Propylene-Styrene Hot Melt Adhesive for Elastic Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot melt adhesives used in disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and adult incontinence products, face challenges with shear properties, odor, and thermal stability, particularly in elastic attachment and core stabilization applications.

Innovation Solution

A hot melt adhesive composition comprising a propylene-based polymer with a molecular weight of no greater than 75,000 and a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer with a styrene content of no greater than 20%, combined with a polydispersity index of less than 5, and a Melt Flow of no greater than 25 g/10 min, which includes no more than 18% by weight plasticizer, providing improved static peel and creep resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If existing hot melt adhesives are used for elastic attachment, then bonding is achieved, but shear properties are insufficient and creep resistance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshear propertiesVSAvoidcreep resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite adhesive system combining a propylene-based polymer (first polymer) with a styrene block copolymer (second polymer). This composite formulation leverages the complementary properties of each polymer: the propylene-based polymer provides baseline adhesion and flexibility, while the styrene block copolymer enhances shear strength and creep resistance. The synergistic interaction between these two polymers creates an adhesive composition that simultaneously achieves both improved shear properties and creep resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters of the adhesive composition including the molecular weight of the propylene-based polymer (no greater than 75,000), the styrene content of the block copolymer (no greater than 20%), and the plasticizer content (no greater than 18% by weight). By precisely controlling these parameters, the adhesive achieves optimal balance between shear strength and creep resistance, resolving the technical contradiction through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If existing hot melt adhesives are used, then bonding is achieved, but odor is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveodorVSAvoidadhesive composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects specific polymers with controlled chemical compositions and molecular weights that inherently produce lower odor during application and curing. The propylene-based polymer with Mw ≤ 75,000 and the styrene block copolymer with styrene content ≤ 20% are chosen not only for performance but also for their favorable odor characteristics. Additionally, limiting plasticizer content to ≤ 18% by weight further reduces odor generation, as plasticizers are a common source of volatile organic compounds in hot melt adhesives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If existing hot melt adhesives are used, then bonding is achieved, but thermal stability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal stabilityVSAvoidprocessing temperature range
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The composite adhesive system provides enhanced thermal stability through the synergistic combination of polymers with complementary thermal properties. The propylene-based polymer offers good thermal resistance, while the styrene block copolymer contributes to overall thermal stability. This composite structure maintains adhesive performance across a broader temperature range compared to single-polymer systems, enabling stable bonding during high-temperature processing and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the molecular weight of the propylene-based polymer (no greater than 75,000) and limits plasticizer content (no greater than 18% by weight) to enhance thermal stability. Lower molecular weight polymers generally exhibit better thermal stability and reduced volatility, while controlled plasticizer levels prevent excessive softening at elevated temperatures, thereby expanding the usable processing temperature range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 adhesive composition exhibits superior shear properties, low odor, and excellent thermal stability, resulting in enhanced bonding performance, including increased static peel and reduced creep, making it suitable for elastic attachment and core stabilization in disposable absorbent articles.

Implementation Method 1

the adhesive composition bonds the elastic material to the first substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3936164A1Elastic attachment adhesive composition
Publication Date: 2022.01.12 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3936164A1 patent drawing
  • EP3936164A1 patent drawing
  • EP3936164A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition comprising: a first polymer that is propylene-based and has a Mw of no greater than about 75,000 and a polydispersity index of less than about 5 and;a second polymer that is a hydrogenated styrene block copolymer with a styrene content of no greater than about 20%, and a Melt Flow when tested according to ASTM 1238 (230°C, 5kg) of no greater than about 25 g/10 min; wherein the adhesive composition contains between 10% by weight and 18% by weight plasticizer.