Patent Application
20110200827
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to coated articles, including those having water-resistant coatings. It also relates to methods of making coated articles, including those having water resistant coatings, by dip, spray or flow coating.
2. Description of the Related Art
Preforms are the products from which articles, such as containers, are made by blow molding. A number of plastic and other materials have been used for containers and many are quite suitable. Some products such as carbonated beverages and foodstuffs need a container, which is resistant to the transfer of gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen. Coating of such containers has been suggested for many years. A resin now widely used in the container industry is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), by which term we include not only the homopolymer formed by the polycondensation of [beta]-hydroxyethyl terephthalate but also copolyesters containing minor amounts of units derived from other glycols or diacids, for example isophthalate copolymers.
The manufacture of biaxially oriented PET containers is well known in the art. Biaxially oriented PET containers are strong and have good resistance to creep. Containers of relatively thin wall and light weight can be produced that are capable of withstanding, without undue distortion over the desired shelf life, the pressures exerted by carbonated liquids, particularly beverages such as soft drinks, including colas, and beer.
Thin-walled PET containers are permeable to some extent to gases such as carbon dioxide and oxygen and hence permit loss of pressurizing carbon dioxide and ingress of oxygen which may affect the flavor and quality of the bottle contents. In one method of commercial operation, preforms are made by injection molding and then blown into bottles. In the commercial two-liter size, a shelf life of 12 to 16 weeks can be expected but for smaller bottles, such as half liter, the larger surface-to-volume ratio severely restricts shelf life. Carbonated beverages can be pressured to 4.5 volumes of gas but if this pressure falls below acceptable product specific levels, the product is considered unsatisfactory.
Many of the materials used to make plastic containers are also susceptible to water vapor. The transmission of water vapor into the containers often results in the rapid deterioration of the food stuffs packaged within the container.
Described herein are coated articles and methods of making coating articles. In some embodiments, an article is coated with one or more layers of a coating material. Preferably, the articles are coated with one or more layer of functional coating material. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise mixtures of two or more functional coating materials. In some embodiments, an article comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer and second layer comprises different functional coating materials.
In some embodiments, the coating material is a barrier material. In some preferred embodiments, the barrier material is a gas barrier material. An article may comprise one or more gas barrier layers comprising one or more gas barrier materials. Gas barrier materials may be used to reduce the rate of ingress and egress gas transmission through the article substrate and/or the other layers disposed on the article substrate. In some embodiments, one or more gas barrier material reduces the rate of oxygen transmission across the article substrate. In other embodiments, one or more gas barrier materials reduce the rate of carbon dioxide transmission through the article substrate.
In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer is an inner layer of the one or more layers coated on the article substrate. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer is the innermost layer or base layer coated on the article substrate.
In some embodiments, a functional coating material is a water-resistant coating material. An article may comprise one or more water-resistant coating layers comprising one or more water-resistant coating materials. In some embodiments, one or more water-resistant coating materials may be used to reduce the rate of water vapor transmission through the article substrate. In some embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer is disposed as a base layer on the article substrate. In some preferred embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer is the top or outermost layer disposed on the article substrate.
In some embodiments, an article comprises one or more gas barrier layers and one or more water-resistant coating layers. In some embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer is disposed on the outside of a gas barrier layer. In other embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer is an outermost or top coating layer.
In some embodiments, the article substrate comprises one or more tie layers. In some embodiments, the tie layer comprises a functional adhesion material. In some embodiments, a tie layer is disposed between the surface of the article substrate and a coating layer. In some of these embodiments, the tie layer is the innermost coating layer. In other embodiments, a tie layer is disposed between two or more coating layers.
There can be various layers with one or more functionalities disposed on an article. In some embodiments, an article may comprise one or more selected from at least one gas-barrier layer, at least one water-resistant coating layer, and at least one tie layer. Any of these layers may be disposed on each other or on the article substrate. For example, a tie layer may be disposed on the surface of the article substrate. A gas barrier layer may be disposed on the tie layer. In some embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer may be disposed on the gas-barrier layer. In other embodiments, a second tie layer may be disposed on the gas-barrier layer. In these embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer may be disposed on the second tie layer.
In some embodiments, an article comprises one or more gas barrier layers comprising one or more of a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and a Phenoxy-type Thermoplastic, and one or more water-resistant coating layers comprising one or more water-resistant materials, wherein the water-resistant material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an acrylic polymer or copolymer, a polyolefin polymer or copolymer, a polyurethane, an epoxy polymer, and a wax.
In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a barrier material having permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide which is less than that of the material making the article substrate. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a barrier material having permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide which is less than that of polyethylene terephthalate.
In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises EVOH. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises PVOH. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a Phenoxy-type Thermoplastic. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a PHAE. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and a Phenoxy-type Thermoplastic. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of one or more selected from EVOH, PVOH, and a PHAE. In some embodiments, EVOH has an ethylene content of about 60 to about 80 wt %.
In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of EVOH and a PHAE. In some of these embodiments, the blend comprises about 5 to about 95 wt % of the PHAE, based on the total weight of the EVOH and the PHAE. In other embodiments, the blend comprises about 30 to about 70 wt % of the PHAE, based on the total weight of the EVOH and the PHAE. In some other embodiments, the blend comprises about 40 to about 60 wt % of the PHAE, based on the total weight of the EVOH and the PHAE.
In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises one or more water-resistant materials, wherein the water-resistant material comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of an acrylic polymer or copolymer, a polyolefin polymer or copolymer, a polyurethane, an epoxy polymer, and a wax. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises a polyethylene or polypropylene. In other embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises one or more waxes selected from carnauba and paraffins. In some embodiments, the waxes may be mixed with one or more other water-resistant coating materials. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises an acrylic polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises a blend of a polyolefin polymer or copolymer and an acrylic polymer or copolymer. In some of these embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises EAA.
Some water-resistant coating layers may comprise a blend of a polypropylene and EAA. In some cases, the blend comprises 30 to about 50 wt % of the EAA based on the total weight of the EAA and the polypropylene. In other cases, the blend comprises 50 to about 70 wt % of the EAA based on the total weight of the EAA and the polypropylene.
In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer has permeability to water vapor which is less than that of the article substrate or the gas barrier layer.
One or more layers as described herein may comprise an adhesion enhancing compound. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise PPMA or PEMA. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise blends of PPMA and polypropylene. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise polyethyleneimine (PEI). In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise one or more zirconium salts. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise one or more organic aldehydes.
The coating layer(s) may container one or more of the following characteristics in preferred embodiments; gas-barrier protection, UV protection, scuff resistance, blush resistance, chemical resistance, water-resistance, and water repellency. In some embodiments, one or more layers comprise one or more selected from the group consisting of O2 scavengers, CO2 scavengers, and UV protection additives. In some embodiments, one or more layers is substantially free of VOCs. In some preferred embodiments, all of the layers coated on the article substrate are substantially free of VOCs.
In some embodiments, one or more layers as described herein may be applied to the surface of the article substrate. In some embodiments, one or more layers as described herein are coated on the entire body of the article substrate. In other embodiments, one or more layers as described herein are applied on a portion of the article substrate. In some embodiments, the one or more layers may be applied to a surface of the article substrate. In some embodiments, the surface may be heated before one or more layers is applied.
It is preferred that the one or more layers be applied by dip, spray or flow coating methods. In some embodiments, the layers are applied as aqueous solutions, aqueous dispersions, aqueous suspensions, aqueous emulsions, or melts of the coating materials. In other embodiments, solutions, emulsions, dispersions and suspensions may comprise solvents.
In some embodiments, the article that is coated is a container or a preform. In embodiments where the article is a preform, the method may further comprise a blow molding operation, preferably including stretching the dried coated preform axially and radially, in a blow molding process, at a temperature suitable for orientation, into a bottle container.
One aspect includes a method for reducing the water and gas permeability of an article substrate. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying a first water-based solution, dispersion, or emulsion of a gas barrier material comprising one or more selected from a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and a Phenoxy-type Thermoplastic to a surface of an article substrate by dip, spray or flow coating to form a first inner coating layer, drying the first inner coating layer, applying a second water-based solution, dispersion or emulsion of a water-resistant coating material comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of an acrylic polymer or copolymer, a polyolefin polymer or copolymer, a polyurethane, an epoxy polymer, and a wax to an outer surface of the article by dip, spray or flow coating to form a second coating layer, and drying the second coating layer.
In some embodiments, the coatings can be applied in more than one pass such that the coating properties are increased with each coating layer. The volume of coating deposition may be altered by the article temperature, the article angle, the solution/dispersion/emulsion/suspension/melt temperature or viscosity. The multiple coatings of preferred processes results in multiple layers with substantially no distinction between layers, improved coating performance and/or reduction of surface voids and coating holidays.
In some embodiments, the surface of the article substrate comprises one or more selected from a polyester, PLA, or polypropylene. In preferred embodiments, the surface comprises PET. In some embodiments, the surface comprises amorphous and/or semicystalline PET. In some embodiments, the article is a container. In other embodiments, the article is a preform.
In some embodiments, the drying of one or more layers is performed so as to form an article that exhibits substantially no blushing when exposed to water.
All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present inventions will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment(s) disclosed.
Figures may not be drawn to scale.
Articles having one or more coating layers and methods for making such coated articles comprising one or more layers are described herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the term “article” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and includes, without limitation, wherein the context permits, plates, molded or hollow bodies, pipes, cylinders, containers, blanks, parisons, and performs. Unless otherwise indicated the term “container” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and includes, without limitation, both the preform and bottle container therefrom. The coating processes as described herein generally are used on preforms. In some embodiments, the coating processes are used on bottles or other articles.
The layers disposed on such articles may comprise thermoplastic materials with good gas-barrier characteristics as well as layers or additives that provide UV protection, scuff resistance, blush resistance, chemical resistance, and/or active properties for O2 and/or CO2 scavenging. Preferably, at least one layer of the article is also water resistant.
As presently contemplated, one embodiment of a coated article is a preform of the type used for beverage containers. Alternatively, embodiments of the coated articles according to preferred embodiments could take the form of jars, tubes, trays, bottles for holding liquid foods, medical products, or other products, including those sensitive to oxygen exposure or other effects of gas transmission through the container. However, for the sake of simplicity, these embodiments will be described herein primarily as articles or preforms.
Furthermore, the articles described herein may be described specifically in relation to a particular substrate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but preferred methods are applicable to many other thermoplastics of the polyester type. As used herein, the term “substrate” is a broad term used in its ordinary sense and includes embodiments wherein “substrate” refers to the material used to form the base article that is coated. Other suitable article substrates include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polyesters, polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyamides, including nylons, or acrylics. These substrate materials may be used alone or in conjunction with each other. More specific substrate examples include, but are not limited to, polyethylene 2,6- and 1,5-naphthalate (PEN), PETG, polytetramethylene 1,2-dioxybenzoate and copolymers of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate.
In one embodiment, PET is used as the polyester substrate which is coated. As used herein, “PET” includes, but is not limited to, modified PET as well as PET blended with other materials. One example of a modified PET is “high IPA PET” or IPA-modified PET. The term “high IPA PET” refers to PET in which the IPA content is preferably more than about 2% by weight, including about 2-10% IPA by weight.
One or more layers of a coating material are employed in preferred methods and processes. The layers may comprise one or more barrier layers, one or more UV protection layers, one or more gas barrier layers, one or more oxygen scavenging layers, one or more carbon dioxide scavenging layers, one or more water-resistant layers, and/or other layers as needed for the particular application. In other embodiments, a coated article comprises one or more water-resistant coating layers and one or more gas barriers layers, wherein the gas is oxygen or carbon dioxide.
As used herein, the terms “barrier material,” “barrier resin,” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the article substrate and have a lower permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide than the article substrate. As used herein, the terms “UV protection” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the article substrate and have a higher UV absorption rate than the article substrate. As used herein, the terms “oxygen scavenging” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the article substrate and have a higher oxygen absorption rate than the article substrate. As used herein, the terms “carbon dioxide scavenging” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which, when used to coat articles, preferably adhere well to the article substrate and have a higher carbon dioxide absorption rate than the article substrate. As used herein, the terms “crosslink,” “crosslinked,” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials and coatings which vary in degree from a very small degree of crosslinking up to and including fully cross linked materials such as a thermoset epoxy. The degree of crosslinking can be adjusted to provide the appropriate degree of chemical or mechanical abuse resistance for the particular circumstances.
As used herein, the terms “water-resistant,” “water-repellant” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to characteristics of certain material which results in the reduction of rate of water transmission through the material. In some cases, it also refers to the ability of the material to remain substantially chemically unaltered upon exposure to water in its solid, liquid, or gaseous states at various temperatures. In may also include the ability of certain materials to further impede access of water to materials which are water sensitive or which degrade upon exposure to water. As used herein, the term “chemical resistance” and the like is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and refers, without limitation, to characteristics of certain materials to remain substantially chemically unaltered upon exposure to chemicals, including water, whether in their gaseous, liquid, or solid state, including, but not limited to, water.
