymer composition is designed to be multi-functional, providing waterproofing, grease barrier, and heat-sealing properties all in one layer. This universal coating performs multiple protective functions that would traditionally require separate specialized layers.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coating processes are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the coated support requires additional treatment to stabilize functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using film-forming polymers that automatically stabilize and cross-link when exposed to atmospheric moisture during the drying phase of the coating process. This eliminates the need for separate stabilization treatment steps while maintaining coating integrity and barrier properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by designing the film-forming polymer to undergo cross-linking and stabilization through interaction with water vapor during the drying phase. This phase change process occurs automatically during standard manufacturing, providing stabilization without requiring additional treatment steps.
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 solution prevents curling, enables industrial-scale production of flat, barrier-equipped flexible supports with reduced layer complexity, enhancing environmental friendliness and economic efficiency while maintaining optimal mechanical and chemical properties.
Implementation Method 1
The curl is all the more important as the shrinkage induced by the film-forming polymers is significant. Generally speaking, the coated flexible support obtained using a conventional process is characterized by a very significant 'curl', namely that the edges are rolled up several times.
Implementation Method 2
this or these heat-sealing polymers having in particular at least one of the following properties: oxygen barrier, oil/grease barrier, water barrier, water vapor barrier
Implementation Method 3
The use of film-forming polymers is widespread in the field of surface coatings, particularly in the field of coating, lamination or complexing on a support, in particular paper or cardboard.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a coated flexible support (4), intended for the manufacture of a finished product, in particular packaging, the coated flexible support having a flat shape when freely laid flat, this coated flexible support comprising a flexible support containing, by weight, at least 90%, or at least 95%, of a first natural material, this flexible support being coated with a coated layer containing, by weight, at least 50%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%, of a second natural material formed by at least one heat-sealing polymer, this or these heat-sealing polymers (10) having in particular at least one of the following properties: oxygen barrier, oil/grease barrier, water barrier, water vapor barrier.