Thermoplastic Elastomer Composition for Synthetic Wine Corks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditionally naturally sealed wines are often damaged by tainted, ill-fitting, or deteriorated corks, leading to approximately 5-10% of wines being affected, resulting in quality issues such as musty smells and flat tastes due to the porous and imperfect nature of natural cork materials.
Innovation Solution
Development of thermoplastic elastomeric compositions comprising a polymer blend of non-crosslinked styrenic block copolymers, mineral oil, and polyethylene, with specific weight percentages and molecular weights, which provide low compression set and good melt strength, suitable for use as synthetic wine corks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural cork materials are used for wine sealing, then traditional sealing method is maintained, but the cork becomes porous and imperfect leading to contamination and chemical alteration of wine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a synthetic cork that copies the functional properties of natural cork (sealing, elasticity) while eliminating its harmful porous structure. The thermoplastic elastomer composition replicates the sealing function without the contamination risk inherent in natural cork's porous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite materials - specifically thermoplastic elastomers combined with plasticizers and stabilizers - to create a synthetic cork that achieves both the sealing reliability of natural cork and the purity of synthetic materials. The multi-component composition provides both functional performance and chemical stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic materials are used to replace natural cork, then contamination is eliminated, but the material must achieve both low compression set and good melt strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically adjusts material parameters - selecting specific thermoplastic elastomers with particular molecular weights, controlling plasticizer concentrations (10-30 parts by weight), and stabilizing with antioxidants - to achieve the optimal balance between compression set, melt strength, and sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material design by combining thermoplastic elastomers with specific plasticizers and stabilizers in controlled ratios. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its specific property: elastomer provides elasticity and seal, plasticizer provides flexibility and low compression set, and stabilizer ensures long-term chemical stability.
3Reliability
If thermoplastic elastomer composition is developed with specific components, then low compression set and good melt strength are achieved, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for each component to simplify formulation: thermoplastic elastomer (40-80 parts), plasticizer (10-30 parts), and stabilizer (0.1-2 parts). These standardized ranges make the complex multi-component system manageable and reproducible while maintaining optimal performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoplastic elastomer composition and method of making the thermoplastic elastomer are disclosed. The thermoplastic elastomer may comprise a polymer blend. The polymer bland may comprise a non-crosslinked elastomer, oil, and polyethylene. The oil may be from about 15 wt. % to about 60 wt. % oil. The polyethylene may be from about 0.1 wt. % to about 40 wt. %.