In some embodiments, each layer is a multi-layered film may provide a different function. For example, EVOH and nylon films can be used as oxygen barrier materials in an oxygen barrier layer. As these barrier materials are sensitive to water and moisture, they may be used together with a polyolefin barrier layer to prevent water from entering the article substrate or degrading the oxygen barrier layer. In addition, one or more additional layers comprising a gas barrier material, a water-resistant layer material, or a UV-protective material could be used together with other barrier layers. In some embodiments, tie layers are needed for sufficient cohesion between the one or more layers and/or the article substrate surface.
Once suitable coating materials are chosen, an apparatus and method for commercially manufacturing a coated article is necessary. Some such methods of dip, spray and flow coating and apparatuses for dip, spray, or flow coating are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/614,731 entitled “Dip, Spray and Flow Coating Process for Forming Coated Articles”, now published as 2004/0071885 A1, and PCT/US2005/024726, entitled “Coating Process and Apparatus for Forming Coated Articles”, now published as WO 2006/010141 A2, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
Preferred methods provide for a coating to be placed on an article, specifically a preform, which is later blown into a bottle. Such methods are, in many instances, preferable to placing coatings on the bottles themselves. Preforms are smaller in size and of a more regular shape than the containers blown therefrom, making it simpler to obtain an even and regular coating. Furthermore, bottles and containers of varying shapes and sizes can be made from preforms of similar size and shape. Thus, the same equipment and processing can be used to coat preforms to form several different types of containers. The blow-molding may take place soon after molding and coating, or preforms may be made and stored for later blow-molding. If the preforms are stored prior to blow-molding, their smaller size allows them to take up less space in storage. Even though it is often times preferable to form containers from coated preforms, containers may also be coated.
The blow-molding process presents several challenges. One step where the greatest difficulties arise is during the blow-molding process where the container is formed from the preform. During this process, defects such as delamination of the layers, cracking or crazing of the coating, uneven coating thickness, and discontinuous coating or voids can result. These difficulties can be overcome by using suitable coating materials and coating the preforms in a manner that allows for good adhesion between the layers.
Thus, preferred embodiments comprise suitable coating materials. When a suitable coating material is used, the coating sticks directly to the preform without any significant delamination and will continue to stick as the preform is blow-molded into a bottles and afterwards. Use of a suitable coating material also helps to decrease the incidence of cosmetic and structural defects which can result from blow-molding containers as described above.
One common problem seen in articles formed by coating using certain coating solutions or dispersions is “blushing” or whitening when the article is immersed in (which includes partial immersion) or exposed directly to water, steam or high humidity (which includes at or above about 70% relative humidity). In preferred embodiments, the articles disclosed herein and the articles produced by methods disclosed herein exhibit minimal or substantially no blushing or whitening when immersed in or otherwise exposed directly to water or high humidity. Such exposure may occur for several hours or longer, including about 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and longer and/or may occur at temperatures around room temperature and at reduced temperatures, such as would be seen by placing the article in a cooler containing ice or ice water. Exposure may also occur at an elevated temperature, such elevated temperature generally not including temperatures high enough to cause an appreciable softening of the materials which form the container or coating, including temperatures approaching the Tg of the materials. In one embodiment, the coated articles exhibit substantially no blushing or whitening when immersed in or otherwise exposed directly to water at a temperature of about 0° C. to 30° C., including about 5° C., 10° C., 15° C., 20° C., 22° C., and 25° C. for about 24 hours. The process used for curing or drying coating layers appears to have an effect on the blush resistance of articles.
It is desirable to achieve the barrier and coating with a water-based solution, dispersion, or emulsion of compositions having barrier properties, gas barrier properties, oxygen barrier properties, carbon dioxide barrier properties, water-resistant properties, or adhesion properties. In preferred embodiments, the water-based solutions, dispersions and emulsions as described herein are substantially or completely free of VOCs and/or halogenated compounds.
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In some preferred embodiments, coating layer 22 is a barrier layer. In some embodiments, coating layer 22 is a gas barrier layer. In other embodiments, coating layer 22 is a water-resistant coating layer.
In some embodiments, inner coating layer 114 is a gas barrier layer and outer coating layer 116 is a water-resistant coating layer. However, in some embodiments, inner coating layer 114 may be a water-resistant coating layer and outer coating layer is an oxygen, carbon dioxide, or a UV resistant layer.
Referring to
The coated preforms and containers can have layers which have a wide variety of relative thicknesses. In view of the present disclosure, the thickness of a given layer and of the overall preform or container, whether at a given point or over the entire container, can be chosen to fit a coating process or a particular end use for the container. Furthermore, as discussed above in regard to the coating layer in
After a coated preform, such as that depicted in
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When the coated container 40 is viewed in cross-section, as in
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The articles disclosed herein may be made from any of a wide variety of materials as discussed herein. In some embodiments, the article substrate is made of one or more materials selected from glass, plastic, or metal. Polymers, such as thermoplastic materials are preferred. Examples of suitable thermoplatics include, but are not limited to, polyesters (e.g. PET, PEN), polyolefins (PP. HDPE), polylactic acid, polycarbonate, and polyamide.
Although some articles may be described specifically in relation to a particular base preform material and/or coating material, these same articles, and the methods used to make the articles are applicable to many polymeric materials including thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. In some embodiments, substrate materials may comprise thermoplastic materials such as polyesters, polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyamides, including nylons (e.g. Nylon 6, Nylon 66) and MXD6, polystyrenes, epoxies, acrylics, copolymers, blends, grafted polymers, and/or modified polymers (monomers or portion thereof having another group as a side group, e.g. olefin-modified polyesters). These substrate materials may be used alone or together with another substrate material. More specific substrate examples include, but are not limited to, polyethylene 2,6- and 1,5-naphthalate (PEN), PETG, polytetramethylene 1,2-dioxybenzoate and copolymers of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate. Additionally, modified PET such as high IPA PET or IPA-modified PET may also be used in some embodiments.
The article substrate materials may include materials of the barrier layer materials to make the article substrate. For example, the article substrate may comprise a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer together with PET. The article substrate material can also be combined with different additives, such as nanoparticle barrier materials, oxygen scavengers, UV absorbers, foaming agents and the like.
In certain embodiments preferred substrate materials may be virgin, pre-consumer, post-consumer, regrind, recycled, and/or combinations thereof. For example, PET can be virgin, pre or post-consumer, recycled, or regrind PET, PET copolymers and combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments, the finished container and/or the materials used therein are benign in the subsequent plastic container recycling stream. This includes the article substrate materials and/or the materials used to make the barrier layers coated on the article substrate.
As used herein, the term “polyethylene terephthalate glycol” (PETG) refers to a copolymer of PET wherein an additional comonomer, cyclohexane di-methanol (CHDM), is added in significant amounts (e.g. approximately 40% or more by weight) to the PET mixture. In one embodiment, preferred PETG material is essentially amorphous. Suitable PETG materials may be purchased from various sources. One suitable source is Voridian, a division of Eastman Chemical Company. Other PET copolymers include CHDM at lower levels such that the resulting material remains crystallizable or semi-crystalline. One example of PET copolymer containing low levels of CHDM is Voridian 9921 resin. Another example of modified PET is “high IPA PET” or IPA-modified PET, which refers to PET in which the IPA content is preferably more than about 2% by weight, including about 2-20% IPA by weight, also including about 5-10% IPA by weight. Throughout the specification, all percentages in formulations and compositions are by weight unless stated otherwise.
In some embodiments, polymeric substrate materials and barrier materials may comprise polymers or copolymers that have been grafted or modified with other organic compounds, polymers, or copolymers.
In preferred embodiments, a substrate that is an article such as a container, jar, bottle or preform (sometimes referred to as a base preform) is coated using apparatus, methods, and materials described herein. The base preform or substrate may be made by any suitable method, including those known in the art including, but not limited to, injection molding including monolayer injection molding, inject-over-inject molding, and coinjection molding, extrusion molding, and compression molding, with or without subsequent blow molding.
One or more layers that coat the substrate is formed by applying a coating layer composition according to methods disclosed herein. Preferred coating layer compositions include solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, and/or melts comprising at least one polymeric material (preferably a thermoplastic material) and optionally one or more additives. Additives, whether solids or liquids, preferably provide functionality to the dried or cured coating layer (e.g. UV resistance, barrier, scratch resistance) and/or to the coating composition during the process (e.g. thermal enhancer, anti-foaming agent) of forming the article substrate, forming the final containers, or applying coating layers. A polymeric material used in a layer composition may, itself, provide functional properties such as barrier, water resistance, and the like.
In embodiments of preferred methods and processes one or more layers may comprise barrier layers, UV protection layers, oxygen scavenging layers, oxygen barrier layers, carbon dioxide scavenging layers, carbon dioxide barrier layers, water-resistant coating layers and other layers as needed for the particular application. As used herein, the terms “barrier material,” “barrier resin,” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which, when used in preferred methods and processes, have a lower permeability to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and/or than the one or more of the other layers of the finished article (including the substrate). As used herein, the terms “UV protection” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which have a higher UV absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article. As used herein, the terms “oxygen scavenging” and the like are broad tennis and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which have a higher oxygen absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article. As used herein, the terms “oxygen barrier” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which are passive or active in nature and slow the transmission of oxygen into and/or out of an article. As used herein, the terms “carbon dioxide scavenging” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which have a higher carbon dioxide absorption rate than one or more other layers of the article. As used herein, the terms “carbon dioxide barrier” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials which are passive or active in nature and slow the transmission of carbon dioxide into and/or out of an article. Without wishing to be bound to any theory, applicants believe that in applications wherein a carbonated product, e.g. a soft-drink beverage, contained in an article is over-carbonated, the inclusion of a carbon dioxide scavenger in one or more layers of the article allows the excess carbonation to saturate the layer which contains the carbon dioxide scavenger. Therefore, as carbon dioxide escapes to the atmosphere from the article it first leaves the article layer rather than the product contained therein. As used herein, the terms “crosslink,” “crosslinked,” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to materials and coatings which vary in degree from a very small degree of crosslinking up to and including fully cross linked materials. The degree of crosslinking can be adjusted to provide desired or appropriate physical properties, such as the degree of chemical or mechanical abuse resistance for the particular circumstances.
As used herein, the terms “water resistant,” “water repellant” and the like are broad terms and are used in their ordinary sense and refer, without limitation, to characteristics of certain material which results in the reduction of water transmission through the material. In some cases, it also refers to the ability of the material to remain substantially chemically unaltered upon exposure to water in its solid, liquid, or gaseous states at various temperatures. As used herein, the term “chemical resistance” and the like is a broad term and is used in its ordinary sense and refers, without limitation, to characteristics of certain materials to remain substantially chemically unaltered upon exposure to chemicals, including water, whether in their gaseous, liquid, or solid state, including, but not limited to, water.
Article substrates may comprise one or more gas barrier layers. In these embodiments, the gas barrier material comprises one or more materials which decrease the transmission of gases permeating the article substrate material or other layers coated on the article substrate. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a material which results in the substantial decrease of gas permeation through the article substrate material or other coating layers. To this end, gas barrier materials may be deposited as layers on the outside of at least a portion of article substrate or on top of layers already deposited on the article substrate.
There are many materials which decrease the transmission of certain gases, including oxygen and carbon dioxide, through coating layers or the article substrate. As described herein, the material to be used in gas barrier layers is not particularly limited. In some embodiments, selection of materials may be based on the most compatible material in consideration of the article substrate material and the other coating layers materials For example, some particular material may work in combination to substantially decrease the rate of gas transmission through the walls of the article substrate, while enhancing the adhesion between certain layers and/or the article substrate.
In one preferred embodiment, coating materials comprise thermoplastic materials. Vinyl alcohol polymers and copolymers have excellent resistance to permeation by gases, particularly to oxygen Generally, a gas barrier layer comprising vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers imparts advantages such as reduced permeability of oxygen, good resistance to oil, and stiffness to the article substrate. Vinyl alcohol polymers and copolymers include polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer. Thus in some embodiments, a gas barrier layer may comprise one or more of PVOH and EVOH. In some embodiments, EVOH can be a hydrolyzed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. In some embodiments, vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers include EVA.
One preferred gas barrier material is EVOH copolymer. Layers prepared with EVOH differ in properties according to the ethylene content, saponification degree and molecular weight of EVOH. Examples of preferred EVOH materials include, but are not limited to, those having ethylene content of about 35 to about 90 wt %. In some embodiments, the ethylene content is about 50 to about 70 wt %. In other embodiments, the ethylene content is about 65 to about 80 wt %. In some embodiments, the ethylene content is about 25 to about 55 wt %. In some embodiments, it is preferred that the ethylene content is about 27 to about 40 wt %, based on the total weight of the ethylene and the vinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, lower ethylene content is preferred. In some embodiments, a lower ethylene content correlates with higher barrier potency of the gas barrier layer. In some embodiments, the saponification degree is about 20 to about 95%. In other embodiments, the saponification degree is about 70 to about 90%. However, the saponification degree can be less than or greater than the recited values depending on the application.
