Plastic-Like Paper Sheet Coating for Printability and Recycling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper materials with a plastic-like tactile effect face issues with printability, print quality, high production costs, and recyclability due to surface treatments using kaolin and polyurethane-based polymeric materials.

Innovation Solution

A paper sheet material with a uniform coating layer comprising silica, silicone, polyurethane-based, and styrene acrylic-based polymers, along with kaolin and precipitated calcium carbonate, enhancing printability and recyclability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If surface treatments based on kaolin and polyurethane-based polymeric materials are used to impart plastic-like tactile effect, then the plastic-like tactile effect is achieved, but printability and print quality are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplastic-like tactile effectVSAvoidprint quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coating composition uses a composite formulation combining polyurethane-based polymeric material (20-50 parts) with starch-based polymeric material (50-80 parts), along with kaolin (10-30 parts) and other minerals. This composite approach maintains the plastic-like tactile effect while the starch component provides better printability by creating a more suitable surface for ink anchoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the compositional parameters of the coating layer by introducing starch-based polymers and adjusting the ratio of polymeric materials to minerals. This parameter modification allows the surface to maintain its plastic-like appearance while improving ink receptivity and print quality through altered surface chemistry and porosity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If surface treatments with silica or silicone products are applied to achieve plastic-like tactile effect, then the tactile effect is improved, but production cost increases and recyclability becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplastic-like tactile effectVSAvoidrecyclability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces expensive silicone products with more economical starch-based polymeric materials that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. This substitution reduces production costs while improving recyclability, as starch-based coatings can be more easily processed and disposed of compared to silicone-based alternatives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention modifies the chemical composition parameters by substituting silicone products with starch-based polymers and adjusting the mineral content ratios. This parameter change achieves the desired plastic-like tactile effect while using materials that are more environmentally compatible and easier to recycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If polyurethane-based polymeric material and kaolin are used in surface treatment, then plastic-like tactile effect is obtained, but ink anchoring and drying performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplastic-like tactile effectVSAvoidink anchoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer uses a composite system combining polyurethane-based polymeric material (20-50 parts) with starch-based polymeric material (50-80 parts), along with kaolin (10-30 parts) and precipitated calcium carbonate (5-20 parts). The starch component specifically enhances ink anchoring capabilities through its porous structure and surface properties, while the polyurethane maintains the plastic-like tactile effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by having different components serve different functions: the polyurethane-based polymer provides the plastic-like tactile appearance, while the starch-based polymer specifically addresses ink anchoring and drying performance. This functional differentiation within the coating layer resolves the contradiction between appearance and printability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 combination of these materials improves print quality and ink anchoring, reduces ink drying times, and facilitates recycling while maintaining a plastic-like tactile effect.

Implementation Method 1

a uniform coating layer on at least one face thereof, said coating layer having a composition comprising silica and/or a silicone product to impart to the paper material a plastic-like tactile effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface treatment with silica and silicone: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

The presence of the styrene acrylic-based polymeric material contributes to creating an ideal porosity for anchoring printing inks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity for ink anchoring: Porosity

Implementation Method 3

the precipitated calcium carbonate increases the degree of white, which enhances the brilliance of colours

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering by calcium carbonate: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS20250305218A1Paper sheet material with a plastic-like tactile effect and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.02 FEDRIGONI SPA

AI summary

The paper sheet material includes a paper substrate having a uniform coating layer on at least one face thereof, the coating layer having a composition with silica and/or a silicone product to impart to the paper material a plastic-like tactile effect and in addition a polymeric component and a mineral component, wherein the polymeric component includes a polyurethane-based polymeric material and a styrene acrylic-based polymeric material, and the mineral component includes kaolin and precipitated calcium carbonate.