Polyolefin Thermoplastic Elastomer Gum Base Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chewing gum production processes require significant energy and time for mixing gum base components, particularly due to the need for grinding elastomers and adding fillers to prevent agglomeration, which limits production flexibility and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) into gum base formulations, which can be melted and blended more efficiently, reducing the need for pre-grinding and minimizing mixing time and energy consumption, while maintaining consumer-acceptable texture and flavor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional elastomers (butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, SBR) are used in gum base formulations, then consumer acceptance of chewing properties is maintained, but significant energy and time are required for grinding and mixing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the elastomer from traditional high molecular weight (butyl rubber, SBR) to lower molecular weight polyisobutylene (10,000-100,000 viscosity average), which fundamentally alters the material's processability while maintaining gum base functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical grinding system with a melting-based mixing system. Instead of mechanically grinding elastomers to prevent agglomeration, the TPE elastomer is melted and mixed in a melt mixer, substituting mechanical size reduction with thermal processing
2Manufacturing precision
If elastomers are ground into fine particles with filler addition to prevent agglomeration, then uniform mixing is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and energy-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the TPE elastomer from solid to melt state. By heating the elastomer above its melting point, it transitions to a liquid phase where mixing occurs uniformly without the need for mechanical grinding, then solidifies upon cooling to form the gum base
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical grinding system with a melting-based mixing system. Instead of mechanically grinding elastomers to prevent agglomeration, the TPE elastomer is melted and mixed in a melt mixer, substituting mechanical size reduction with thermal processing
3Stability of the object's composition
If pre-grinding of elastomers is performed before mixing to prevent agglomeration, then proper dispersion is achieved, but production flexibility is reduced and scheduling becomes less adaptable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular weight parameter of the elastomer from traditional high molecular weight (butyl rubber, SBR) to lower molecular weight polyisobutylene (10,000-100,000 viscosity average), which fundamentally alters the material's processability while maintaining gum base functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the TPE elastomer from solid to melt state. By heating the elastomer above its melting point, it transitions to a liquid phase where mixing occurs uniformly without the need for mechanical grinding, then solidifies upon cooling to form the gum base
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
TPEs enable faster and less energy-intensive processing of gum bases, leading to cost savings, improved shelf life, and enhanced flavor quality, with the ability to form a cohesive cud during chewing.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating polyolefin thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) into gum base formulations, which can be melted and blended more efficiently
Data Source
AI summary
A chewing gum contains a water-insoluble gum base portion containing a polyolefin thermoplastic elastomer; a water-soluble bulk portion; and at least one flavor component, which is cud-forming and chewable at mouth temperature.