Generally, preferred vinyl alcohol polymer and copolymer materials form relatively stable aqueous based solutions, dispersions, or emulsions. In embodiments, the properties of the solutions/dispersions are not adversely affected by contact with water. Preferred materials range from about 10% solids to about 50% solids, including about 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45%, and ranges encompassing such percentages, although values above and below these values are also contemplated. Preferably, the material used dissolves or disperses in polar solvents. These polar solvents include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols, and glycol ethers. Some dispersions comprises about 20 to about 50 mol % of EVOH copolymer. Other dispersions comprise from about 25 to about 45 mol % of EVOH copolymer.
In some embodiments, an ion-modified vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer material can be used in the formation of a stabilized aqueous dispersions as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,200 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,302,417 to Yamauchi et al. Other methods for producing aqueous EVOH copolymer compositions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,613,833 and 6,838,029 to Kawahara et al.
In some embodiments, commercially available EVOH solutions and dispersions may be used. For example, a suitable EVOH dispersion includes, but it not limited to, the EVAL™ product line as manufactured by Evalca of Kuraray Group.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) can also be used in gas barrier layers. PVOH is highly impermeable to gases, oxygen and carbon dioxide and aromas. In some embodiments, a gas barrier layer comprising PVOH is also water resistant. In some preferred embodiments, PVOH is partially hydrolyzed or fully hydrolyzed. Examples of PVOH material include, but is not limited to, the Dupont™ Elvanol® product line.
Preferably, the Phenoxy-Type Thermoplastics used in some embodiments comprise one of the following types:
(1) hydroxy-functional poly(amide ethers) having repeating units represented by any one of the Formulae Ia, Ib or Ic:
(2) poly(hydroxy amide ethers) having repeating units represented independently by any one of the Formulae IIa, IIb or IIc:
(3) amide- and hydroxymethyl-functionalized polyethers having repeating units represented by Formula III:
(4) hydroxy-functional polyethers having repeating units represented by Formula IV:
(5) hydroxy-functional poly(ether sulfonamides) having repeating units represented by Formulae Va or Vb:
(6) poly(hydroxy ester ethers) having repeating units represented by Formula VI:
(7) hydroxy-phenoxyether polymers having repeating units represented by Formula VII:
and
(8) poly(hydroxyamino ethers) having repeating units represented by Formula VIII:
wherein each Ar individually represents a divalent aromatic moiety, substituted divalent aromatic moiety or heteroaromatic moiety, or a combination of different divalent aromatic moieties, substituted aromatic moieties or heteroaromatic moieties; R is individually hydrogen or a monovalent hydrocarbyl moiety; each Ar1 is a divalent aromatic moiety or combination of divalent aromatic moieties bearing amide or hydroxymethyl groups; each Ar2 is the same or different than Ar and is individually a divalent aromatic moiety, substituted aromatic moiety or heteroaromatic moiety or a combination of different divalent aromatic moieties, substituted aromatic moieties or heteroaromatic moieties; R1 is individually a predominantly hydrocarbylene moiety, such as a divalent aromatic moiety, substituted divalent aromatic moiety, divalent heteroaromatic moiety, divalent alkylene moiety, divalent substituted alkylene moiety or divalent heteroalkylene moiety or a combination of such moieties; R2 is individually a monovalent hydrocarbyl moiety; A is an amine moiety or a combination of different amine moieties; X is an amine, an arylenedioxy, an arylenedisulfonamido or an arylenedicarboxy moiety or combination of such moieties; and Ar3 is a “cardo” moiety represented by any one of the Formulae:
wherein Y is nil, a covalent bond, or a linking group, wherein suitable linking groups include, for example, an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a carbonyl atom, a sulfonyl group, or a methylene group or similar linkage; n is an integer from about 10 to about 1000; x is 0.01 to 1.0; and y is 0 to 0.5.
The term “predominantly hydrocarbylene” means a divalent radical that is predominantly hydrocarbon, but which optionally contains a small quantity of a heteroatomic moiety such as oxygen, sulfur, imino, sulfonyl, sulfoxyl, and the like.
The hydroxy-functional poly(amide ethers) represented by Formula I are preferably prepared by contacting an N,N′-bis(hydroxyphenylamido)alkane or arene with a diglycidyl ether as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,089,588 and 5,143,998.
The poly(hydroxy amide ethers) represented by Formula II are prepared by contacting a bis(hydroxyphenylamido)alkane or arene, or a combination of 2 or more of these compounds, such as N,N′-bis(3-hydroxyphenyl) adipamide or N,N′-bis(3-hydroxyphenyl)glutaramide, with an epihalohydrin as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,134,218.
The amide- and hydroxymethyl-functionalized polyethers represented by Formula III can be prepared, for example, by reacting the diglycidyl ethers, such as the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A, with a dihydric phenol having pendant amido, N-substituted amido and/or hydroxyalkyl moieties, such as 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide and 3,5-dihydroxybenzamide. These polyethers and their preparation are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,115,075 and 5,218,075.
The hydroxy-functional polyethers represented by Formula IV can be prepared, for example, by allowing a diglycidyl ether or combination of diglycidyl ethers to react with a dihydric phenol or a combination of dihydric phenols using the process described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,472. Alternatively, the hydroxy-functional polyethers are obtained by allowing a dihydric phenol or combination of dihydric phenols to react with an epihalohydrin by the process described by Reinking, Barnabeo and Hale in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 7, p. 2135 (1963).
The hydroxy-functional poly(ether sulfonamides) represented by Formula V are prepared, for example, by polymerizing an N,N′-dialkyl or N,N′-diaryldisulfonamide with a diglycidyl ether as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,768.
The poly(hydroxy ester ethers) represented by Formula VI are prepared by reacting diglycidyl ethers of aliphatic or aromatic diacids, such as diglycidyl terephthalate, or diglycidyl ethers of dihydric phenols with, aliphatic or aromatic diacids such as adipic acid or isophthalic acid. These polyesters are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,820.
The hydroxy-phenoxyether polymers represented by Formula VII are prepared, for example, by contacting at least one dinucleophilic monomer with at least one diglycidyl ether of a cardo bisphenol, such as 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, phenolphthalein, or phenolphthalimidine or a substituted cardo bisphenol, such as a substituted bis(hydroxyphenyl)fluorene, a substituted phenolphthalein or a substituted phenolphthalimidine under conditions sufficient to cause the nucleophilic moieties of the dinucleophilic monomer to react with epoxy moieties to form a polymer backbone containing pendant hydroxy moieties and ether, imino, amino, sulfonamido or este linkages. These hydroxy-phenoxyether polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,373.
The poly(hydroxyamino ethers) (“PHAE” or polyetheramines) represented by Formula VIII are prepared by contacting one or more of the diglycidyl ethers of a dihydric phenol with an amine having two amine hydrogens under conditions sufficient to cause the amine moieties to react with epoxy moieties to form a polymer backbone having amine linkages, ether linkages and pendant hydroxyl moieties. These compounds are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,853. For example, polyhydroxyaminoether copolymers can be made from resorcinol diglycidyl ether, hydroquinone diglycidyl ether, bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, or mixtures thereof. The hydroxy-phenoxyether polymers are the condensation reaction products of a dihydric polynuclear phenol, such as bisphenol A, and an epihalohydrin and have the repeating units represented by Formula IV wherein Ar is an isopropylidene diphenylene moiety. The process for preparing these is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,305,528, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Generally, preferred phenoxy-type materials form relatively stable aqueous based solutions or dispersions. Preferably, the properties of the solutions/dispersions are not adversely affected by contact with water. Preferred materials range from about 10% solids to about 50% solids, including about 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45%, and ranges encompassing such percentages, although values above and below these values are also contemplated. Preferably, the material used dissolves or disperses in polar solvents. These polar solvents include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols, and glycol ethers. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,455,116, 6,180,715, and 5,834,078 which describe some preferred phenoxy-type solutions and/or dispersions.
One preferred phenoxy-type material is a polyhydroxyaminoether (PHAE), dispersion or solution. The dispersion or solution, when applied to a container or preform, greatly reduces the permeation rate of a variety of gases through the container walls in a predictable and well known manner. One dispersion or latex made thereof comprises 10-30 percent solids. A PHAE solution/dispersion may be prepared by stirring or otherwise agitating the PHAE in a solution of water with an organic acid, preferably acetic or phosphoric acid, but also including lactic, malic, citric, or glycolic acid and/or mixtures thereof. These PHAE solution/dispersions also include organic acid salts as may be produced by the reaction of the polyhydroxyaminoethers with these acids.
In some embodiments, phenoxy-type thermoplastics are mixed or blended with other materials using methods known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments a compatibilizer may be added to the blend. When compatibilizers are used, preferably one or more properties of the blends are improved, such properties including, but not limited to, color, haze, and adhesion between a layer comprising a blend and other layers. One preferred blend comprises one or more phenoxy-type thermoplastics and one or more polyolefins. A preferred polyolefin comprises polypropylene. In one embodiment polypropylene or other polyolefins may be grafted or modified with a polar molecule, group, or monomer, including, but not limited to, maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate, acryl methacrylate and/or similar compounds to increase compatibility.
The following PHAE solutions or dispersions are examples of suitable phenoxy-type solutions or dispersions which may be used if one or more layers of resin are applied as a liquid such as by dip, flow, or spray coating, such as described in WO 04/004929 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,883.
Examples of polyhydroxyaminoethers are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,853 to Silves et al. One suitable polyhydroxyaminoether is BLOX® experimental barrier resin, for example XU-19061.00 made with phosphoric acid manufactured by Dow Chemical Corporation. This particular PHAE dispersion is said to have the following typical characteristics: 30% percent solids, a specific gravity of 1.30, a pH of 4, a viscosity of 24 centipoise (Brookfield, 60 rpm, LVI, 22° C.), and a particle size of between 1,400 and 1,800 angstroms. Other suitable materials include BLOX® 588-29 resins based on resorcinol have also provided superior results as a barrier material. This particular dispersion is said to have the following typical characteristics: 30% percent solids, a specific gravity of 1.2, a pH of 4.0, a viscosity of 20 centipoise (Brookfield, 60 rpm, LVI, 22° C.), and a particle size of between 1500 and 2000 angstroms. Other suitable materials include BLOX® 5000 resin dispersion intermediate, BLOX® XUR 588-29, BLOX® 0000 and 4000 series resins. The solvents used to dissolve these materials include, but are not limited to, polar solvents such as alcohols, water, glycol ethers or blends thereof. Other suitable materials include, but are not limited to, BLOX® R1.
A preferred gas barrier layer comprises a blend of at least one polyhydroxyaminoether and a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, a PHAE may be blended with EVOH to provide a gas barrier layer for an article substrate. In these embodiments, the EVOH/PHAE blends may be applied to the article substrate by dip, spray, or flow coating an aqueous solution, dispersion or emulsion as described herein.
Blends of vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers and Phenoxy-type Thermoplastics form stable aqueous solutions, dispersion, or emulsions. In some embodiments, a blend may comprises 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and about 95 wt % of at least one vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, based on the total weight of the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and the Phenoxy-Type Thermoplastic. In preferred embodiments, the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is EVOH or PVOH, as further described herein. In preferred embodiments, the Phenoxy-Type Thermoplastic is a PHAE.
Other variations of the polyhydroxyaminoether chemistry may prove useful such as crystalline versions based on hydroquinone diglycidylethers. Other suitable materials include polyhydroxyaminoether solutions/dispersions by Imperial Chemical Industries (“ICI,” Ohio, USA) available under the name OXYBLOK. In one embodiment, PHAE solutions or dispersions can be crosslinked partially (semi-cross linked), fully, or to the desired degree as appropriate for an application including by using a formulation that includes cross linking material. The benefits of cross linking include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: improved chemical resistance, improved abrasion resistance, lower blushing, and lower surface tension. Examples of cross linker materials include, but are not limited to, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde or other members of the aldehyde family of materials. Suitable cross linkers can also enable changes to the Tg of the material, which can facilitate formation of certain containers. In one embodiment, preferred phenoxy-type thermoplastics are soluble in aqueous acid. A polymer solution/dispersion may be prepared by stirring or otherwise agitating the thermoplastic epoxy in a solution of water with an organic acid, preferably acetic or phosphoric acid, but also including lactic, malic, citric, or glycolic acid and/or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the acid concentration in the polymer solution is preferably in the range of about 5%-20%, including about 5%-10% by weight based on total weight. In other preferred embodiments, the acid concentration may be below about 5% or above about 20%; and may vary depending on factors such as the type of polymer and its molecular weight. In other preferred embodiments, the acid concentration ranges from about 2.5 to about 5% by weight. The amount of dissolved polymer in a preferred embodiment ranges from about 0.1% to about 40%. A uniform and free flowing polymer solution is preferred. In one embodiment a 10% polymer solution is prepared by dissolving the polymer in a 10% acetic acid solution at 90° C. Then while still hot the solution is diluted with 20% distilled water to give an 8% polymer solution. At higher concentrations of polymer, the polymer solution tends to be more viscous. One preferred non-limiting hydroxy-phenoxyether polymer, PAPHEN 25068-38-6, is commercially available from Phenoxy Associates, Inc. Other preferred phenoxy resins are available from InChem® (Rock Hill, S.C.), these materials include, but are not limited to, the INCHEMREZ™ PKHH and PKHW product lines.
