Biodegradable Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) Resin Composition Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resins, such as polylactic acid and poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate), face challenges in terms of physical properties like impact resistance, transparency, and molding processability, which are not adequately addressed by existing compositions.

Innovation Solution

A resin composition comprising a biodegradable poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer, a graft copolymer obtained by graft polymerization of vinyl monomers onto rubber components, and an acrylic processing modifier, along with a filler, to enhance impact resistance, tensile properties, transparency, and processability, while also improving flexural modulus of elasticity and heat resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resins (polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate)) are used to achieve carbon neutrality, then environmental benefits are improved, but impact resistance and molding processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide fixationVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite resin system combining biodegradable aliphatic polyester (carbon-neutral base) with aromatic polyester (performance enhancer) and rubber components (impact modifier). This composite approach allows the biodegradable resin to maintain its environmental benefits while the aromatic polyester and rubber phases compensate for the deficiencies in impact resistance and processability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces rubber particles with specific glass transition temperatures and graft copolymers at controlled concentrations (5-50 parts per 100 parts biodegradable resin) to locally enhance impact resistance without compromising the overall biodegradability and carbon neutrality of the main matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If biodegradable aliphatic polyester-based resins are used to achieve carbon neutrality, then environmental benefits are improved, but transparency and molding processability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide fixationVSAvoidmolding processability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the molecular structure parameters of the biodegradable resin by incorporating copolymer units with different Tg values and by controlling the molecular weight distribution. The addition of aromatic polyester and rubber components further adjusts the rheological parameters, enabling better flow characteristics during molding while maintaining optical transparency through controlled phase distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If aromatic polyester is used to enhance melt strength, then processability is improved, but carbon neutrality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelt strengthVSAvoidcarbon dioxide release
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using pure aromatic polyester which would completely compromise carbon neutrality, the patent applies partial action by incorporating only 5-50 parts of aromatic polyester per 100 parts biodegradable resin. This limited addition is sufficient to enhance melt strength and processability while minimizing the release of fossil-based carbon dioxide, maintaining the predominantly carbon-neutral character of the biodegradable matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 composition achieves improved impact resistance, tensile properties, transparency, and processability, and further enhances flexural modulus of elasticity and heat resistance when a filler is included, contributing to carbon neutrality and effective carbon dioxide fixation.

Implementation Method 1

these biodegradable plastics are of plant origin, and absorb and fix carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon dioxide generated in combustion of these biodegradable plastics of plant origin was originally present in the air, therefore increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is not caused.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide fixation: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 2

a graft copolymer obtained by graft polymerization of vinyl monomers onto rubber components

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGraft polymerization: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS7973101B2Biodegradable resin composition and molded article produced from the same
Publication Date: 2011.07.05 KANEKA CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is a resin composition excellent in impact resistance, tensile properties and processability such as draw down property, which is produced by using a plant-derived biodegradable polymer produced by actively fixing carbon dioxide present in the earth. A resin composition comprising (A) a specific biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer, (B) a graft copolymer and (C) an acrylic processing modifier, the graft copolymer (B) and the acrylic processing modifier (C) being contained in the composition in amounts of 0.1 to 100 parts by weight and 0.1 to 30 parts by weight, respectively, based on 100 parts by weight of the biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer (A).