Polyether Polymer Coating for BPA-Free Metal Packaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current packaging coatings for metal containers, such as food and beverage cans, face challenges including corrosion inhibition, safety for food contact, adhesion issues, resistance to staining and degradation, and the need to avoid harmful chemicals like BPA-based compounds.

Innovation Solution

A polyether polymer binder system is developed that does not include structural units derived from bisphenol A or other estrogenic phenols, offering excellent adhesion, chemical resistance, and durability while being safe for food contact and free from harmful compounds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If epoxy-based coatings incorporating BPA are used, then adhesion and chemical resistance are improved, but safety concerns arise due to harmful compounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion and chemical resistanceVSAvoidharmful compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes BPA and other harmful compounds from the coating formulation while maintaining the desired performance characteristics through alternative binder systems and chemistry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite coating formulations combining multiple polymer components and additives to achieve the adhesion and chemical resistance previously provided by BPA-based epoxies, without using harmful substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polyvinyl chloride-based coatings are used, then coating performance is achieved, but recycling becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating performanceVSAvoidrecycling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the coating by eliminating polyvinyl chloride and halide-containing polymers, enabling the coated containers to be recyclable while maintaining coating performance through alternative polymer systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If coatings are applied to prevent corrosion, then metal container durability is improved, but the coating must withstand harsh processing conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion inhibitionVSAvoidprocessing conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the coating to the metal container before the container undergoes harsh processing conditions such as forming, welding, or heat treatment, ensuring the coating is already in place to protect against corrosion during these processes and throughout the product lifecycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240351746A1Compositions for containers and other articles and methods of using same

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 SWIMC LLC

AI summary

This invention provides a polymer, which is preferably a polyether polymer. The polymer may be used in coating compositions. Containers and other articles comprising the polymer and methods of making such containers and other articles are also provided. The invention further provides compositions including the polymer (e.g., powder coatings), which have utility in a variety of coating end uses, including, for example, valve and pipe coatings.