Other suitable coating materials include preferred copolyester materials as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,295 to Jabarin. They are generally prepared by heating a mixture of at least one reactant selected from isophthalic acid, terephthalic acid and their C1 to C4 alkyl esters with 1,3 bis(2-hydroxyethoxy)benzene and ethylene glycol. Optionally, the mixture may further comprise one or more ester-forming dihydroxy hydrocarbon and/or bis(4-β-hydroxyethoxyphenyl)sulfone. Especially preferred copolyester materials are available from Mitsui Petrochemical Ind. Ltd. (Japan) as B-010, B-030 and others of this family.
Examples of preferred polyamide materials include MXD-6 from Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (Japan). Other preferred polyamide materials include Nylon 6, and Nylon 66. Other preferred polyamide materials are blends of polyamide and polyester, including those comprising about 1-20% polyester by weight, including about 1-10% polyester by weight, where the polyester is preferably PET or a modified PET, including PET ionomer. In another embodiment, preferred polyamide materials are blends of polyamide and polyester, including those comprising about 1-20% polyamide by weight, and 1-10% polyamide by weight, where the polyester is preferably PET or a modified PET, including PET ionomer. The blends may be ordinary blends or they may be compatibilized with one or more antioxidants or other materials. Examples of such materials include those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0013833, filed Mar. 21, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other preferred polyesters include, but are not limited to, PEN and PET/PEN copolymers.
One suitable aqueous based polyester resin is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,191 (Salsman), incorporated herein by reference. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,191 describes an aqueous based polyester resin, comprising a reaction product of 20-50% by weight of terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight of at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol.
Another suitable aqueous based polymer is a sulfonated aqueous based polyester resin composition as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,630 (Salsman), herein incorporated by reference. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,281,630 describes an aqueous suspension of a sulfonated water-soluble or water dispersible polyester resin comprising a reaction product of 20-50% by weight terephthalate polymer, 10-40% by weight at least one glycol and 5-25% by weight of at least one oxyalkylated polyol to produce a prepolymer resin having hydroxyalkyl functionality where the prepolymer resin is further reacted with about 0.10 mole to about 0.50 mole of alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid per 100 g of prepolymer resin and a thus produced resin, terminated by a residue of an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, is reacted with about 0.5 mole to about 1.5 mole of a sulfite per mole of alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid residue to produce a sulfonated-terminated resin.
Yet another suitable aqueous based polymer is the coating described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,277 (Salsman), incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 5,726,277 describes coating compositions comprising a reaction product of at least 50% by weight of waste terephthalate polymer and a mixture of glycols including an oxyalkylated polyol in the presence of a glycolysis catalyst wherein the reaction product is further reacted with a difunctional, organic acid and wherein the weight ratio of acid to glycols in is the range of 6:1 to 1:2.
While the above examples are provided as preferred aqueous based polymer coating compositions, other aqueous based polymers are suitable for use in the products and methods describe herein. By way of example only, and not meant to be limiting, further suitable aqueous based compositions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,222 (Date, et al.), incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 4,104,222 describes a dispersion of a linear polyester resin obtained by mixing a linear polyester resin with a higher alcohol/ethylene oxide addition type surface-active agent, melting the mixture and dispersing the resulting melt by pouring it into an aqueous solution of an alkali under stirring Specifically, this dispersion is obtained by mixing a linear polyester resin with a surface-active agent of the higher alcohol/ethylene oxide addition type, melting the mixture, and dispersing the resulting melt by pouring it into an aqueous solution of an alkanolamine under stirring at a temperature of 70-95° C., said alkanolamine being selected from the group consisting of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monomethylethanolamine, monoethylethanolamine, diethylethanolamine, propanolamine, butanolamine, pentanolamine, N-phenylethanolamine, and an alkanolamine of glycerin, said alkanolamine being present in the aqueous solution in an amount of 0.2 to 5 weight percent, said surface-active agent of the higher alcohol/ethylene oxide addition type being an ethylene oxide addition product of a higher alcohol having an alkyl group of at least 8 carbon atoms, an alkyl-substituted phenol or a sorbitan monoacylate and wherein said surface-active agent has an HLB value of at least 12.
Likewise, by example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,528,321 (Allen) discloses a dispersion in a water immiscible liquid of water soluble or water swellable polymer particles and which has been made by reverse phase polymerization in the water immiscible liquid and which includes a non-ionic compound selected from C4-12 alkylene glycol monoethers, their C1-4 alkanoates, C6-12 polyakylene glycol monoethers and their C1-4 alkanoates.
Additional gas barrier layers may additionally comprise one or more of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polyethylene 2,6- and 1,5-naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate), polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate, polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyhydroxyaminoethers, polyethylene imines, epoxy resins, urethanes, acrylates, polystyrene, cycloolefin, poly-4-methylpentene-1, poly(methyl methacrylate), acrylonitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC), styrene acrylonitrile, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, polymeric ionomers such as sulfonates of PET, polysulfone, polytetra-fluoroethylene, polytetramethylene 1,2-dioxybenzoate, polyurethane, and copolymers of ethylene terephthalate and ethylene isophthalate, and copolymers and/or blends of one or more of the foregoing.
In embodiments, the gas-barrier resistant coating may be applied as a water-soluble polymer solution, a water-based polymer dispersion, or an aqueous emulsion of the polymer.
Certain coating materials are preferably applied as part of a top coat or layer that provides improved chemical resistance such as to hot water, steam, caustic or acidic materials, compared to one or more layers or the article substrate material beneath the top coat. In certain embodiments, these top coats or layers are aqueous based or non-aqueous based polyesters, acrylics, acrylic acid copolymers such as EAA, polyolefins polymers or copolymers such as polypropylene or polyethylene, and blends thereof which are optionally partially or fully cross linked. One preferred aqueous based polyester is polyethylene terephthalate; however other polyesters may also be used.
Water-resistant coating layers are particularly useful in being applied to an article substrate comprising a material or a layer of a material which degrades in the presence of water. Vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymers such as PVOH and EVOH tend to degrade when exposed to water. Thus, exposure to water degrades the performance of a gas barrier layer comprising vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymers, or other water sensitive gas barrier materials. In addition, some additives and other barrier materials such as UV protective barrier materials may also be sensitive to exposure to water.
In some embodiments, crosslinking between materials in an outer layer will substantially increase the water-resistant properties of inner layers and the article substrate. In some embodiments, the degree of crosslinking can be adjusted by cross linking density and degree.
In some embodiments, the substrate article which may comprise an uncoated surface or a surface coated with one or more layers, can additionally be coated with a water-resistant coating material. In preferred embodiments, a material employed in a water-resistant coating layer is an acrylic polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the acrylic polymer or copolymer comprises one or more of a acrylic acid polymer or copolymer, a methacrylic acid polymer or copolymer, or the alkyl esters of methacrylic acid or acrylic acid polymers or copolymers. In some embodiments, the acrylic acid copolymer comprises ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer. EAA is produced by the high pressure copolymerization of ethylene and acrylic acid. In embodiments, EAA is a copolymer comprising from about 75 to about 95 wt % of ethylene and about 5 to about 25 wt % of acrylic acid. The copolymerization results in bulky carboxyl groups along the backbone and side chain of the copolymer. These carboxyl groups are free to form bonds and interact with polar substrates such as water. In addition, hydrogen bonds of the carboxyl groups may result in increased toughness of the barrier layer. EAA materials may also enhance the clarity, low melting point and softening point of the copolymer.
Salts of acrylic acid polymer or copolymers, such as an ammonium salt of EAA, permit the formation of aqueous dispersions of acrylic acid which allow ease of application in dip, spray, and flow coating processes as described herein. However, some embodiments of a composition comprising acrylate polymers or copolymers may also be applied as emulsions and solutions.
Commercially available examples of EAA aqueous dispersion include PRIMACOR available from DOW PLASTICS, as an aqueous dispersions having 25% solids content and obtained from the copolymerization of 80 wt % ethylene and 20 wt % acrylic acid. Michem® Prime 4983, Prime 4990R, Prime 4422R, and Prime 48525R, are available from Michelman as aqueous dispersions of EAA with solid content ranging from about 20% to about 40%. In some embodiments, EAA may be applied as a water-based or wax emulsion. In some embodiments, EAA dispersions or emulsions have low VOC content and are generally less than about 0.25 wt % of VOCs. However, some EAA dispersions or emulsions are substantially or completely free of VOCs.
In some embodiments, polyolefin polymers or copolymers may be used as a water-resistant coating material. For example, an article comprising a gas barrier layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer can be further coated with a polyolefin polymer or copolymer such as polypropylene as a water-resistant coating layer. In some embodiments, blends of polyolefins and acrylic polymers and copolymers can be used as a water-resistant coating material. For example, polypropylene (PP) and EAA can be used as a water-resistant coating layer. Blends of EAA and PP may comprise about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 76, 80, 85, 90, and 95 wt % of EAA, based on the total weight of the PP and EAA in the water-resistant coating layer.
One or more layers of polyolefin polymers or copolymers, such polyethylene or propylene, may be coated on a dried coating layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH or PVOH, to reduce the water sensitivity and decrease water vapor transmission rate of the article substrate. In some embodiments, gas barrier layers comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH, and a Phenoxy-type thermoplastic, such as a PHAE, can be overcoated with layers of polyolefin polymer or copolymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, gas barrier layers comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH, and a Phenoxy-type thermoplastic, such as a PHAE, can be overcoated with a layer comprising EAA.
In other embodiments, the barrier layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH, may also comprise an additional additive which reduces the sensitivity of the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer to water, and/or increases the water resistance of the barrier layer. For example, a gas barrier layer comprising EVOH can be can substantially increase the water-resistance of the layer by adding a Phenoxy-type Thermoplastic, such as a PHAE. In some of these embodiments where EVOH is blended with polyhydroxyaminoethers, an additional top water-resistant coating layer may be used to further decrease the sensitivity of an underlying layer to water and to decrease the water transmission rate of the article substrate material. In any of the above examples, EVOH can be substituted with PVOH, or blends of EVOH/PVOH.
In some embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the wax is a natural wax such as carnauba or paraffin. In other embodiments, the wax is a synthetic wax such polyethylene, polypropylene and Fischer-Tropsch waxes. Wax dispersions may be micronized waxes dispersed in water. Solvent dispersions are composed of wax combined with solvents. In some embodiments, the particle size of a wax dispersion typically is greater than one micron (1μ). However, the particle size of some dispersions may vary according to the desired coating layer and/or wax material.
In one preferred embodiment, a water-resistant coating layer comprises carnauba. Carnauba wax is a natural wax derived from the fronds of a Brazilian palm tree (Copernica cerifera). Because of its source, carnauba offers the benefit of being FDA-compliant. In addition, carnauba and carnauba-blend emulsions offer performance advantages where additional slip, mar resistance and block resistance are required.
Some carnaubas are available as high-solids emulsions and can be applied to article substrates as described herein. Some emulsions may comprise from about 10 to about 80 percent solids.
In other embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer comprises paraffins. In some embodiments, paraffins are low-molecular weight waxes with melt points ranging from 48° C. to 74° C. They may be highly refined, have low oil content and are straight-chain hydrocarbons. In preferred embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer comprising paraffins provide anti-blocking, slip, water resistance or moisture vapor transmission resistance. Some embodiments of water-resistant coating layers may comprise blends of carnauba and paraffins. In further embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer may comprises blends of polyolefins and waxes. Some embodiments of water-resistant coating materials may comprise blends of natural waxes and/or synthetic waxes. For example blends of carnauba wax and paraffins may be used in the water-resistant coating layers of some embodiments.
Water-based wax emulsions are commercially available from Michelson. In preferred embodiments, the waterborne wax emulsion has a low VOC content. Examples of a water-based carnauba wax emulsions with low VOC content is Michem Lube 156 and Michem Lube 160. Examples of a water-based blend of carnauba and paraffins with a low VOC content include Michem Lube 180 and Michem Lube 182. One example of a blended polyolefin/wax material for a water-resistant coating layer is Michem Lube 110 which contains polyethylene and paraffins.
