Vinyl Acetate Ethylene Copolymer Film for Non-PVC Graphic Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for environmentally friendly, non-PVC films that offer properties comparable to PVC films, particularly in graphic and wall covering applications, due to PVC's undesirable by-products when burned and environmental concerns.

Innovation Solution

The development of films using vinyl acetate containing polymers, such as Vinyl Acetate Ethylene (VAE) Copolymer, combined with additives like titanium dioxide, surfactants, and UV absorbers, which are processed into strengthening and print receptive layers, enabling films with high tensile elongation and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If PVC films are used, then flexibility and conformability are improved, but environmental harm increases due to undesirable by-products when burned

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and conformabilityVSAvoidundesirable by-products when burned
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing PVC with vinyl acetate containing polymers (such as VAE copolymer with 60-95% vinyl acetate content) to eliminate harmful halogen by-products while maintaining the desired flexibility and conformability properties through appropriate polymer selection and plasticizer incorporation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite non-PVC films by combining vinyl acetate containing polymers with plasticizers, pigments, and other additives to achieve a material that replicates PVC's superior flexibility and conformability while being environmentally friendly and free from harmful combustion by-products

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If non-PVC films are developed, then environmental friendliness is improved, but comparable properties to PVC films need to be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidcomparable properties to PVC films
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts composition parameters by using vinyl acetate content between 60-95% in the copolymer to achieve optimal balance between environmental friendliness and mechanical properties, ensuring the non-PVC film exhibits durability, flexibility, and conformability comparable to traditional PVC films

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent develops composite formulations combining vinyl acetate containing polymers with specific plasticizers and additives to replicate PVC's reliable performance characteristics while maintaining environmental friendliness, achieving comparable tensile strength, flexibility, and weather resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-generated harmful factors

If vinyl acetate containing polymer is used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but film durability and printability need to be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidfilm durability and printability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates composite film formulations combining vinyl acetate containing polymers with durability-enhancing additives such as UV absorbers, fire retardants, and coupling agents, along with print-receptive components, to ensure the environmentally friendly film achieves both long-term durability and excellent printability for graphic applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2297244B1Composition, film and related methods
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 AVERY DENNISON CORP
  • EP2297244B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2297244B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2297244B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A composition that is configured for use in creating a film. The composition includes a vinyl acetate containing polymer, such as a vinyl acetate ethylene (VAE) copolymer, and at least one additive that is a pigment, a surfactant, a dispersant, a wetting agent, a plasticizer, a defoamer, a coupling agent, a solvent, a UV absorber, a fire retardant, or a light stabilizer.