Oxygen Scavenging Polymer Haze Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen scavenging polymers used in plastic packaging experience an unacceptable increase in haze over time when formed into sheets or thermoformed trays, which affects their performance and consumer acceptance.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a polyester, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), blended with polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) and a transition metal oxidation catalyst, which reduces the increase in haze and enhances oxygen scavenging capacity when formed into articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen scavenging polymers are used in plastic packaging, then oxygen scavenging capacity is improved, but haze increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by incorporating specific polyester components (polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate) and controlling the molecular weight and composition ratios of the polyester blend to achieve optimal balance between oxygen scavenging capacity and haze characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite oxygen scavenging polymer by blending multiple polyester components (polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and other esters) with specific ratios to achieve both high oxygen scavenging capacity and improved haze resistance
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 proposed composition effectively reduces the increase in haze over time while maintaining high oxygen scavenging efficiency, making it suitable for use in plastic packaging that requires improved optical clarity and extended shelf life.
Implementation Method 1
The incorporation of oxidation catalyst into the oxidizable polymer solves this problem
Implementation Method 2
The use of oxidizable organic polymers by themselves results in a very slow oxidative process. The incorporation of oxidation catalyst into the oxidizable polymer solves this problem
Data Source
AI summary
An oxygen scavenging composition that includes a polyester-poly(alkylene oxide) glycol copolymer, preferably containing 55 wt. % to about 58 wt. % polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG) with an optional number average molecular weight of between about 1,000 g/mol to about 650 g/mol and blended with a polyethylene terephthalate copolymer, comprising polyethylene terephthalate and a transition metal oxidation catalyst, including methods for manufacturing the oxygen scavenging composition and articles made therefrom.