In some embodiments, a foam material may be used in a substrate (base article or preform) or in a coating layer. As used herein, the term “foam material” is a broad term and is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and may include, without limitation, a foaming agent, a mixture of foaming agent and a binder or carrier material, an expandable cellular material, and/or a material having voids. The terms “foam material” and “expandable material” are used interchangeably herein. Preferred foam materials may exhibit one or more physical characteristics that improve the thermal and/or structural characteristics of articles (e.g., containers) and may enable the preferred embodiments to be able to withstand processing and physical stresses typically experienced by containers. In one embodiment, the foam material provides structural support to the container. In another embodiment, the foam material forms a protective layer that can reduce damage to the container during processing. For example, the foam material can provide abrasion resistance which can reduce damage to the container during transport. In one embodiment, a protective layer of foam may increase the shock or impact resistance of the container and thus prevent or reduce breakage of the container. Furthermore, in another embodiment foam can provide a comfortable gripping surface and/or enhance the aesthetics or appeal of the container.
In one embodiment, foam material comprises a foaming or blowing agent and a carrier material. In one preferred embodiment, the foaming agent comprises expandable structures (e.g., microspheres) that can be expanded and cooperate with the carrier material to produce foam. For example, the foaming agent can be thermoplastic microspheres, such as EXPANCEL® microspheres sold by Akzo Nobel. In one embodiment, microspheres can be thermoplastic hollow spheres comprising thermoplastic shells that encapsulate gas. Preferably, when the microspheres are heated, the thermoplastic shell softens and the gas increases its pressure causing the expansion of the microspheres from an initial position to an expanded position. The expanded microspheres and at least a portion of the carrier material can form the foam portion of the articles described herein. The foam material can form a layer that comprises a single material (e.g., a generally homogenous mixture of the foaming agent and the carrier material), a mix or blend of materials, a matrix formed of two or more materials, two or more layers, or a plurality of microlayers (lamellae) preferably including at least two different materials. Alternatively, the microspheres can be any other suitable controllably expandable material. For example, the microspheres can be structures comprising materials that can produce gas within or from the structures. In one embodiment, the microspheres are hollow structures containing chemicals which produce or contain gas wherein an increase in gas pressure causes the structures to expand and/or burst. In another embodiment, the microspheres are structures made from and/or containing one or more materials which decompose or react to produce gas thereby expanding and/or bursting the microspheres. Optionally, the microsphere may be generally solid structures. Optionally, the microspheres can be shells filled with solids, liquids, and/or gases. The microspheres can have any configuration and shape suitable for forming foam. For example, the microspheres can be generally spherical. Optionally, the microspheres can be elongated or oblique spheroids. Optionally, the microspheres can comprise any gas or blends of gases suitable for expanding the microspheres. In one embodiment, the gas can comprise an inert gas, such as nitrogen. In one embodiment, the gas is generally non-flammable. However, in certain embodiments non-inert gas and/or flammable gas can fill the shells of the microspheres. In some embodiments, the foam material may comprise foaming or blowing agents as are known in the art. Additionally, the foam material may be mostly or entirely foaming agent.
Although some preferred embodiments contain microspheres that generally do not break or burst, other embodiments comprise microspheres that may break, burst, fracture, and/or the like. Optionally, a portion of the microspheres may break while the remaining portion of the microspheres do not break. In some embodiments up to about 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% 70%, 80%, 90% by weight of microspheres, and ranges encompassing these amounts, break. In one embodiment, for example, a substantial portion of the microspheres may burst and/or fracture when they are expanded. Additionally, various blends and mixtures of microspheres can be used to form foam material.
The microspheres can be formed of any material suitable for causing expansion. In one embodiment, the microspheres can have a shell comprising a polymer, resin, thermoplastic, thermoset, or the like as described herein. The microsphere shell may comprise a single material or a blend of two or more different materials. For example, the microspheres can have an outer shell comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), polyamides (e.g. Nylon 6 and Nylon 66) polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), PEN, PET copolymers, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment a PET copolymer comprises CHDM comonomer at a level between what is commonly called PETG and PET. In another embodiment, comonomers such as DEG and IPA are added to PET to form microsphere shells. The appropriate combination of material type, size, and inner gas can be selected to achieve the desired expansion of the microspheres. In one embodiment, the microspheres comprise shells formed of a high temperature material (e.g., PETG or similar material) that is capable of expanding when subject to high temperatures, preferably without causing the microspheres to burst. If the microspheres have a shell made of low temperature material (e.g., as EVA), the microspheres may break when subjected to high temperatures that are suitable for processing certain carrier materials (e.g., PET or polypropylene having a high melt point). In some circumstances, for example, EXPANCEL® microspheres may be break when processed at relatively high temperatures. Advantageously, mid or high temperature microspheres can be used with a carrier material having a relatively high melt point to produce controllably, expandable foam material without breaking the microspheres. For example, microspheres can comprise a mid temperature material (e.g., PETG) or a high temperature material (e.g., acrylonitrile) and may be suitable for relatively high temperature applications. Thus, a blowing agent for foaming polymers can be selected based on the processing temperatures employed.
The foam material can be a matrix comprising a carrier material, preferably a material that can be mixed with a blowing agent (e.g., microspheres) to form an expandable material. The carrier material can be a thermoplastic, thermoset, or polymeric material, such as ethylene acrylic acid (“EAA”), ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), linear low density polyethylene (“LLDPE”), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), poly(hydroxyamino ethers) (“PHAE”), PET, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene (“PS”), pulp (e.g., wood or paper pulp of fibers, or pulp mixed with one or more polymers), mixtures thereof, and the like. However, other materials suitable for carrying the foaming agent can be used to achieve one or more of the desired thermal, structural, optical, and/or other characteristics of the foam. In some embodiments, the carrier material has properties (e.g., a high melt index) for easier and rapid expansion of the microspheres, thus reducing cycle time thereby resulting in increased production.
In another embodiment foaming agents may be added to the coating materials in order to foam the coating layer. In a further embodiment a reaction product of a foaming agent is used. Useful foaming agents include, but are not limited to azobisformamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, diazoaminobenzene, N,N-dimethyl-N,N-dinitroso terephthalamide, N,N-dinitrosopentamethylene-tetramine, benzenesulfonyl-hydrazide, benzene-1,3-disulfonyl hydrazide, diphenyl sulfon-3-3, disulfonyl hydrazide, 4,4′-oxybis benzene sulfonyl hydrazide, p-toluene sulfonyl semicarbizide, barium azodicarboxylate, butylamine nitrile, nitroureas, trihydrazino triazine, phenyl-methyl-urethane, p-sulfonhydrazide, peroxides, ammonium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. As presently contemplated, commercially available foaming agents include, but are not limited to, EXPANCEL®, CELOGEN®, HYDROCEROL®, MIKROFINE®, CEL-SPAN®, and PLASTRON® FOAM. Foaming agents and foamed layers are described in greater detail below.
The foaming agent is preferably present in the coating material in an amount from about 1 up to about 20 percent by weight, more preferably from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight, and, most preferably, from about 1 to about 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the coating layer (i.e. solvents are excluded). Newer foaming technologies known to those of skill in the art using compressed gas could also be used as an alternate means to generate foam in place of conventional blowing agents listed above.
In preferred embodiments, the formable material may comprise two or more components including a plurality of components each having different processing windows and/or physical properties. The components can be combined such that the formable material has one or more desired characteristics. The proportion of components can be varied to produce a desired processing window and/or physical properties. For example, the first material may have a processing window that is similar to or different than the processing window of the second material. The processing window may be based on, for example, pressure, temperature, viscosity, or the like. Thus, components of the formable material can be mixed to achieve a desired, for example, pressure or temperature range for shaping the material.
In one embodiment, the combination of a first material and a second material may result in a material having a processing window that is more desirable than the processing window of the second material. For example, the first material may be suitable for processing over a wide range of temperatures, and the second material may be suitable for processing over a narrow range of temperatures. A material having a portion formed of the first material and another portion formed of the second material may be suitable for processing over a range of temperatures that is wider than the narrow range of processing temperatures of the second material. In one embodiment, the processing window of a multi-component material is similar to the processing window of the first material. In one embodiment, the formable material comprises a multilayer sheet or tube comprising a layer comprising PET and a layer comprising polypropylene. The material formed from both PET and polypropylene can be processed (e.g., extruded) within a wide temperature range similar to the processing temperature range suitable for PET. The processing window may be for one or more parameters, such as pressure, temperature, viscosity, and/or the like.
Optionally, the amount of each component of the material can be varied to achieve the desired processing window. Optionally, the materials can be combined to produce a formable material suitable for processing over a desired range of pressure, temperature, viscosity, and/or the like. For example, the proportion of the material having a more desirable processing window can be increased and the proportion of material having a less undesirable processing window can be decreased to result in a material having a processing window that is very similar to or is substantially the same as the processing window of the first material. Of course, if the more desired processing window is between a first processing window of a first material and the second processing window of a second material, the proportion of the first and the second material can be chosen to achieve a desired processing window of the formable material.
Optionally, a plurality of materials each having similar or different processing windows can be combined to obtain a desired processing window for the resultant material.
In one embodiment, the rheological characteristics of a formable material can be altered by varying one or more of its components having different rheological characteristics. For example, a substrate (e.g., PP) may have a high melt strength and is amenable to extrusion. PP can be combined with another material, such as PET which has a low melt strength making it difficult to extrude, to form a material suitable for extrusion processes. For example, a layer of PP or other strong material may support a layer of PET during co-extrusion (e.g., horizontal or vertical co-extrusion). Thus, formable material formed of PET and polypropylene can be processed, e.g., extruded, in a temperature range generally suitable for PP and not generally suitable for PET.
In some embodiments, the composition of the formable material may be selected to affect one or more properties of the articles. For example, the thermal properties, structural properties, barrier properties, optical properties, rheological properties, favorable flavor properties, and/or other properties or characteristics disclosed herein can be obtained by using formable materials described herein.
In some embodiments, certain adhesion materials may be added to one or more layers of an article substrate. In other embodiments, one or more layers comprises an adhesion material. Thus, as described herein, embodiments may include barrier layers comprising adhesion materials. In other embodiments, tie layers may comprise adhesion materials.
In some preferred embodiments, a polyolefin layer is used as an adhesion layer and/or a barrier layer. In some embodiments, one or more layers may comprise a modified polyolefin composition. In embodiments, an ethylene or propylene homopolymer or copolymer is used as material for an adhesion layer. In one embodiment polypropylene or other polymers may be grafted or modified with polar groups including, but not limited to, maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate, acryl methacrylate and/or similar compounds to improve adhesion. In preferred embodiments, maleic anhydride modified polypropylene homopolymer or maleic anhydride modified polypropylene copolymer can also be used. As used herein, “PPMA” is an acronym for both maleic anhydride modified polypropylene homopolymer and copolymer. As used herein, “PEMA” is an acronym for both maleic anhydride modified polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer. These materials may be interblended with other gas barrier and water-resistant coating materials to aid in the adhesion of these layers to each other or the article substrate material. Alternatively, the materials can be applied as tie layers which adhere the substrate or coating layers to another coating layer.
In some embodiments, blends of polypropylene and PPMA are used. In some embodiments, PPMA is about 20 to about 80 wt % based on the total weight of the polypropylene and PPMA.
In other embodiments polypropylene also refers to clarified polypropylene. As used herein, the term “clarified polypropylene” is a broad term and is used in accordance with its ordinary meaning and may include, without limitation, a polypropylene that includes nucleation inhibitors and/or clarifying additives. Clarified polypropylene is a generally transparent material as compared to the homopolymer or block copolymer of polypropylene. The inclusion of nucleation inhibitors can help prevent and/or reduce crystallinity or the effects of crystallinity, which contributes to the haziness of polypropylene, within the polypropylene or other material to which they are added. Some clarifiers work not so much by reducing total crystallinity as by reducing the size of the crystalline domains and/or inducing the formation of numerous small domains as opposed to the larger domain sizes that can be formed in the absence of a clarifier. Clarified polypropylene may be purchased from various sources such as Dow Chemical Co. Alternatively, nucleation inhibitors may be added to polypropylene or other materials. One suitable source of nucleation inhibitor additives is Schulman.
In some embodiments, Phenoxy-type Thermoplastics may be used together with other layers, whether these are tie layers or barrier layers. For example, a PHAE may be added to one or more layers to increase adhesion between the article substrate material and/or other barrier layers. Other hydroxyl functionalized epoxy resins can also be used as gas barrier materials and/or adhesion materials.
In some embodiments, an adhesion material is polyethyleneimine (PEI) which can be used in one or more coating layers. These polymers have numerous available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups, which are effective in increasing the adhesion of barrier layers. In some embodiments, PEI is a highly branched polymer with about 25% primary amine groups, 50% secondary amine groups, and 25% tertiary amine groups.
