Sand-Effect Paper Material with Inorganic Filler Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional paper materials lack a unique feel and often compromise print quality to achieve specific appearances or finishes, such as those required for wrapping or quality printing.

Innovation Solution

A sand-effect paper material is created using a pulp mixture of cellulose fibers and inorganic fillers, combined with a surface treatment involving a polymeric substance and glossy coating, which mimics the feel of sand while ensuring high printing quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If traditional paper materials are used to achieve specific appearances or finishes, then the appearance effect is improved, but the print quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface appearanceVSAvoidprint quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The paper structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: a base layer providing structural support and a separate surface layer containing the inorganic filler particles that create the sand-like effect. This segmentation allows the surface appearance to be optimized independently from the bulk properties that affect print quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials combining organic cellulose fibers with inorganic fillers (such as calcium carbonate, silica, or talc) in specific ratios and configurations. This composite structure provides both the desired sand-like tactile effect and maintains sufficient surface smoothness for high-quality printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If a sand-like feel is created on the paper surface, then the tactile effect is improved, but the surface smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetactile effectVSAvoidsurface smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic filler particles are distributed in a controlled manner to create localized sand-like tactile zones while maintaining overall surface smoothness. The particle size, shape, and distribution are carefully regulated so that the tactile effect is perceptible but does not prevent ink application or printing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: inorganic filler particle size (0.1-10 micrometers), concentration (5-50% by weight), and surface treatment to achieve the right balance between tactile effect and surface smoothness. These parameter adjustments allow the surface to feel like sand while remaining printable.

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 sand-effect paper material achieves a unique tactile experience similar to sand while maintaining high printability and enabling difficult graphic effects, surpassing traditional coated papers.

Implementation Method 1

an inorganic filler, capable of bestowing on the material good characteristics of machinability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInorganic filler reinforcement:

Implementation Method 2

at least one polymeric substance, capable of bestowing (dry and wet) strength on the mixture of fibres

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer reinforcement:

Implementation Method 3

The substrate has at least one surface (face) treated with at least one surface adhesive and a glossy coating having particular components so that the paper material, owing to the combined effect of the composition of the substrate and of the surface treatment, presents a feel similar to that of sand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface coating: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP2520709B1Sand-effect paper material and corresponding manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 GRUPPO CORDENONS

AI summary

A sand-effect paper material comprises a substrate, formed by a mixture of cellulose fibres and containing at least one polymeric substance (comprising, for example, one or more colophony-based and/or alkyl-ketene-dimer-based and/or epichlorohydrin-based resins, and/or modified starches, etc.), apt to bestow strength on the mixture of fibres, and an inorganic filler (for example, a mineral filler of a carbonate type, kaolin, talc, etc.); the paper material has at least one surface treated with at least one surface adhesive and provided with a glossy coating formed by one or more binding polymers and/or waxes, mixed with pigments, so that the paper material has a sand-like feel.