Polybutene-1 PSA Adhesion to PE and PET

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polybutene-1 (co)polymers-based pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) exhibit mediocre adhesion to substrates like PE or PET, particularly in initial adhesion and reclosability, and insufficient viscosity for reclosable packaging applications.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a combination of a liquid and a solid tackifier, along with a styrene copolymer, into the PSA composition to enhance adhesion, reclosability, and viscosity, while maintaining flexibility and film-forming characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single solid tackifier is used in polybutene-1 (co)polymer-based PSA, then the adhesive composition can be manufactured, but the adhesion to substrates like PE or PET is mediocre in initial adhesion and adhesion after reclosing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadhesionVSAvoidadhesive composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining polybutene-1 (co)polymer with both liquid and solid tackifiers in specific proportions. This composite adhesive composition achieves superior adhesion to PE and PET substrates by leveraging the complementary properties of different tackifier types, resolving the contradiction between achieving strong adhesion and maintaining composition simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of the adhesive composition by specifying precise weight percentage ranges for polybutene-1 (co)polymer (40-70%), liquid tackifier (10-30%), and solid tackifier (10-30%). This parameter optimization ensures both excellent adhesion performance and manufacturability, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If polybutene-1 (co)polymers-based PSA is used for reclosable packaging, then the packaging can be closed, but the viscosity is insufficient for proper application in the manufacture step

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereclosabilityVSAvoidviscosity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity parameter by controlling the molecular weight and composition of polybutene-1 (co)polymer and selecting appropriate tackifiers. The resulting adhesive has a viscosity of 200-5000 cP at 25°C, which ensures both proper application during manufacturing and excellent reclosability performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If the adhesive needs to maintain flexibility at cold temperatures, then the adhesive remains flexible, but the adhesion and film forming characteristics may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility at cold temperaturesVSAvoidadhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite adhesive system where polybutene-1 (co)polymer provides cold-temperature flexibility while liquid and solid tackifiers maintain adhesion strength. This composite formulation ensures both flexibility and adhesion performance across a wide temperature range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the glass transition temperature and other thermal parameters of the adhesive composition by selecting specific polybutene-1 (co)polymer grades and tackifier types, ensuring the adhesive maintains both flexibility and adhesion at cold temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11485884B2Extrudable pressure sensitive adhesive based on polybutene-1 polymer and a styrene copolymer suitable for reclosable packagings
Publication Date: 2022.11.01 HENKEL KGAA

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprising: (i) at least one butene-1 (co)polymer; (ii) at least one liquid tackifier; (iii) at least one solid tackifier; (iv) at least one styrene copolymer; (v) optionally at least one further (co)polymer, different from (i) and (iv); (vi) optionally at least one additive. Furthermore, the use of the pressure sensitive adhesive composition according to the invention as closing mean for a packaging unit for foods, for packaging units to be heated in a microwave or oven, for a closing mean for packaging unit for drugs, hygienic tissues, cleaning tissues or cosmetic tissues. An article comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive composition according to the invention and a method of obtaining the article.