Passive-Active Multilayer Film for Extended Oxygen Barrier Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen barrier films either compromise transparency and mechanical properties or fail to maintain effective oxygen barrier properties after the oxygen scavenging capacity is depleted, posing challenges in packaging sensitive products.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer film structure is introduced, comprising an active oxygen barrier layer sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or vice versa, utilizing a blend of thermoplastic resin with carbon-carbon double bonds, a transition metal salt, and an oxygen barrier polymer, which maintains oxygen barrier properties by combining the scavenging and passive layers to extend shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inorganic powders and/or salts are incorporated into the packaging structure to create active oxygen barriers, then oxygen scavenging capacity is improved, but transparency and mechanical properties (tear strength) are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using organic peroxide compounds instead of inorganic powders, and adjusts the crosslinking degree to maintain mechanical properties while achieving oxygen scavenging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies oxygen scavenging functionality locally through specific functional layers containing organic peroxide compounds, rather than uniformly distributing inorganic particles throughout the packaging structure
2Reliability
If inorganic powders and/or salts are incorporated into the packaging structure to create active oxygen barriers, then oxygen scavenging capacity is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oxygen scavenging function with the polymer matrix itself through crosslinking, eliminating the need for separate inorganic particle incorporation steps and simplifying processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state of the polymer through controlled crosslinking, transforming it from a linear structure to a network structure that inherently provides oxygen barrier properties without additional processing steps
3Reliability
If active oxygen barrier layers are used to scavenge oxygen, then oxygen barrier properties are improved during the active period, but barrier properties deteriorate after oxygen binding capacity is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a continuous oxygen barrier system where crosslinked functional groups provide ongoing oxygen scavenging capability throughout the shelf life, rather than relying on finite-capacity inorganic particles that become inactive after exhaustion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates crosslinked organic peroxide compounds that are preactivated during processing, providing immediate and sustained oxygen barrier functionality without requiring subsequent activation steps or replacement after capacity exhaustion
4Reliability
If inorganic powders and/or salts are used for oxygen scavenging, then oxygen barrier properties are improved, but the packaging material transparency is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from inorganic to organic compounds, fundamentally altering the optical properties while maintaining or improving oxygen barrier functionality through molecular-level crosslinking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer system where crosslinked organic peroxide compounds are integrated into the polymer matrix, providing oxygen barrier properties without the optical interference caused by dispersed inorganic particles
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 multilayer film effectively maintains low oxygen transmission rates even after the active oxygen scavenging capacity is exhausted, ensuring prolonged shelf life and enhanced barrier properties compared to conventional films.
Implementation Method 1
The active oxygen barrier layer comprises an oxygen scavenging composition that is a blend of: (A) a thermoplastic resin having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain... (B) a transition metal salt... wherein the film has an oxygen scavenging rate that is at least 0.01 cc oxygen per day per gram of the oxygen scavenging composition blend
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention provides a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier multilayer core comprising at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). The passive oxygen barrier layers help to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the multilayer film after the oxygen absorbing capacity of the active barrier layer has been exhausted. As a result, the useful shelf life of the film can be extended.