Oxidized Starch Printing Solution for Cigarette Wrapper Ignition Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for preparing oxidized starch solutions for printing on cigarette wrappers lack extended operational shelf life and effective reduction of ignition propensity, leading to potential substrate ignition issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving mixing oxidized starch with water, heating to 82.2°C to 93.3°C, adding propylene glycol, and maintaining the solution at 48.9°C to 65.6°C to create an aqueous oxidized starch solution, which is then printed on a base web with added calcium carbonate, using techniques like gravure printing to achieve reduced ignition propensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If oxidized starch solution is prepared using conventional methods, then the printing process can be performed, but the operational shelf life is limited to less than 2 days
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the oxidized starch solution to specific temperature ranges (82.2°C to 93.3°C for at least 30 minutes, then maintaining at 48.9°C to 65.6°C) to modify the solution's physical and chemical properties. This thermal treatment extends the operational shelf life to at least 2-3 days while maintaining solution stability and preventing degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces propylene glycol as an intermediary substance added to the heated oxidized starch solution. This intermediary agent acts as a stabilizer that prevents microbial growth and maintains solution integrity, thereby extending the operational shelf life while preserving the printing properties of the starch solution.
2Ease of manufacture
If the oxidized starch solution is stored at room temperature, then storage is simple, but the solution degrades quickly and may cause substrate ignition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by heating the solution to 82.2°C to 93.3°C and then maintaining it at 48.9°C to 65.6°C during storage. This thermal treatment modifies the solution's ignition characteristics, reducing its ability to cause substrate ignition while maintaining ease of storage through simple temperature-controlled storage facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses propylene glycol as an intermediary substance that modifies the thermal and ignition properties of the oxidized starch solution. This intermediary agent reduces the solution's ignitability and prevents substrate ignition while allowing for straightforward storage procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If the starch solution viscosity is high, then the printing pattern is well-defined, but the printing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the oxidized starch solution during printing. By maintaining the solution at specific temperature ranges (48.9°C to 65.6°C), the viscosity is optimized to provide sufficient pattern definition while enabling acceptable printing speeds. The thermal treatment also affects the solution's flow characteristics to balance precision and productivity.
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 extends the operational shelf life of the oxidized starch solution to at least 2 days, enhances printability, and reduces the likelihood of substrate ignition by forming a film with improved self-extinguishment characteristics on the wrapper.
Implementation Method 1
printing an aqueous oxidized starch solution on a base web... forming a film with improved self-extinguishment characteristics on the wrapper
Implementation Method 2
heating and maintaining the aqueous oxidized starch solution in the temperature range of 82.2°C to 93.3°C (180°F to 200°F) for at least 30 minutes
Implementation Method 3
cooling the heated aqueous oxidized starch solution to a temperature in the range of 48.9°C to 65.6°C (120°F to 150°F)
Data Source
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AI summary
A process for making patterned cigarette wrapper includes the steps of: preparing a printing solution including the steps of: mixing at least water and a starch to form a starch mixture, heating the starch mixture to a temperature of at least about 180°F preferably for at least about 30 minutes to release amylopectin and amylose, adding propylene glycol to the starch mixture, and mixing the starch mixture and propylene glycol to form a printing solution, wherein the printing solution is maintained and applied at elevated temperature (120°F to 150°F). The process also includes providing a base web of wrapper and applying the printing solution to the wrapper in a predetermined pattern.