PEF Copolymer Melt Strength via Chain Architecture Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for polyethylene furanoate (PEF) copolymers with optimized properties for packaging applications, as existing PEFs face challenges in processing and container performance compared to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Innovation Solution

The development of PEF copolymers incorporating chain architecture modifying agents with reactive functionalities of three or more, such as pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and pentaerythritol (PENTA), which enhance physical properties like molecular weight, entanglement density, and melt strength, allowing for improved processing and performance in forming preforms and containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If PEF is used as a thermoplastic resin for container production, then bio-based sustainability is improved, but processing performance and container performance deteriorate compared to PET

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental sustainabilityVSAvoidprocessing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular weight parameters of PEF by incorporating chain architecture modifying agents, changing the physical and chemical parameters to achieve both bio-based sustainability and improved processing performance suitable for blow molding applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer system by combining PEF with chain architecture modifying agents (such as PMDA and PENTA), resulting in a modified PEF copolymer that maintains bio-based advantages while achieving PET-like processing characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If PEF is used for container production, then bio-based content is improved, but melt strength and processing characteristics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebio-based contentVSAvoidmelt strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular architecture parameters of PEF by introducing chain modifying agents with reactive functionalities, thereby increasing entanglement density and melt strength while preserving the bio-based composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional PEF is processed into preforms and containers, then container production is achieved, but product performance and shelf life are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer productionVSAvoidproduct performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight and entanglement density parameters of PEF through chain architecture modification, resulting in enhanced creep resistance and extended shelf life while maintaining efficient container production capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3038741B1Container and preform made from poly(ethylenefuranoate) copolymers and methods

Publication Date: 2021.05.19 THE COCA COLA CO

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AI summary

The present invention is directed to a PEF copolymers, methods for processing the same to provide PEF preforms and articles (e.g., containers), as well as the preforms and articles formed by such methods. Advantageously, the PEF copolymers, preforms and articles of the present invention have one or more improved properties relative to unmodified (i.e., neat) PEF and articles formed therefrom.