Coating Colour Composition Using Fine Particle Styrene-Acrylate Copolymer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coating compositions for paper and paperboard rely heavily on expensive synthetic latex binders, and there is a need to minimize binder usage without compromising the strength and properties of the coated paper.

Innovation Solution

A styrene-acrylate copolymer with a small, well-defined particle size is used as a binder substitute, allowing for a reduction in the amount of conventional latex binder while maintaining or enhancing the strength characteristics of the coated paper, potentially due to increased surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional latex binder is used in coating composition, then the strength properties of coated paper are maintained, but the cost increases and binder amount must be maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength properties of coated paperVSAvoidamount of binder
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter of the binder from conventional large particles (0.1-0.2 μm) to fine particles (0.01-0.1 μm, preferably 0.02-0.08 μm). This parameter change increases the surface area of the binder particles, enabling them to more effectively bind pigment particles and paper fibers, thereby maintaining strength properties while reducing the total amount of binder needed in the coating composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite binder system combining fine particle latex (0.01-0.1 μm) with starch (0.1-5 parts per 100 parts pigment). This composite approach leverages the adhesive properties of fine latex particles and the binding capabilities of starch, achieving enhanced strength properties and reduced binder quantity through synergistic interaction between different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional latex binder is used in coating composition, then the coating properties are maintained, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating propertiesVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter of the binder from conventional large particles (0.1-0.2 μm) to fine particles (0.01-0.1 μm, preferably 0.02-0.08 μm). This parameter change increases the surface area of the binder particles, enabling them to more effectively bind pigment particles and paper fibers, thereby maintaining strength properties while reducing the total amount of binder needed in the coating composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive conventional latex binder with a combination of fine particle latex and starch, where starch serves as a cost-effective alternative or supplement. This substitution reduces the overall cost of the coating composition while maintaining or improving coating properties through the synergistic effect of fine latex and starch binders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If binder amount is reduced in coating composition, then the cost decreases, but the strength properties of coated paper are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidstrength properties of coated paper
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the particle size parameter of the binder from conventional large particles (0.1-0.2 μm) to fine particles (0.01-0.1 μm, preferably 0.02-0.08 μm). This parameter change increases the surface area of the binder particles, enabling them to more effectively bind pigment particles and paper fibers, thereby maintaining strength properties while reducing the total amount of binder needed in the coating composition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite binder system combining fine particle latex (0.01-0.1 μm) with starch (0.1-5 parts per 100 parts pigment). This composite approach leverages the adhesive properties of fine latex particles and the binding capabilities of starch, achieving enhanced strength properties and reduced binder quantity through synergistic interaction between different materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3296459B1Coating colour composition for paper and paperboard
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 KEMIRA OY

AI summary

Invention relates to a coating colour composition for paper and/or paperboard comprising a pigment, optionally known additives used in coating compositions, and a binder substitute comprising styrene acrylate copolymer having mean particle size ≤100 nm. Invention relates also to paper or paperboard coated with a coating colour composition according to the invention.