Simulated Metallic Appearance in Polyester Using Polymethylpentene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional metallic and pearlescent colorants used in polyester articles are costly, prone to flow-lines, and produce unsightly grain-like appearances due to their flake geometry, and are not effective in simulating a uniform metallic or pearlescent effect.

Innovation Solution

The use of polymethylpentene (PMP) as a carrier for non-metallic, non-pearlescent colorants in polyester articles, which, when combined with stress formation processes like stretch blow molding, creates a simulated metallic or pearlescent effect by altering brightness and chromaticity as the angle to a light source changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional metallic or pearlescent colorants are used in polyester articles, then a metallic or pearlescent appearance is achieved, but the cost increases and flow-lines and grain-like appearances occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetallic or pearlescent appearanceVSAvoidflow-lines and grain-like appearances

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates an optical copy or simulation of metallic/pearlescent appearance using conventional colorants combined with PMP and stress formation, rather than using actual metallic or pearlescent pigments. This copying approach achieves the desired visual effect while avoiding the harmful flake geometry of traditional colorants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the polyester article by introducing PMP and applying stress formation processes, which alter how light interacts with the material. This transforms the optical properties to simulate metallic/pearlescent effects without using conventional colorant flakes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If conventional metallic or pearlescent colorants are used in polyester articles, then a metallic or pearlescent appearance is achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemetallic or pearlescent appearanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive metallic or pearlescent colorants with conventional colorants combined with PMP and stress formation. This substitution uses cheaper materials to achieve the same visual effect, significantly reducing the quantity of expensive substance required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using costly actual metallic/pearlescent pigments, the patent creates a simulated copy of the appearance using inexpensive conventional colorants plus PMP and stress formation, achieving cost-effective visual differentiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Quantity of substance

If PMP and non-metallic colorants are used to simulate metallic appearance, then cost is reduced and uniform appearance is achieved, but the mechanism requires stress formation process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidrequires stress formation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the stress formation process serve multiple functions: it both forms the desired article shape and creates the optical conditions for metallic/pearlescent simulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate manufacturing steps while achieving the visual effect

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for a cost-effective simulation of metallic or pearlescent appearances in polyester articles without the drawbacks of traditional colorants, achieving a uniform and dynamic appearance that mimics brushed metals or lustrous pearls.

Implementation Method 1

when combined with stress formation processes like stretch blow molding, creates a simulated metallic or pearlescent effect by altering brightness and chromaticity as the angle to a light source changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress-induced optical property change: Photoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

surfaces of the article have a brightness and chromaticity which simulates the appearance of metallic pigment or pearlescent pigment throughout the matrix because the brightness and chromaticity values change as the angle of the surface of the article changes relative to a constant light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

the brightness and chromaticity values change as the angle of the surface of the article changes relative to a constant light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8575296B2Polyester articles having simulated metallic or pearlescent appearance

Publication Date: 2013.11.05 AVIENT CORP

AI summary

A polyester article is made to appear lustrously metallic or pearlescent by the addition of polymethylpentene and non-metallic, non-pearlescent colorant; and optionally other functional additives. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combination thereof. A stretch blow molded plastic article, such as a bottle, using the polymethylpentene in the polyester can simulate the appearance of a metallic surface or a pearlescent luster even though non-metallic and non-pearlescent colorants are used.