SEBS Copolymer Adhesive Matrix Room Temperature Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hot-melt processes for preparing styrene block copolymer-based adhesive patches require high temperatures, which can cause thermal stress to active ingredients and increase manufacturing costs, while using toxic solvents like toluene poses safety and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer is solubilized in an oil/ethyl acetate mixture, allowing for room temperature processing and using safer, less environmentally harmful ethyl acetate as a solvent, which maintains the copolymer in solution without swelling and provides excellent adhesive and cohesive properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hot-melt processes are used to prepare styrene block copolymer-based adhesive patches, then the copolymer can be processed and formed into patches, but high temperatures cause thermal stress to active ingredients and increase manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters by using a solvent-based system (ethyl acetate) instead of hot-melt processing, allowing the copolymer to be processed at room temperature or lower temperatures, thereby eliminating thermal stress on active ingredients while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ethyl acetate as an intermediary solvent that enables the copolymer to be processed in solution form at low temperatures, acting as a mediator between the copolymer and the final patch product, avoiding the need for high-temperature processing
2Ease of manufacture
If toxic solvents like toluene are used to solubilize the copolymer, then the copolymer can be dissolved and processed, but safety and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces persistent toxic solvents like toluene with ethyl acetate, which is less toxic and more readily degradable, sacrificing some solvent persistence in favor of improved safety and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful aspect of solvent use into a benefit by selecting ethyl acetate, which provides adequate solubility for the copolymer while being safer for human health and the environment, thus turning a potential harm into an advantage
3Ease of manufacture
If high temperatures are used during manufacturing, then the copolymer becomes processable, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the processing parameters from high-temperature hot-melt processing to room-temperature or low-temperature solution processing using ethyl acetate, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining copolymer processability
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
This approach enables the production of patches with excellent adhesive and cohesive properties, suitable for long-lasting applications, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows for the use of thermolabile active ingredients, while minimizing skin irritation and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer solubilised in an oil/ethyl acetate mixture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-adhesive matrix system comprising a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer in an oil/ethyl acetate mixture, a hydrogenated resin and a pharmaceutical or cosmetic active ingredient.