Oxygen Scavenging Polymer with Unsaturated Side Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plastic packaging materials lack effective oxygen barrier properties, leading to degradation of contents and challenges in recyclability, clarity, and cost, particularly when using passive barrier systems or active oxygen scavenging polymers that may degrade over time.
Innovation Solution
Development of an oxygen scavenging polymer with a base polymer backbone modified by unsaturated side chains containing carbon-carbon double bonds, which enhances oxygen absorption capacity while maintaining the properties of the unmodified polymer, and an optional oxidation catalyst to facilitate the oxygen scavenging reaction, potentially used in single or multi-layer packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active oxygen scavenging system is used to reduce oxygen levels, then oxygen barrier properties are improved, but the polymer may degrade over time due to oxidation
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer is introduced as an intermediary substance that mediates between the oxygen scavenging polymer and oxygen. The stabilizer preferentially reacts with oxygen or prevents oxidation of the polymer backbone, allowing the oxygen scavenging function to operate while protecting the polymer from degradation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling oxygen removal without sacrificing polymer stability.
2Reliability
If a passive barrier layer is used to hinder oxygen passage, then oxygen barrier properties are improved, but the packaging material clarity is reduced and recyclability becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer material is modified to perform oxygen scavenging functions inherently within its own structure through the incorporation of oxygen-reactive groups. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate passive barrier layers, allowing the material to maintain its clarity and recyclability while providing effective oxygen protection through its intrinsic chemical properties.
3Reliability
If oxidation occurs in the backbone of the polymer to enable oxygen scavenging, then oxygen absorption capacity is improved, but the polymer properties change and degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen scavenging functionality is localized to specific side chains or functional groups attached to the polymer backbone, rather than involving the backbone itself. This local quality approach allows oxidation to occur in designated regions (side chains) while preserving the integrity and physical properties of the main polymer backbone, thus maintaining strength and structural stability.
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 oxygen scavenging polymer effectively reduces oxygen levels in packaging environments, balancing barrier properties, clarity, and recyclability, while minimizing degradation and maintaining the polymer's physical properties, thus extending the shelf life of packaged goods.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more carbon-carbon double bonds in the side chain are available for oxidation
Implementation Method 2
an oxidation catalyst to facilitate the oxygen scavenging reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer with a backbone and an unsaturated side chain attached to the backbone. The polymer may optionally be combined with an oxidation catalyst and/or other ingredients.