A PEI can promote adhesion, disperse fillers and pigments, and enhance wetting characteristics. In some embodiments, a PEI may additionally scavenge oxides of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, volatile aldehydes, chlorine, bromine and organic halides. In some embodiments, PEIs may be present in an aqueous emulsion or dispersion. In some embodiments, the molecular weight of PEIs is from about 5,000-1,000,000. In some embodiments, the addition of polyethylene amine to a gas barrier coating layer or a water-resistant coating layer results in a decrease in the rate of transmission of CO2 through the barrier layers and article substrate. In some embodiments, PEI comprises a copolymer of ethylene imine such as the copolymer of acrylamide and ethylene imine. In some embodiments, one or more PEI can be used in amount of less than about 10 wt % based on the total weight of the layer. In some embodiments, the PEI is about 10 to about 20 wt %. In other embodiments, the PEI is about 0.01 to about 5 wt %.
In preferred embodiments, PEI may be blended together with a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer prior to coating. For example, PEI may be blended with EVOH and/or PVOH before being applied as a coated layer on the article substrate. Mixtures of the components may be obtained, in some embodiments, by injecting liquid PEI into an extruder containing EVOH, or placing the liquid PEI and EVOH in the feed hopper prior to mixing by the screw of the extruder. In other embodiments, PEI may be blended with one or more other gas barrier or water-resistant coating materials including Phenoxy-type Thermoplastics such as a PHAE.
In some embodiments, one or more zirconium salts may also be used as an adhesion enhancer for one or more layers coated on the article substrate. In some embodiments, a zirconium salt is one or more of a titanate or a zirconate. Titanates and zirconates may be used as adhesion promoters. In some embodiments, organozirconates may be used as adhesion promoters. In some embodiments, one or more selected from coordinate zirconium, neoalkoxyzirconate, zirconium propionate, zircoaluminates, zirconium acetylacetonate, and zirconium methacrylate may be used as an adhesion promoter. In some embodiments, the zirconium salt is dissolved in a solvent. Examples of zirconium salts may include: halogenated zirconium salts such as zirconium oxychloride, hydroxy zirconium chloride, zirconium tetrachloride, and zirconium bromide; zirconium salts of mineral acid such as zirconium sulfate, basic zirconium sulfate, and zirconium nitrate; zirconium salts of organic acid such as zirconium formate, zirconium acetate, zirconium propionate, zirconium caprylate, and zirconium stearate; zirconium complex salts such as zirconium ammonium carbonate, zirconium sodium sulfate, zirconium ammonium acetate, zirconium sodium oxalate, zirconium sodium citrate, zirconium ammonium citrate; etc. In some embodiments, the zirconium salts may act as a crosslinking agent for a hydrogen-bonding group (such as a hydroxyl group). In addition, the zirconium salt may also improve the water resistance of a highly hydrogen-bonding resin such as a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer like PVOH and EVOH, or a Phenoxy-type thermoplastic like polyhydroxyaminoethers, and combinations thereof. In some of these embodiments, the one or more zirconium salt compounds is about 0.1 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the layer to which the zirconium salt is added. In other embodiments, the one or more zirconium salt compound is about 0.05 to about 3 wt %. In other embodiments, the one or more zirconium salt compound is about 5 to about 15 wt %. In some embodiments, the weight of the adhesion agent is less than 10 wt %. In some embodiments, the weight may exceed 30 wt %, including about 50 wt %. Zirconium salts or dispersions of zirconium salts may be added to the solutions, dispersion, or emulsions of the other barrier materials.
In some embodiments, one or more organic aldehydes may be used as an adhesion enhancer for one or more coating layers. Examples of suitable organic aldehydes include formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, polymerizable aldehydes and propionaldehyde, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the organic aldehyde is present in the solution in which the article is dip, spray, or flow coated to form one or more layers. In other embodiments, the organic aldehyde is added to the coating layer after the coating layer is applied to the article substrate. In embodiments, the organic aldehyde is about 0.1 to about 50 weight percent, based on the total weight of the layer to which it is added. In some embodiments, the organic aldehyde is about 10 to about 30 weight percent. In further embodiments, the organic aldehyde is about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent. In other embodiments, the organic aldehyde is less than about 10 wt %.
One or more coating layers may also comprise additives, such as nanoparticle barrier materials, oxygen scavengers, UV absorbers, colorants, dyes, pigments, abrasion resistant additives, fillers and the like.
An advantage of preferred methods disclosed herein are their flexibility allowing for the use of multiple functional additives in various combinations and/or in one or more layers. Additives known by those of ordinary skill in the art for their ability to provide enhanced CO2 barriers, O2 barriers, UV protection, scuff resistance, blush resistance, impact resistance, water resistance, and/or chemical resistance are among those that may be used. For additives listed herein, the percentages given are percent by weight of the materials in the coating solution exclusive of solvent, sometimes referred to as the “solids” although not all non-solvent materials are solid.
Preferred additives may be prepared by methods known to those of skill in the art. For example, the additives may be mixed directly with a particular material, they may be dissolved/dispersed separately and then added to a particular material, or they may be combined with a particular material to addition of the solvent that forms the material solution/dispersion. In addition, in some embodiments, preferred additives may be used alone as a single layer or as part of a single layer.
In preferred embodiments, the barrier properties of a layer may be enhanced by the use of additives. Additives are preferably present in an amount up to about 40% of the material, also including up to about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2% and 1% by weight of the material. In other embodiments, additives are preferably present in an amount less than or equal to 1% by weight, preferred ranges of materials include, but are not limited to, about 0.01% to about 1%, about 0.01% to about 0.1%, and about 0.1% to about 1% by weight. In some embodiments additives are preferably stable in aqueous conditions.
Derivatives of resorcinol (m-dihydroxybenzene) may be used in conjunction with various preferred materials as blends or as additives or monomers in the formation of the material. The higher the resorcinol content the greater the barrier properties of the material. For example, resorcinol diglycidyl ether can be used in PHAE and hydroxyethyl ether resorcinol can be used in PET and other polyesters and Copolyester Barrier Materials.
Another type of additive that may be used are “nanoparticles” or “nanoparticulate material.” For convenience the term nanoparticles will be used herein to refer to both nanoparticles and nanoparticulate material. These nanoparticles are tiny, micron or sub-micron size (diameter), particles of materials including inorganic materials such as clay, ceramics, zeolites, elements, metals and metal compounds such as aluminum, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, and silica, which enhance the barrier properties of a material usually by creating a more tortuous path for migrating gas molecules, e.g. oxygen or carbon dioxide, to take as they permeate a material. In preferred embodiments nanoparticulate material is present in amounts ranging from 0.05 to 1% by weight, including 0.1%, 0.5% by weight and ranges encompassing these amounts.
One preferred type of nanoparticulate material is a microparticular clay based product available from Southern Clay Products. One preferred line of products available from Southern Clay products is Cloisite® nanoparticles. In one embodiment preferred nanoparticles comprise monmorillonite modified with a quaternary ammonium salt. In other embodiments nanoparticles comprise monmorillonite modified with a ternary ammonium salt. In other embodiments nanoparticles comprise natural monmorillonite. In further embodiments, nanoparticles comprise organoclays as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,376, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference and forms part of the disclosure of this application. Other suitable organic and inorganic microparticular clay based products may also be used. Both man-made and natural products are also suitable.
Another type of preferred nanoparticulate material comprises a composite material of a metal. For example, one suitable composite is a water based dispersion of aluminum oxide in nanoparticulate form available from BYK Chemie (Germany). It is believed that this type of nanoparticular material may provide one or more of the following advantages: increased abrasion resistance, increased scratch resistance, increased Tg, and thermal stability.
Another type of preferred nanoparticulate material comprises a polymer-silicate composite. In preferred embodiments the silicate comprises montmorillonite. Suitable polymer-silicate nanoparticulate material are available from Nanocor and RTP Company. Other preferred nanoparticle materials include fumed silica, such as Cab-O-Sil.
In preferred embodiments, the UV protection properties of the material may be enhanced by the addition of different additives. In a preferred embodiment, the UV protection material used provides UV protection up to about 350 nm or lower, including about 370 nm or lower, and about 400 nm or lower. The UV protection material may be used as an additive with layers providing additional functionality or applied separately from other functional materials or additives in one or more layers. Preferably additives providing enhanced UV protection are present in the material from about 0.05 to 20% by weight, but also including about 0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight, and ranges encompassing these amounts. Preferably the UV protection material is added in a form that is compatible with the other materials. For example, a preferred UV protection material is Milliken UV390A ClearShield®. UV390A is an oily liquid for which mixing is aided by first blending the liquid with water, preferably in roughly equal parts by volume. This blend is then added to the material solution, for example, BLOX® 599-29, and agitated. The resulting solution contains about 10% UV390A and provides UV protection up to 390 nm when applied to a PET preform. As previously described, in another embodiment the UV390A solution is applied as a single layer. In other embodiments, a preferred UV protection material comprises a polymer grafted or modified with a UV absorber that is added as a concentrate. Other preferred UV protection materials include, but are not limited to, benzotriazoles, phenothiazines, and azaphenothiazines. UV protection materials may be added during the melt phase process prior to use, e.g. prior to injection molding extrusion, or palletizing, or added directly to a coating material that is in the form of a solution or dispersion. Suitable UV protection materials include those available from Milliken, Ciba and Clariant.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) scavenging properties can be added to one or more materials and/or layers. In one preferred embodiment such properties are achieved by including one or more scavengers, such as an active amine reacts with CO2 to form a high gas barrier salt. This salt then acts as a passive CO2 barrier. The active amine may be an additive or it may be one or more moieties in the resin material of one or more layers. Suitable carbon dioxide scavenger materials other than amines may also be used.
Oxygen (O2) scavenging properties can be added to preferred materials by including one or more O2 scavengers such as anthraquinone and others known in the art. In another embodiment, one suitable O2 scavenger is AMOSORB® O2 scavenger available from BP Amoco Corporation and ColorMatrix Corporation which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,585 to Cahill et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. In one embodiment, O2 scavenging properties are added to preferred phenoxy-type materials, or other materials, by including O2 scavengers in the phenoxy-type material, with different activating mechanisms. Preferred O2 scavengers can act spontaneously, gradually or with delayed action, e.g. not acting until being initiated by a specific trigger. In some embodiments the O2 scavengers are activated via exposure to either UV or water (e.g., present in the contents of the container), or a combination of both. The O2 scavenger, when present, is preferably present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 20 percent by weight, more preferably in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight, and, most preferably, in an amount of from about 1 to about 5 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the coating layer.
The materials of certain embodiments may be cross-linked to enhance thermal stability for various applications, for example hot fill applications. In one embodiment, inner layers may comprise low-cross linking materials while outer layers may comprise high crosslinking materials or other suitable combinations. For example, an inner coating on a PET surface may utilize non crosslinked or low cross-linked material, such as the BLOX® 588-29, and the outer coat may utilize another material, such as EXP 12468-4B from ICI, capable of cross linking such as to provide greater adhesion to the underlying layer, such as a PET or PP layer. Suitable additives capable of cross linking may be added to one or more layers. Suitable cross linkers can be chosen depending upon the chemistry and functionality of the resin or material to which they are added. For example, amine cross linkers may be useful for crosslinking resins comprising epoxide groups. Preferably cross linking additives, if present, are present in an amount of about 1% to 10% by weight of the coating solution/dispersion, preferably about 1% to 5%, more preferably about 0.01% to 0.1% by weight, also including 2%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 7%, 8%, and 9% by weight. Optionally, a thermoplastic epoxy (TPE) can be used with one or more crosslinking agents. In some embodiments, agents (e.g. carbon black) may also be coated onto or incorporated into a layer material, including TPE material. The TPE material can form part of the articles disclosed herein. It is contemplated that carbon black or similar additives can be employed in other polymers to enhance material properties.
The materials of certain embodiments may optionally comprise a curing enhancer. As used herein, the term “curing enhancer” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, without limitation, chemical cross-linking catalyst, thermal enhancer, and the like. As used herein, the term “thermal enhancer” is a broad term and is used in its ordinary meaning and includes, without limitation, materials that, when included in a polymer layer, increase the rate at which that polymer layer absorbs thermal energy and/or increases in temperature as compared to a layer without the thermal enhancer. Preferred thermal enhancers include, but are not limited to, transition metals, transition metal compounds, radiation absorbing additives (e.g., carbon black). Suitable transition metals include, but are not limited to, cobalt, rhodium, and copper. Suitable transition metal compounds include, but are not limited to, metal carboxylates. Preferred carboxylates include, but are not limited to, neodecanoate, octoate, and acetate. Thermal enhancers may be used alone or in combination with one or more other thermal enhancers.
