Oxygen Scavenging Closure With Moisture-Control Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oxygen scavenging technologies in polymer containers face issues such as slow reaction rates, limited capacity, and inconsistent hydrogen generation rates, which affect the shelf-life of oxygen-sensitive products like food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, especially in transparent plastic packaging where recycling is important.
Innovation Solution
A container design incorporating a hydrogen generating means with a control means to regulate moisture passage, allowing for a controlled release of hydrogen, which is tailored to match the oxygen ingress rate, thereby extending shelf-life and reducing the active material required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen scavengers are incorporated into polymer containers, then oxygen removal capacity is improved, but reaction rate is slow and capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters by using sodium borohydride instead of traditional iron-based scavengers, enabling a faster reaction rate while maintaining high oxygen removal capacity. The controlled release mechanism further optimizes the reaction kinetics to match oxygen ingress rates throughout the product shelf-life.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system by combining sodium borohydride with a polymer matrix and catalyst, forming an integrated oxygen scavenging material that achieves both high reaction rate and high capacity. The composite structure allows for controlled interaction between the active substance and moisture/oxygen.
2Quantity of substance
If high levels of active substance are used in hydrogen generating matrix, then hydrogen generation capacity is improved, but rate of hydrogen release becomes too high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a polymer matrix as an intermediary between the sodium borohydride and moisture, controlling the rate at which moisture reaches the active substance. This mediator allows high levels of active material to be incorporated while preventing excessive reaction rates through controlled moisture diffusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters by controlling the polymer matrix structure and moisture permeability, thereby regulating the hydrogen release rate. By adjusting matrix properties rather than reducing active material content, the system maintains high capacity while achieving controlled release rates that match oxygen ingress.
3Reliability
If traditional oxygen scavengers are used in transparent plastic packaging, then oxygen scavenging is achieved, but haze formation and discoloration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional iron-based scavengers with sodium borohydride, which reacts to form sodium metaborate - a colorless, non-hazy byproduct. This substitution eliminates the discoloration and haze problems associated with iron oxidation while maintaining effective oxygen scavenging in transparent packaging.
4Productivity
If active substance is dispersed in polymeric matrix for controlled hydrogen release, then hydrogen release rate control is improved, but rate of hydrogen generation decreases significantly over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a feedback-controlled system where the polymer matrix allows moisture to diffuse in at a rate that matches the consumption of hydrogen by oxygen scavenging. This self-regulating mechanism maintains consistent hydrogen release rates throughout the product shelf-life, preventing both excessive initial release and insufficient late-stage release.
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
This approach provides a flexible and efficient oxygen scavenging system that maintains effective oxygen removal over an extended period, enhancing the shelf-life of products while minimizing the use of hydrogen generating material and associated costs.
Implementation Method 1
an active substance which is incorporated in the container and is arranged to react with moisture in the container to release molecular hydrogen
Implementation Method 2
a control means for controlling passage of moisture from the container to the hydrogen generating means
Data Source
AI summary
A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) acts as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen. Thereafter, a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by a catalyst associated with the container thereby to scavenge the oxygen.