Vacuum Packaging for Polyolefin Sterilization Strength Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gamma irradiation of polyolefin-based products results in undesirable side effects such as a strong odor and significant reduction in tear strength, with existing methods failing to adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
Vacuum packaging with an oxygen transmission rate of less than 0.2 cubic centimeters per 100 inches squared per 24 hours and a vacuum pressure of less than 100 millibars, using a package with an ethylene vinyl alcohol layer, minimizes the reduction in tensile strength of polyolefin-based products after radiation sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gamma irradiation is used to sterilize polyolefin-based products, then sterilization is achieved, but the products develop strong odor and significant loss of tensile strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vacuum packaging to create an oxygen-free environment around the polyolefin-based product during gamma irradiation sterilization. By removing oxygen from the packaging atmosphere, the free radical reactions between oxygen and polyolefin chains that cause odor and strength degradation are prevented, while still allowing effective sterilization to occur
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements vacuum packaging before the gamma irradiation sterilization process. This preliminary action of removing oxygen from the packaging environment prior to irradiation prevents the formation of oxygen-containing degradation products that would otherwise occur during sterilization, thereby preserving product quality while achieving sterilization
2Strength
If vacuum packaging with low oxygen transmission rate is used, then tensile strength loss is reduced to less than 20%, but packaging complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite packaging materials with specific oxygen transmission rate characteristics to protect the polyolefin-based product during gamma irradiation. The use of multi-layer or specially formulated packaging materials provides the necessary oxygen barrier properties while maintaining practical packaging feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular parameters for the packaging material, including an oxygen transmission rate of less than 0.2 cubic centimeters per 100 inches squared per 24 hours and vacuum pressure of less than 100 millibars. By controlling these parameters, the patent achieves effective protection against strength loss while maintaining manageable packaging complexity
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 solution effectively reduces the tensile strength loss to less than 20% and minimizes odor formation, maintaining the majority of the product's strength and eliminating odors associated with gamma irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
The package and the product are sterilized by radiation resulting in the product having a reduction in its tensile strength less than about 20% after radiation
Implementation Method 2
the package comprises a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 0.2 cubic centimeter of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours
Implementation Method 3
the potentially hazardous nature and high cost of ethylene oxide sterilization have caused the medical community to consider different sterilization methods. One effective method of sterilization has been the use of gamma irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.