Stretchable Laminate Oil Resistance via Olefin Elastomer Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stretchable laminates with elastomer and non-woven fabric layers have low oil resistance, often perforating or breaking when exposed to oils like baby oil due to adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive components.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable laminate design featuring an elastomer layer with outer layers composed of 90-100 wt% olefin-based elastomers, specifically α-olefin-based elastomers produced using metallocene catalysts, and a non-woven fabric layer bonded with a hot-melt pressure-sensitive adhesive, enhancing oil resistance and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a laminate is constructed to be stretchable in at least one direction, then it can accommodate expansion of underlying substrates (such as black panels in vehicles), but the laminate may crack or delaminate under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate is divided into multiple plies (first ply, second ply, third ply) with different orientations and properties. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall performance - some layers provide stretchability while others maintain structural integrity and prevent cracking, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laminate uses a composite structure combining different materials including thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, and natural fibers with varying elastic moduli. This composite approach enables the laminate to simultaneously achieve stretchability in required directions while maintaining crack resistance through the complementary properties of different materials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural fibers are used in the laminate, then environmental sustainability is improved, but the fibers may absorb moisture and lose structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
Different plies of the laminate have different material compositions and properties tailored to their specific functions. Natural fiber plies are strategically positioned and treated with local moisture-resistant coatings or treatments only where needed, allowing the laminate to maintain both environmental sustainability and structural integrity without compromising the natural fibers' benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
Natural fibers are combined with moisture-resistant synthetic materials in a composite laminate structure. The synthetic components protect the natural fibers from moisture absorption while maintaining the overall environmental sustainability of the product. This composite approach allows natural fibers to contribute to sustainability without suffering from their inherent moisture sensitivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the laminate includes a stretchable layer with high elasticity, then it can accommodate substrate expansion, but the bonding between layers may fail under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The laminate is segmented into multiple plies with intermediate bonding layers between them. This segmentation allows the stretchable layer to expand and contract independently while the bonding layers are designed with appropriate flexibility and adhesion properties to maintain inter-layer bonding under stress, preventing delamination while accommodating substrate expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding characteristics of the laminate layers are optimized by adjusting parameters such as bond strength, flexibility, and thickness of intermediate layers. These parameter changes enable the bonding system to accommodate the elastic deformation of stretchable layers while maintaining sufficient bonding strength to prevent layer separation under stress conditions.
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 laminate maintains integrity when exposed to oils, demonstrating improved oil resistance and stability, with the olefin-based elastomers providing enhanced heat and storage stability and simplified production processes.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoplastic polymer matrix may be heated to a temperature above its melting point and then cooled to bind the fibers together
Implementation Method 2
the laminate may be constructed to be stretchable in at least one direction so as to accommodate expansion of one or more underlying substrates
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a stretchable laminate excellent in oil resistance. Also provided is an article including such stretchable laminate. The stretchable laminate of the present invention includes: an elastomer layer; and a non-woven fabric layer arranged on at least one side of the elastomer layer, inwhich: the elastomer layer includes a plurality of layers; and at least one outer layer of the plurality of layers contains an olefin-based elastomer.