Retort Laminate Adhesive Structure Without Two-Component Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-component adhesive compositions for laminating applications require separate storage, result in increased raw material costs, potential dosing errors, and cumbersome cleaning, and are not suitable for retort processing due to premature curing and limited pot life.

Innovation Solution

A one-component adhesive composition with a branched backbone structure and isocyanate moieties is used, eliminating the need for mixing and reducing storage and cleaning costs, while providing improved bond strength and recyclability, suitable for retort applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a two-component adhesive composition is used, then adhesion performance can be achieved, but storage complexity increases and raw material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidstorage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate adhesive components (isocyanate component and polyol component) into a single one-component system by incorporating the polyol directly into the adhesive formulation. This eliminates the need for separate storage of two components while maintaining the adhesion performance through the controlled reaction between the isocyanate groups and the incorporated polyol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a two-component adhesive composition is used, then adhesion performance can be achieved, but raw material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidraw material costs
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces raw material costs by merging the polyol component into the adhesive formulation, eliminating the need to purchase and store separate polyol containers. The one-component system requires fewer packaging materials and reduces inventory holding costs while delivering equivalent bonding performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a two-component adhesive composition is used, then adhesion performance can be achieved, but dosing precision becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoiddosing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates dosing precision issues by combining both adhesive components into a single pre-formulated product. The one-component adhesive contains both the isocyanate and polyol in the correct proportions, eliminating the need for separate dosing operations and mixing equipment calibration that are required for two-component systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If a two-component adhesive composition is used, then adhesion performance can be achieved, but cleaning requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidcleaning requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies cleaning requirements by using a one-component system that does not require mixing equipment. Without separate component storage tanks, mixing hoses, and injection systems, there is significantly less equipment that requires cleaning between uses or after spills, reducing maintenance time and solvent consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Strength

If a two-component adhesive composition is used, then adhesion performance can be achieved, but reliability under retort conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion performanceVSAvoidreliability under retort conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves reliability under retort conditions by using a one-component adhesive that has been formulated to remain stable at high temperatures. The single-component system eliminates the risk of premature curing that occurs in two-component systems when components mix during storage or handling, ensuring consistent performance during retort sterilization processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

6Ease of operation

If a one-component adhesive composition is used, then storage and handling are simplified, but adhesion performance may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage and handlingVSAvoidadhesion performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains adhesion performance in the one-component system by carefully controlling the concentration of isocyanate groups (0.5-10% by weight) and selecting appropriate polyol types and ratios. This parameter optimization ensures that the simplified one-component formulation achieves bonding strength comparable to two-component systems while providing ease of use.

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 one-component adhesive composition offers faster curing, higher bond strength, and improved recyclability, overcoming the limitations of two-component systems, particularly under retort conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive compound comprising a branched backbone structure and isocyanate moieties as functional groups

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical Bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP4706956A1Lamination structure for retort applications
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SIEGWERK DRUCKFARBEN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4706956A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706956A1 patent drawing
  • EP4706956A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention is related to a laminate (1) for packaging applications, comprising a substrate layer (2) and an adhesive layer (5) present on a surface of said substrate layer (2), characterized in that said adhesive layer (5) is made from a one-component adhesive composition with an adhesive compound comprising a branched backbone structure and isocyanate moieties as functional groups. The present invention is furthermore related to an article, preferably, a flexible packing, comprising said laminate (1), and to a method for preparing said one-component adhesive composition.