Aqueous Polyolefin Coating for Metal Container Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current coatings for metal food and beverage containers, particularly those exposed to acidic or salty products, face challenges in providing adequate corrosion resistance and flexibility while maintaining non-toxicity and inertness, and resisting 'popping', 'blushing', and 'blistering' issues.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous-based blend composition comprising an aqueous polyolefin dispersion with specific particle size and pH ranges, combined with crosslinking agents like phenol-formaldehyde or epoxy group-containing resins, to create a durable and flexible coating for metal substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional epoxy-based or polyvinyl chloride-based coatings are used to protect metal containers from corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but the coatings lack adequate flexibility and resistance to popping, blushing, and blistering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidflexibility and resistance to popping/blushing/blistering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite coating system combining polyolefin dispersion (providing flexibility and pop resistance) with crosslinking agents (providing corrosion resistance and adhesion). This composite approach allows each component to contribute its advantageous properties to the final coating system, resolving the contradiction between corrosion resistance and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical and physical parameters of the coating by controlling particle size (400-1500 nm), pH (8-11), and crosslinking density. These parameter changes optimize both the flexibility and corrosion resistance properties, allowing the coating to withstand fabrication processes while maintaining protection against corrosion and popping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If coatings are applied to provide corrosion protection and flexibility, then protection against corrosive media is improved, but non-toxicity and inertness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against corrosive mediaVSAvoidnon-toxicity and inertness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs food-grade polyolefin materials that are inherently non-toxic and inert, similar to the approach of using safe, temporary protective layers. The coating is designed to be non-toxic and inert during the product's shelf life, providing protection without compromising food safety or product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If the coating is made more durable and flexible to withstand fabrication processes, then toughness is improved, but the coating complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoughness and flexibilityVSAvoidcoating composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the coating system into distinct functional components: polyolefin dispersion for flexibility and pop resistance, crosslinking agents for strength and adhesion, and stabilizing agents for formulation stability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity in application.

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 solution provides enhanced corrosion resistance, flexibility, and durability, ensuring the coatings remain non-toxic and inert, while preventing contamination and maintaining the taste and appearance of contents, even under extreme conditions.

Implementation Method 1

one or more crosslinking agents selected from the group consisting of phenol-formaldehyde resins, hydroxyalkylamide resins, amino-formaldehyde resins; epoxy group containing resins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

an aqueous polyolefin dispersion comprising the melt blending product of one or more base polymers and one or more stabilizing agents in the presence of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS10759958B2Aqueous based blend composition and method of producing the same
Publication Date: 2020.09.01 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An aqueous based blend composition including (a) an aqueous polyolefin dispersion comprising the melt blending product of one or more base polymers and one or more stabilizing agents in the presence of water and optionally one or more neutralizing agents, having an average volume particle size diameter from 400 to 1500 nm, and a pH from 8 to 11; and (b) from 0.1 to 50 percent by weight based on the solid content of the dispersion one or more crosslinking agents is provided.