The thermal enhancer can be added to a material and may significantly increase the temperature of the material that can be achieved during a given curing process, as compared to the material without the thermal enhancer. For example, in some embodiments, the thermal enhancer (e.g., carbon black) can be added to a polymer so that the rate of heating or final temperature of the polymer subjected to a heating or curing process (e.g., IR radiation) is significantly greater than the polymer without the thermal enhancer when subjected to the same or similar process. The increased heating rate of the polymer caused by the thermal enhancer can increase the rate of curing or drying and therefore increase production rates because less time is required for the process.
In some embodiments, the thermal enhancer is present in an amount of about 5 to 800 ppm, preferably about 20 to about 150 ppm, preferably about 50 to 125 ppm, preferably about 75 to 100 ppm, also including about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm and ranges encompassing these amounts. The amount of thermal enhancer may be calculated based on the weight of layer which comprises the thermal enhancer or the total weight of all layers comprising the article.
In some embodiments, a preferred thermal enhancer comprises carbon black. In one embodiment, carbon black can be applied as a component of a coating material in order to enhance the curing of the coating material. When used as a component of a coating material, carbon black is added to one or more of the coating materials before, during, and/or after the coating material is applied (e.g., impregnated, coated, etc.) to the article. Preferably carbon black is added to the coating material and agitated to ensure thorough mixing. The thermal enhancer may comprise additional materials to achieve the desire material properties of the article. In another embodiment wherein carbon black is used in an injection molding process, the carbon black may be added to the polymer blend in the melt phase process.
In some embodiments, the polymer includes about 5 to 800 ppm, preferably about 20 to about 150 ppm, preferably about 50 to 125 ppm, preferably about 75 to 100 ppm, also including about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 ppm thermal enhancer and ranges encompassing these amounts. In a further embodiment, the coating material is cured using radiation, such as infrared (IR) heating. In preferred embodiments, the IR heating provides a more effective coating than curing using other methods. Other thermal and curing enhancers and methods of using same are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/983,150, filed Nov. 5, 2004, entitled “Catalyzed Process for Forming Coated Articles,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference it its entirety.
In some embodiments the addition of anti-foam/bubble agents is desirable. In some embodiments utilizing solutions or dispersion the solutions or dispersions form foam and/or bubbles which can interfere with preferred processes. One way to avoid this interference is to add anti-foam/bubble agents to the solution/dispersion. Suitable anti-foam agents include, but are not limited to, nonionic surfactants, alkylene oxide based materials, siloxane based materials, and ionic surfactants. Preferably anti-foam agents, if present, are present in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.3% of the solution/dispersion, preferably about 0.01% to about 0.2%, but also including about 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, 0.1%, 0.25%, and ranges encompassing these amounts.
The coating layer compositions may be applied as water-based solutions, dispersions or emulsions depending on the particular material to be coated onto the substrate. However, other embodiment might utilize solvents and other materials to create the appropriate system to apply the material by dip, spray, and flow coating. Preferably, the solutions, dispersion, and emulsions minimize the amount of volatile organic compounds (low VOC) so that the resulting coating layers are substantially or completely free of VOCs. Also, the process of dip, spray or flow coating the water-based solutions, dispersions, or emulsions as described herein results in substantially no evolution of VOCs to the environment. In some embodiments, the solutions, dispersions or emulsions may not contain water, and instead comprise another solvent, dispersant, or emulsifier system. In some embodiments, the solutions, dispersions, or emulsions are also substantially free of halogenated compounds When multiple layers are used, it is preferred that each layer be partially or completely dried (i.e. the volatile solvent removed) before a subsequent layer is applied.
Generally, preferred articles herein include preforms or containers having one or more coating layers. The coating layer or layers preferably provide some functionality such as barrier protection, UV protection, impact resistance, scuff resistance, blush resistance, chemical resistance, water-repellency, resistance to water vapor, antimicrobial properties, and the like. The layers may be applied as multiple layers, each layer having one or more functional characteristics, or as a single layer containing one or more functional components. The layers are applied sequentially with each coating layer being partially or fully dried/cured prior to the next coating layer being applied.
A preferred substrate is a PET preform or container as described above. However, other substrate materials may also be utilized. Other suitable substrate materials include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polylactic acid, polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides and acrylics.
In certain preferred embodiments, the finished article is formed from a process which comprises two or more coating layers applied sequentially upon a base article, which may be in the form of a preform, or a bottle, or any other type of container. The base article may be manufactured from a thermoplastic material that has a lesser gas barrier performance and water vapor barrier performance than one or more of the coating layers to be applied subsequently, and may comprise PET, but in other embodiments may also be PEN, PLA, PP, polycarbonate or other materials as described hereinabove. In another embodiment the base preform or article may incorporate an oxygen scavenger, preferably one that is benign to the subsequent recycling stream after the finished article has been discarded.
For example, in one multiple layer article, the inner layer is a primer or base coat having functional properties for enhanced adhesion to PET (i.e. as a tie layer for other additional coating layers applied over the basecoat), O2 scavenging, UV resistance and passive barrier and the one or more outer coatings provide passive barrier and scuff resistance. In the descriptions herein with regard to coating layers, inner is taken as being closer to the substrate and outer is taken as closer to the exterior surface of the container. Any layers between inner and outer layers are generally described as “intermediate” or “middle.” In other embodiments, multiple coated articles comprise an inner coating layer comprising an O2 scavenger, an intermediate active UV protection layer, followed by an outer layer of the partially or highly cross-linked material. In another embodiment, multiple coated preforms comprise an inner coating layer comprising an O2 scavenger, an intermediate CO2 scavenger layer, an intermediate active UV protection layer, followed by an outer layer of partially or highly cross-linked material. These combinations provide a hard increased cross linked coating that is suitable for carbonated beverages such as beer. In another embodiment useful for carbonated soft drinks, the inner coating layer is a UV protection layer followed by an outer layer of cross linked material. Although the above embodiments have been described in connection with particular beverages, they may be used for other purposes and other layer configurations may be used for the referenced beverages.
In one embodiment, a coating layer applied onto the base article preferably comprises a thermoplastic material that, when applied in a layer having a low thickness as compared to the base substrate, imparts improved gas and/or aroma barrier properties over the base article alone. Suitable materials to be used in a barrier coating layer include thermoplastic epoxy, PHAE, Phenoxy-type thermoplastics, blends including phenoxy-type thermoplastics, EVOH, PVOH, MXD6, Nylon, nanoparticles or nanocomposites and blends thereof, PGA, PVDC, and/or other materials disclosed herein. The material is preferably applied in the form of a water based solution, dispersion, or emulsion but can also be applied as a solvent based solution, dispersion, or emulsion, preferably exhibiting low VOCs or as a melt. Materials are preferably those approved by the FDA for direct food contact, but such approval is not necessary. Additives to a barrier or any other coating layer may include UV absorbers, coloring agents and adhesion promoters to enhance adhesion of the coating to the substrate or another layer which it covers. To achieve desired properties, suitable materials may be partially heat cured and/or crosslinked to various degrees dependant on the application. The coating layer material is preferably applied by dip, spray or flow coating as described herein, followed by drying and/or curing as necessary, preferably with IR or other suitable means. If the coating material is applied in the form of a solution, dispersion, or the like, the coated substrate is preferably completely dry before any subsequent coating layer is applied, if any.
In one embodiment, the outermost or top coating layer, such as the second coat in a two-layer coating process for a three or more layer article or preform or the first coating layer in a one-layer coating process to make a preform or container having at least two layers, preferably comprises a water-resistant coating material, that is a thermoplastic material that imparts a barrier to water vapor, exhibits water repellency and/or exhibits chemical resistance to hot water. In preferred embodiments, the material is fast curing and/or heat stable. Optionally, additives such as those to increase lubricity and abrasion resistance over the base article alone are also included. To achieve desired properties, suitable materials may be partially heat cured and/or crosslinked to various degrees dependant on the application.
Suitable materials for water-resistant coating layers include ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, polyethylene, blends of polyethylene/polypropylene/other polyolefins with EAA, urethane polymer, epoxy polymer, and paraffins. Other suitable materials include those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,429,240, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Among polyolefins, one preferred class is low molecular weight polyolefins, preferably using metallocene technology which can facilitate tailoring a material to desired properties as is known in the art. For example, the metallocene technology can be used to fine-tune the material to improve the handling, achieve desired melting temperature or other melting behaviour, achieve a desired viscosity, achieve a particular molecular weight or molecular weight distribution (e.g. Mw, Mn) and/or improve the compatibility with other polymers. An example of suitable materials is the LICOCENE range of polymers manufactured by Clariant. The range includes olefin waxes such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PE/PP waxes available from Clariant under the tradenames LICOWAX, LICOLUB and LICOMONT. More information is available at www.clariant.com. Other materials include grafted or modified polymers, including polyolefins such as polypropylene, where the grafting or modification includes polar compounds such as maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate, acryl methacrylate and/or similar compounds. Such grafted or modified polymers alter the properties of the materials and can, for example, enable better adhesion to both polyolefins such as polypropylene and/or PET or other polyesters. Materials are preferably those approved by the FDA for direct food contact, but such approval is not necessary.
In polyethylene/EAA blends, generally speaking, the higher the polyethylene content the better the resultant water resistance, but the lower the EAA content the poorer the adhesion. Similar trade-offs may occur with other blends comprising one or more of the materials listed above. Accordingly, the percentage of each component in a blend are chosen to maximize whichever characteristics are deemed more important in a given application and given the other materials used in the article.
In one embodiment a preform or container made of a suitable base material, including but not limited to PET or PLA, is provided. The preform further comprises a water-resistant coating layer of polyolefin such as polypropylene (PP), EAA, a PP/EAA blend, or any other water-resistant coating material. In some embodiments, the preform also comprises a layer of one or more gas barrier material, such as a phenoxy-type thermoplastic, such as PHAE or a thermoplastic epoxy, or a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH. In some embodiments, blends of Phenoxy-type Thermoplastics and vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers are used. In preferred embodiments, a gas barrier layer comprises blends of EVOH and a PHAE. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer is the base coat and the water-resistant coating layer is an outer coating layer.
In one preferred embodiment, an article substrate comprises a surface, a gas-barrier layer disposed on the surface, and a water-resistant coating layer. In this embodiment, specific combination of materials may allow for substantial reduction of gas and water transmission across the one or more barrier layers and the surface of the article substrate.
In one embodiment, the surface of the article substrate comprises PET. In these embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is EVOH. In some embodiments, EVOH has an ethylene content from about 75 wt % to about 95 wt %. In other embodiments, EVOH has an ethylene content from about 65 wt % to about 85 wt %. In other embodiments, the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is PVOH. In some of these embodiments, an adhesion agent is added to the composition prior to application or prior to curing. In some preferred embodiments, a gas barrier layer comprises a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer, such as EVOH or PVOH, or blends thereof, and polyethyleneimine. On top of the gas barrier layer may be disposed another coating layer. In some embodiments, the coating layer is a water-resistant coating layer. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises a polyolefin polymer or copolymer. In some cases the polyolefin is polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers thereof. In other embodiments, the top water-resistant coating layer comprises an acrylic polymer or copolymer such as EAA. Additionally some of these embodiments comprise one or more layers containing polyethyleneimine. In one particular embodiment, an inner layer comprises excess polyethyleneimine. In some cases, wherein CO2 reaches the layer comprising excess polyethyleneimine, a salt is formed that additionally aids in the gas barrier properties of the layer comprising PEI as well as that of the overall article substrate.
In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers, such as a blend of EVOH and PVOH. In some embodiments, the blend comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 wt % of EVOH, based on the total weight of the blend of EVOH and PVOH. In some of these embodiments, an additional water-resistant coating layer is coated thereon. In these embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises a polyolefin polymer or copolymer. In some cases, the polyolefin polymer or copolymer is polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers thereof. In other embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises EAA.
In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and Phenoxy-type thermoplastic such as a polyhydroxyaminoether. In some of these embodiments, the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is PVOH. In other embodiments, the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is EVOH. In some embodiments, the blend comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and about 95 wt % of the polyhydroxyaminoether. A water-resistant coating layer may be coated as a top layer on the gas barrier layer. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises a polyolefin polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the polyolefin is polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers thereof. In other embodiments, the water-resistant coating layer comprises EAA.
Some embodiments comprise blends of EVOH and other thermoplastic reactive materials. In some embodiments, EVOH may be blended with an epoxy based thermoplastic material such as a PHAE. In other embodiments, EVOH may be blended with a polyester polymeric material. In other embodiments, EVOH may be blended with a polyether based thermoplastic which in some cases may be a polyurethane.
