PVdC Packaging Material Moisture Optimization for Hot Tack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Form and fill type packaging machines require packaging materials with sufficient hot tack strength to support package contents, especially under rigorous conditions, and also need to be repulpable for environmental considerations.
Innovation Solution
A packaging material comprising a substrate, such as paper, with a heat seal layer made of polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC) and containing at least 8 wt% moisture, which increases the hot tack strength and allows for a wider range of operating conditions for heat sealing, while being repulpable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the packaging material contains low moisture content, then the material is easier to handle and store, but the hot tack strength of the seal is insufficient to support package contents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the moisture content of the packaging material to a specific range (8-18 wt%, preferably 10-16 wt%). This parameter optimization enables the material to achieve sufficient hot tack strength for supporting package contents while maintaining repulpability. The moisture content is controlled within this range to balance seal strength requirements with environmental sustainability goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging material is formulated as a composite consisting of fibrous material (such as paper or paperboard) combined with a heat sealable polymer layer. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve hot tack strength through the polymer component and repulpability through the fibrous component, resolving the contradiction between seal strength and environmental sustainability.
2Strength
If the packaging material contains high moisture content, then the hot tack strength increases, but the material may become difficult to handle and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the moisture content of the packaging material to a specific range (8-18 wt%, preferably 10-16 wt%). This parameter optimization enables the material to achieve sufficient hot tack strength for supporting package contents while maintaining repulpability. The moisture content is controlled within this range to balance seal strength requirements with environmental sustainability goals.
3Strength
If conventional packaging materials are used, then the material structure is simple, but the hot tack strength is insufficient under rigorous manufacturing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is formulated as a composite consisting of fibrous material (such as paper or paperboard) combined with a heat sealable polymer layer. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve hot tack strength through the polymer component and repulpability through the fibrous component, resolving the contradiction between seal strength and environmental sustainability.
4Strength
If the packaging material is designed for high hot tack strength, then the seal can support heavier loads, but the material may lose repulpability
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging material is formulated as a composite consisting of fibrous material (such as paper or paperboard) combined with a heat sealable polymer layer. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously achieve hot tack strength through the polymer component and repulpability through the fibrous component, resolving the contradiction between seal strength and environmental sustainability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the moisture content of the packaging material to a specific range (8-18 wt%, preferably 10-16 wt%). This parameter optimization enables the material to achieve sufficient hot tack strength for supporting package contents while maintaining repulpability. The moisture content is controlled within this range to balance seal strength requirements with environmental sustainability goals.
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 increased moisture content enhances the hot tack strength and operating window of the packaging material, enabling it to handle heavier loads and maintain integrity across a broader temperature range, while also being recyclable and cost-effective by using less polymer.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of at least about 8 wt % moisture increases the hot tack of the seal (i.e., the tackiness or strength of a seal immediately after formation but before solidification of the sealing material)
Implementation Method 2
a heat seal layer disposed on the substrate. The heat seal layer may comprise one or more polymers or polymeric materials that are capable of forming a heat seal
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a package includes depositing polyvinylidene chloride on a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises paper, drying the polyvinylidene chloride on the substrate to form a packaging material including less than 5 wt % water, applying water to the packaging material so that the packaging material includes at least about 8 wt % water, and bringing a first portion of the polyvinylidene chloride of the packaging material into contact with a second portion of the polyvinylidene chloride of the packaging material in the presence of heat to form a seal. The at least about 8 wt % water is operative for increasing a hot tack of the seal relative to the packaging material including less than 5 wt % water.