Semi-crystalline Polyolefin Adhesive Cohesive Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hot melt adhesives formulated with polyolefin polymers for construction applications in disposable absorbent articles have lower cohesive strength compared to rubber-based products, necessitating the development of olefin-based hot melt adhesives with improved cohesive strength.

Innovation Solution

A hot melt adhesive composition is developed, comprising a first propylene-based copolymer with a comonomer content of less than 5% by weight, a second propylene-based copolymer with a comonomer content of 5% to 30% by weight, a tackifying agent, and a plasticizer, which work together to create semi-crystalline bonds with enhanced cohesive strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If polyolefin polymers are used in hot melt adhesives for construction applications, then the adhesive is suitable for disposable absorbent articles, but the cohesive strength is lower compared to rubber-based products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecohesive strengthVSAvoidsuitability for disposable absorbent articles
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining polyolefin polymer (providing suitability for disposable absorbent articles) with rubber elastomer (providing cohesive strength). This composite approach allows the adhesive to achieve both required adaptability and improved cohesive strength that neither material could provide alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If rubber-based products are used to improve cohesive strength, then the adhesive gains strength, but it becomes less suitable for construction applications in disposable absorbent articles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecohesive strengthVSAvoidsuitability for construction applications
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having different components serve different functions: the polyolefin polymer provides compatibility with disposable absorbent article substrates and processing characteristics, while the rubber elastomer component specifically provides enhanced cohesive strength at the adhesive interface, creating localized functional differentiation within the adhesive system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single propylene-based copolymer is used, then the adhesive formulation is simple, but the cohesive strength remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive formulation complexityVSAvoidcohesive strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adhesive formulation into multiple functional components: a first propylene-based copolymer with specific comonomer content and molecular weight, a second propylene-based copolymer with different properties, and a rubber elastomer. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specific properties that collectively achieve the required cohesive strength while maintaining manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 hot melt adhesive composition achieves improved cohesive strength, resulting in durable and strong bonds suitable for the production of disposable absorbent articles, particularly in construction and core stabilization applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first propylene-based copolymer that has a comonomer content of less than 5% by weight, a Heat of Fusion from 38 joules/gram to 68 joules/gram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrystallization: Crystallisation

Data Source

PatentUS20250051619A1Semi-crystalline polyolefin construction adhesive
Publication Date: 2025.02.13 HB FULLER CO

AI summary

The invention includes a hot melt adhesive composition based on polyolefin polymers that can be used for applications (e.g., construction applications) in a disposable absorbent article. The olefin based hot melt adhesive composition has surprisingly good cohesive strength.