Polyethylene Composition for Artificial Turfilaments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polyethylene compositions for artificial turf filaments lack optimal balance of softness and UV resistance, particularly in terms of density, melt index, and composition, which affects their performance in textile and carpeting applications.

Innovation Solution

A polyethylene composition comprising 65% to 97% of a copolymer of ethylene with C3-C10 alpha-olefins, combined with 3% to 35% of a polyolefin composition including propylene homopolymer, ethylene homopolymer or copolymer, and a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and butene-1, optimized for density, melt index, and xylene solubility, to enhance mechanical properties and UV resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyethylene materials are used to achieve softness and UV resistance in artificial turf filaments, then UV resistance and durability are improved, but the balance of softness and mechanical properties deteriorates due to suboptimal density and melt index

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV resistanceVSAvoidsoftness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the density (0.925-0.945 g/cm³) and melt index (0.5-10 g/10 min at 190°C) of the polyethylene copolymer to achieve the optimal balance between UV resistance and softness. This systematic adjustment of physical parameters resolves the contradiction between durability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining polyethylene copolymer (65-97%) with specific polyolefin compositions containing propylene homopolymer, ethylene homopolymer, and terpolymer of ethylene/propylene/butene-1 (3-35%). This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of UV resistance, softness, and mechanical properties that cannot be achieved with single materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If polyethylene composition is optimized for UV resistance, then durability is improved, but softness and tactile properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidsoftness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the physical parameters of the polyethylene copolymer to specific density (0.925-0.945 g/cm³) and melt index ranges, which simultaneously enhance durability and maintain softness. The controlled molecular weight distribution and crystallinity achieved through these parameter changes allow both properties to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials with specific ratios of propylene homopolymer (5-35%), ethylene homopolymer (20-50%), and terpolymer (30-60%) to achieve the optimal balance between durability and softness. The synergistic effect of these components allows the material to be both durable and soft to the touch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If melt index is increased to improve processing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but mechanical strength and UV resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprocessingVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing an optimal melt index range (0.5-10 g/10 min at 190°C) that balances processing ease with mechanical strength. This controlled parameter adjustment ensures the material is sufficiently processable while maintaining the structural integrity and UV resistance required for durable artificial turf filaments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials with specific compositional ratios to decouple the relationship between melt index and mechanical strength. The presence of propylene homopolymer, ethylene homopolymer, and terpolymer in controlled amounts allows the material to have moderate melt index for processing while retaining high mechanical strength and UV resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11999839B2Polyethylene composition for filaments or fibers
Publication Date: 2024.06.04 BASELL POLYOLEFINE GMBH
  • US11999839B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A polyethylene composition for preparing filaments and fibers, made from or containing:A) from 65% to 97% by weight of a copolymer of ethylene having:1) a density of 0.925 g/cm3 or higher; and2) a MI2 value of 0.5 g/10 min. or greater; andB) from 3% to 35% by weight of a polyolefin composition made from or containing:BI) from 5% to 35% by weight of a propylene homopolymer;BII) from 20% to 50% by weight of an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene with up to 5% by weight of alpha-olefin comonomers, containing 5% by weight or less of a fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C.; andBIII) from 30% to 60% by weight of a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene containing from 30% to 85% by weight of a fraction soluble in xylene at 25° C.