Oxygen Absorbing Resin Composition for Low-Humidity Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oxygen scavengers are ineffective in moisture-free environments, require rare and expensive metals, or produce by-products, making them unsuitable for applications like dried foods and metal storage where moisture is detrimental.

Innovation Solution

A thermoplastic resin composition with an oxygen-absorbing agent formed by treating an alloy of transition metals with an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution to elute and remove part of the alloy components, allowing oxygen absorption in low-humidity conditions without the need for large hydrogen reduction equipment or by-product production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional oxygen scavengers are used in moisture-free environments, then oxygen absorption capability is insufficient, but introducing moisture-containing materials defeats the purpose of moisture-free preservation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen absorption capabilityVSAvoidmoisture content

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the oxygen scavenger by using a specific alloy (Fe-Al, Fe-Si, Fe-Mg, or Fe-B) and controlling the oxide content (5-50 wt%) to enable oxygen absorption in low-humidity conditions. The alloy composition and oxide content are precisely controlled to achieve effective oxygen absorption without requiring moisture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite oxygen scavenger material by combining specific alloy components (Fe-Al, Fe-Si, Fe-Mg, or Fe-B) with controlled oxide content, and further复合ing it with thermoplastic resin. This composite structure enables the material to function as an effective oxygen scavenger in moisture-free environments while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If rare metals like cerium or titanium are used as oxygen scavengers, then oxygen absorption in low-humidity conditions is achieved, but cost increases and supply stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen absorption capability in low-humidity atmosphereVSAvoidcost and supply stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive rare metals (cerium, titanium) with inexpensive common metals (iron-based alloys) that can be readily obtained and processed. The Fe-Al, Fe-Si, Fe-Mg, or Fe-B alloys provide effective oxygen absorption capability at low cost with stable supply, eliminating the need for expensive imported rare metals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material composition from rare metals to common iron-based alloys with specific compositions and oxide contents. This parameter change maintains oxygen absorption effectiveness while dramatically reducing cost and improving supply stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If metal alloys are used as oxygen scavengers, then effective oxygen absorption is achieved, but large hydrogen reduction equipment is required increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen absorption capabilityVSAvoidhydrogen reduction equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary oxidation during the alloy manufacturing process itself, creating the oxygen scavenger material with the required oxide content (5-50 wt%) directly in the production stage. This eliminates the need for subsequent hydrogen reduction equipment, as the material is ready for use immediately after alloy production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables effective oxygen absorption in moisture-free atmospheres, providing a stable and cost-effective solution for applications where conventional scavengers fail, such as in dried food and metal storage, without generating harmful by-products.

Implementation Method 1

an oxygen absorbing agent consisting of a metal obtained by subjecting an alloy comprising (A) at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, iron, platinum, and copper group metals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

to treatment with an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution to elute and remove at least a part of the component (B)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical dissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS9199778B2Oxygen absorbing resin composition, oxygen absorbing multilayered body, and oxygen absorbing hollow container

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 MITSUBISHI GAS CHEM CO INC

AI summary

There are provided an oxygen absorbing resin composition, an oxygen absorbing multilayered body, and an oxygen absorbing hollow container that can absorb oxygen in an atmosphere even under a low-humidity atmosphere. The oxygen absorbing resin composition includes: (I) an oxygen absorbing agent consisting of a metal (a metal of (I)) obtained by subjecting an alloy comprising (A) at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of manganese, iron, platinum, and copper group metals and (B) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, magnesium, and silicon, to treatment with an acidic or alkaline aqueous solution to elute and remove at least a part of the component (B); and (II) a thermoplastic resin.