Polyester Coating for Agricultural Preservation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural products are prone to degradation due to environmental factors such as moisture loss, oxidation, mechanical damage, and biotic stressors, leading to spoilage and increased costs for preservation methods like refrigeration and special packaging, which can be costly and aesthetically damaging.

Innovation Solution

Mechanochemical processes are used to depolymerize polyester- or polyamide-containing compounds into constituent monomers and oligomers, which can be used to create protective coatings for agricultural products, reducing the need for refrigeration and special packaging by providing protection against degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If refrigeration is used to prevent degradation, then the shelf life of agricultural products is extended, but energy consumption increases and equipment costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The agricultural product coating system enables the product surface to protect itself through the applied coating composition, eliminating the need for external refrigeration infrastructure. The coating provides inherent protection against degradation without requiring continuous energy input or complex equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If special packaging is used to protect agricultural products, then degradation is prevented, but packaging material consumption increases and transportation costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against degradationVSAvoidpackaging material consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A thin film coating composition is applied directly to the surface of agricultural products, providing protective functionality without the bulk material consumption associated with traditional packaging. The coating forms a flexible protective layer that prevents degradation while adding minimal material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If refrigeration and special packaging are used for preservation, then product quality is maintained, but handling and transportation cause surface abrasion and bruising

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct qualityVSAvoidsurface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The protective coating is applied in advance to the agricultural product surface, creating a protective barrier before handling and transportation occur. This preliminary protective action prevents surface abrasion and bruising during subsequent handling, maintaining both quality and surface integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Reliability

If conventional preservation methods are used, then degradation is prevented, but the cost of agricultural products increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegradation preventionVSAvoidproduct cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coating composition uses relatively inexpensive organic compounds and solvents that can be applied in thin layers, providing effective degradation prevention at lower cost than refrigeration infrastructure or extensive packaging materials. The simplified application process reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 method effectively extends the shelf life of agricultural products by preventing water loss, oxidation, and biotic damage without altering their appearance, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution to preservation.

Implementation Method 1

contacting a polyester- or polyamide-containing compound with a nucleophile to form a first mixture; mechanically processing the first mixture to decompose at least a portion of the polyester- or polyamide-containing compound to yield a second mixture comprising the constituent oligomer and/or monomers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 2

mechanically processing the first mixture to decompose at least a portion of the polyester- or polyamide-containing compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240092719A1Compositions and methods of preparation thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.21 APEEL TECH

AI summary

Described herein are methods of preparing compounds derived from triglycerides or condensation polymers such as polyesters and/or polyamides. The methods may include subjecting triglyceride or condensation polymer containing matter to mechanical processing in the presence of a nucleophile.