Sulfurized Cellulose Gel Layer for 3D Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-dimensional cellulose-based packaging materials are prone to liquid absorption due to their porous nature, making them unsuitable for food products and requiring multiple layers that reduce cellulose content, and existing surface modification techniques like sulfurization are not applicable to 3D objects.
Innovation Solution
A molded cellulose-based object with a dried cellulose gel layer formed by sulfurization, providing a smooth, non-porous surface that is resistant to liquid absorption and allowing for high cellulose content and recyclability, while enabling efficient polymer coating with minimal material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cellulose-based packaging material is used, then recyclability and high cellulose content are improved, but liquid absorption increases due to porous structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the surface morphology of cellulose-based packaging from porous to non-porous through sulfurization treatment. This chemical modification alters the surface properties to reduce liquid absorption while preserving the bulk cellulose structure and recyclability. The sulfurization process creates a compacted surface layer that prevents liquid penetration without compromising the material's cellular composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining sulfurized cellulose gel layer with the base cellulose packaging material. This composite approach allows the packaging to simultaneously maintain high cellulose content for recyclability while the sulfurized surface layer provides liquid resistance. The gel layer acts as a protective barrier that integrates with the underlying cellulose structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple layers are used to reduce liquid absorption, then liquid resistance is improved, but cellulose content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple layers, the patent modifies the surface parameters of a single-layer cellulose packaging through sulfurization. This chemical treatment transforms the surface porosity from high to low, achieving liquid resistance without requiring additional material layers. The process maintains the original cellulose content while altering surface properties to prevent liquid absorption.
3Shape
If surface coating is applied to smooth the surface, then surface finish is improved, but coating material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sulfurization treatment fundamentally changes the surface parameter of the cellulose packaging, transforming it from rough and porous to smooth and non-porous. This intrinsic modification eliminates the need for extensive external coating to achieve surface smoothness. The sulfurized gel layer itself provides the smooth surface finish, reducing or eliminating the need for additional coating materials.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sulfurization is applied to paper, then liquid resistance is improved, but the process is not available for three-dimensional objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sulfurization process into a dip-coating application method, where the sulfuric acid solution is applied only to the surface of the three-dimensional object. This segmentation allows the bulk material to remain unchanged while the surface undergoes sulfurization treatment. The segmented approach makes the process adaptable to complex three-dimensional geometries that would be difficult to treat uniformly with conventional roll-to-roll methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sulfuric acid solution as an intermediary medium to transfer the sulfurization effect to the cellulose surface of three-dimensional objects. This liquid intermediary allows the sulfurization process to reach the surface of complex geometries effectively. The acid solution penetrates and treats the surface material, creating the protective sulfurized layer on three-dimensional packaging structures.
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 cellulose gel layer significantly reduces water and oil absorption, enhances oil resistance, and allows for effective recycling, while minimizing the need for additional coatings, thus addressing the challenges of porosity and recyclability in 3D cellulose-based packaging.
Implementation Method 1
the dried cellulose gel layer provides the three-dimensional cellulose based object with a liquid repellence, for example a water repellence and/or an oil repellence
Implementation Method 2
One way to address this is to use multi-layer paper-based materials... surface modification for cellulose-based papers is usually provided by using roll-to-roll processes... solutions that are known for paper, for example sulfurization of papers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to the field of three-dimensional cellulose-based objects, for example cellulose base packaging materials. In particular, the present invention relates to molded cellulose-based objects with a functionalized surface, for example a surface that reduces water absorption. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a molded cellulose-based object comprising a cellulose gel layer. For example, the cellulose gel layer may be obtained by sulfurization.