Transparent Closure Liner Compound for Oxygen Barrier and QR Readability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PVC-free polymer compounds used in container seals lose transparency over time, compromising the readability of QR codes or similar information printed on the interior side of closures, despite maintaining adequate oxygen barrier properties.
Innovation Solution
A polymer compound comprising at least two different polymers, including a chemically non-cross-linked rubbery polymer like SIBS and a polyolefin such as LDPE, with a scavenger material like sodium sulfite, providing a balanced OTR and maintaining transparency over extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional PVC-free polymer compounds are used in container seals, then oxygen barrier properties are improved, but transparency is lost over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material system consisting of multiple polymers (polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene) combined with specific additives and scavengers. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both effective oxygen barrier properties and maintained transparency over time, resolving the contradiction between protection and transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the compositional parameters of the polymer compound by specifying precise weight percentages of different polymers and additives. By carefully controlling these parameters, the material achieves the right balance between oxygen barrier performance and long-term transparency, preventing the deterioration that occurs with conventional formulations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If scavenger materials are added to improve oxygen protection, then oxygen barrier properties are enhanced, but transparency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for scavenger material content (0.1-5 wt%), optimizing the amount to provide effective oxygen protection while minimizing impact on transparency. This parameter optimization ensures that the scavenger materials fulfill their protective function without causing excessive opacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system where scavenger materials are integrated with specific polymer matrices and other additives. This composite formulation ensures that the scavengers provide effective oxygen binding while the overall material composition maintains necessary transparency for QR code scanning and information visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the liner material is made more opaque to improve oxygen barrier, then protection against oxygen ingress is enhanced, but QR code scanning becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes optical parameters by controlling the formulation of the polymer compound to maintain transparency (light transmission) while achieving effective oxygen barrier properties through the combined action of multiple polymers and scavengers, allowing QR codes to remain readable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-component composite material system where the synergistic combination of polyolefin, polyethylene, polypropylene, and scavengers creates a material that provides both adequate oxygen barrier properties and sufficient transparency for information scanning, resolving the contradiction between protection and information accessibility.
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 compound achieves an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below 2000 cm³/m².d at 100 µm thickness and 100% relative humidity, ensuring effective oxygen barrier and maintaining transparency for over a month, enabling successful scanning of QR codes even after extended storage.
Implementation Method 1
oxygen-binding substances (scavengers)
Implementation Method 2
a scavenger material like sodium sulfite
Data Source
AI summary
A polymer compound for a PVC-free sealing insert or liner of a container closure for a food or beverage container, comprising at least one hydrocarbon barrier polymer selected from styrene-isobutene-butadiene-styrene (SIBS), styrene-ethene-propene-styrene (SEPS), styrene-ethene-ethene/propene-styrene (SEEPS), butyl rubber and polyisobutene (PIB), in an amount of between 1 and 35 wt.% based on total compound; LDPE in an amount of between 40 and 95 wt.% based on total compound weight; LLDPE and/or SEBS and /or an olefin block copolymer (OBC) in an amount between 0 wt.% and a total (LLDPE and/or SEBS and /or OBC) of 30 wt.%, based on total compound weight; an oxygen scavenging material in a non-zero amount up to 2 wt.% based on total compound weight.