Some articles may comprise a surface, wherein the surface comprises PLA. In some of these embodiments, the articles comprising PLA may be biodegradable. In some embodiments, one or more layers may be coated on the PLA article substrate surface. In some embodiments, PP/PPMA blends are disposed on the PLA surface. In some embodiments, a tie layer is disposed between the PLA surface and a gas-barrier layer and/or a water-resistant coating layer. In some embodiments, a water-resistant coating layer is disposed on the gas barrier layer or a tie layer comprising polyolefin polymer or copolymer. In these embodiments, the gas barrier layer may comprise a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a Phenoxy-type thermoplastic, such as polyhydroxyaminoether. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer and a polyhydroxyaminoether. Blends of vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymers and polyhydroxyaminoethers may comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95% of the one or more vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers, based on the total weight of the one or more vinyl alcohols and the one or more polyhydroxyaminoethers. In embodiments, a gas barrier layer comprises a polyhydroxyaminoether and a polyethyleneimine.
In other embodiments, wherein the substrate is made of PLA, a layer comprising a blend of polypropylene and PPMA may be coated on the substrate surface. In other embodiments, polyethylene is coated in the PLA surface. In some embodiments, wherein the substrate is made of a Thermoplastic material, such as a polyester, which in some cases is PET, a layer comprising blend of polypropylene and PPMA may be coated on the substrate surface. In some embodiments, a layer comprising a blend of polypropylene and PPMA may be coated with a gas barrier coating material comprising one or more of vinyl alcohol polymers or copolymers such as EVOH and/or PVOH. In some embodiments, a layer comprising EVOH and PVOH may be coated with a water-resistant coating material comprising one or more of EAA and PP.
In some embodiments, when the article substrate is made of a thermoplastic material, such as a polyester, a gas-barrier layer comprising EVOH is applied to form a first coating layer. To this layer is applied another coating layer comprising a modified polyolefin, such as PPMA or PEMA to form a first inner coating layer. On top of the modified polyolefin polymer or copolymer layer may be deposited one or more selected from EAA, EVA, PP. In some embodiments, the top layer comprises a nylon. All of the forementioned layers may be applied as aqueous solutions, dispersions, or emulsions by dip, spray, or flow coating methods as described herein.
In some embodiments, the article substrate is made of a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, a polyamide film is disposed on the surface of the article substrate to form a first polyamide coating layer. In one embodiment, a gas barrier layer comprising a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer is disposed on the first polyamide coating layer. In some of these embodiments, an additional water-resistant coating layer may be disposed on the layer comprising the vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In other embodiments, a second polyamide layer may be disposed on the gas barrier layer comprising vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. Additionally, the second polyamide layer may comprise a polyolefin polymer or copolymer. In some embodiments, the gas barrier layer, the polyamide layer, or the water-resistant coating layer may additionally comprise excess polyethyleneimine. In all of these embodiments, the layers can be applied as aqueous solutions, dispersion, or emulsions by dip, spray, or flow coating as described herein.
In some embodiments, an article substrate comprising a Thermoplastic material is coated with a first tie layer, a gas barrier layer, a second tie layer, and a water-resistant coating layer. In these embodiments, the first and second tie layer may comprise one or adhesive materials as described herein. In some embodiments, the first and second tie layers comprising PPMA and or PPMA/PP blends. In some embodiments, a water-resistant layer comprising a wax may be disposed on one or more tie layers. In some embodiments, the wax is a natural wax like carnauba wax or paraffins. In other embodiments, the wax is a synthetic wax. In some of these embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a vinyl alcohol polymer or copolymer. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a Phenoxy-type material such as a PHAE. In other embodiments, the gas barrier layer comprises a blend of a PHAE and EVOH.
The coating is preferably applied in a liquid form. The liquid may be a solution, dispersion or emulsion, or a melt. In some embodiments, the liquid is water which forms a water-based solution, dispersion, or emulsion. In one embodiment, the material is applied as a melt. The melt may comprise one or more materials as described above and elsewhere herein, and may also comprise one or more additives, including functional additives, such as are described elsewhere herein. The temperature of the melt during application depends upon the melt temperature of the one or more components, and may also depend upon one or more other characteristics such as the viscosity, additives, mode of application, and the like. One should also consider the melt temperature and Tg of the substrate and underlying coating materials prior to selecting an application temperature for the melt coating. In one embodiment, the hot melt material is heated to about 120-150° C. and applied to a preform or container by dip or flow coating, or spray coating, followed by cooling to solidify the coating. One advantage to the melt coating is that it allows for a water repellent or resistant coating to be applied without exposing the substrate or other coating layer(s) to water. One preferred material for hot melt dip or flow coating is low molecular weight polyester, such as polypropylene.
In other embodiments, water and/or water vapor-resistant material is applied in the form of a melt or an aqueous or solvent based solution or dispersion, preferably exhibiting low VOCs. Additives to a coating layer may include silicone based lubricants, waxes, paraffins, thermal enhancers, UV absorbers and adhesion promoters. The application is preferably effected by dip, spray or flow coating on to a preform or article such as a container, followed by drying and curing, preferably with IR, other radiation, blown air or other suitable means. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the article is suitable for printing directly thereon with any desired graphic design, such as by using inks and pigments including those suitable for use in the food and beverage packaging arts.
The resultant containers can be suitable for use in cold fill, hot fill and pasteurization processes. In another embodiment, where gas barrier properties are not needed or desirable for a layer but high water vapor barrier is important, a coating layer may be applied directly onto the base article without the need to apply a coating of high gas barrier material.
In a related embodiment, the final coating and drying of the preform provides scuff resistance to the surface of the preform and finished container in that the solution or dispersion contains diluted or suspended paraffin or wax, slipping agent, polysilane or low molecular weight polyethylene to reduce the coefficient of friction of the container.
Once suitable coating materials are chosen, the preform is preferably coated in a manner that promotes adhesion between the two materials. Although the discussion which follows is in terms of preforms, such discussion should not be taken as limiting, in that the methods and apparatus described may be applied or adapted for containers and other articles. Generally, adherence between coating materials and the preform substrate increases as the surface temperature of the preform increases. Therefore it is preferable to perform coating on a heated preform, although preferred coating materials will adhere to the preform at room temperature.
Plastics generally, and PET preforms specifically, have static electricity that results in the preforms attracting dust and getting dirty quickly. In a preferred embodiment the preforms are taken directly from the injection-molding machine and coated, including while still warm. By coating the preforms immediately after they are removed from the injection-molding machine, not only is the dust problem avoided, it is believed that the warm preforms enhance the coating process. However, the methods also allow for coating of preforms that are stored prior to coating. Preferably, the preforms are substantially clean, however cleaning is not necessary.
In a preferred embodiment an automated system is used. A preferred method involves entry of the preform into the system, dip, spray, or flow coating of the preform, optional removal of excess material, drying/curing, cooling, and ejection from the system. The system may also optionally include a recycle step. In one embodiment the apparatus is a single integrated processing line that contains two or more dip, flow, or spray coating units and two or more curing/drying units that produce a preform with multiple coatings. In another embodiment, the system comprises one or more coating modules. Each coating module comprises a self-contained processing line with one or more dip, flow, or spray coating units and one or more curing/drying units. Depending on the module configuration, a preform may receive one or more coatings. For example, one configuration may comprise three coating modules wherein the preform is transferred from one module to the next, in another configuration, the same three modules may be in place but the preform is transferred from the first to the third module skipping the second. This ability to switch between different module configurations allows for flexibility. In a further preferred embodiment either the modular or the integrated systems may be connected directly to a preform injection-molding machine and/or a blow-molding machine. The injection molding machine prepares preforms for use in the present invention.
The following describes a preferred embodiment of a coating system that is fully automated. This system is described in terms of currently preferred materials, but it is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain parameters will vary depending on the materials used and the particular physical structure of the desired end-product preform. This method is described in terms of producing coated 24 gram preforms having about 0.05 to about 0.75 total grams of coating material deposited thereon, including about 0.07, 0.09, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70 grams. In the method described below, the coating solution/dispersion is preferably at a suitable temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.20 grams of coating material per coating layer on a 24 gram preform, also including about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16. 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer on a 24 gram preform. Preferred deposition amounts for articles of varying sizes may be scaled according to the increase or decrease in surface area as compared to a 24 gram preform. Accordingly, articles other than 24 gram preforms may fall outside of the ranges stated above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be desired to have a single layer or total coating amount on a 24 gram preform that lies outside of the ranges stated above.
In some particular embodiments, the methods described herein may be used to make coated articles comprising a gas barrier layer and a water-resistant coating layer. An aqueous solution, emulsion or dispersion comprising a gas-barrier composition may be applied to an article. In some preferred embodiments, the gas barrier composition comprises one or more of EVOH, PVOH, and polyhydroxyaminoethers. In some particular embodiments, the gas barrier composition comprises mixtures of EVOH and a polyhydroxyaminoether. In some of these embodiments, the composition comprises about 20 to about 80 wt % of the EVOH and about 20 to about 80 wt % of the polyhydroxyaminoether, based on the total weight of the EVOH and polyhydroxyaminoether. Additionally, the gas barrier composition may comprise polyethyeleneimine which further reduces the transmission of gas across the gas barrier layer. After the layer is disposed on the article substrate, it is dried to form a first coating layer. To this layer may be deposited one or more of a gas barrier layer, a water-resistant layer, or a tie layer. In some embodiments, a tie layer is applied to the substrate prior to the application of the gas barrier layer or applied to the top of the gas barrier layer. A tie layer may comprise one or more of PPMA and PEMA is applied to the gas barrier layer. PEMA and PPMA may also be added directly to the gas barrier layer prior to drying. After the inner layers have partially or fully dried, one or more of water-resistant coating layer comprising a water-resistant coating material made by applied as an aqueous solution, dispersion, or emulsion. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating material is a wax. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating material is a polyolefin such as PE or PP. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating material is EAA. In some embodiments, the water-resistant coating material comprises EAA/PP blends wherein the blend comprises about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 wt % of EAA based on the total weight of the blend. The water-resistant coating layer is allowed to dry to form a water-resistant coating layer.
For example, in some embodiments of methods described herein, a 24 gram preforms having about 0.05 to about 0.75 total grams of coating material deposited thereon, including about 0.07, 0.09, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70 grams. In the method described below, the aqueous solution, dispersion or emulsion coating is preferably at a suitable temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.20 grams of gas barrier material per gas barrier coating layer on a 24 gram preform, also including about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16. 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer on a 24 gram preform. This gas barrier coating layer can comprise one or more of EVOH, PVOH, and a polyhydroxyaminoether. The material may also include PEI. In the method described below, the aqueous solution, dispersion or emulsion coating is preferably at a suitable temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.20 grams of water-resistant coating material per water-resistant coating layer on a 24 gram preform, also including about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16. 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer on a 24 gram preform. This water-resistant coating layer can comprise one or more of a wax, a polyolefin such as polypropylene, and EAA. In addition, a tie layer may be disposed between the bas barrier coating layer and the water-resistant coating layer. Preferably, an aqueous solution, dispersion or emulsion may be used to deposit about 0.01 to about 0.15 grams of an adhesion material per tie layer on a 24 gram preform. Preferred deposition amounts for articles of varying sizes may be scaled according to the increase or decrease in surface area as compared to a 24 gram preform. Accordingly, articles other than 24 gram preforms may fall outside of the ranges stated above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be desired to have a single layer or total coating amount on a 24 gram preform that lies outside of the ranges stated above.
The apparatus and methods may also be used for other similarly sized preforms and containers, or may adapted for other sizes of articles as will be evident to those skilled in the art in view of the discussion which follows. Currently preferred coating materials include, TPEs, preferably phenoxy type resins, more preferably PHAEs, including the BLOX resins noted supra. These materials and methods are given by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
The preforms are first brought into the system. An advantage of one preferred method is that ordinary preforms such as those normally used by those of skill in the art may be used. For example, 24 gram monolayer preforms of the type in common use to make 16 ounce bottles can be used without any alteration prior to entry into the system. In one embodiment the system is connected directly to a preform injection molding machine providing warm preforms to the system. In another embodiment stored preforms are added to the system by methods well known to those skilled in the art including those which load preforms into an apparatus for additional processing. Preferably the stored preforms are pre-warmed to about 100° F. to about 130° F., including about 120° F., prior to entry into the system. The stored preforms are preferably clean, although cleaning is not necessary. PET preforms are preferred, however other preform and container substrates can be used. Other suitable article substrates include, but are not limited to, various polymers such as polyesters, polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamides, including nylons, or acrylics.
Once a suitable coating material is chosen, it can be prepared and used for either dip, spray, or flow coating. The material preparation is essentially the same for dip, spray, and flow coating. The coating material comprises a solution/dispersion made from one or more solvents into which the resin of the coating material is dissolved and/or suspended.
The temperature of the coating solution/dispersion can have a drastic effect on the viscosity of the solution/dispersion. As temperature increases, viscosity decreases and vice versa. In addition, as viscosity increases the rate of material deposition also increases. Therefore temperature can be used as a mechanism to control deposition. In one embodiment using flow coating, the temperature of the solution/dispersion is maintained in a range cool enough to minimize curing of the coating material but warm enough to maintain a suitable viscosity. In one embodiment, the temperature is about 60° F.-80° F., including about 70° F. In some cases, solutions/dispersions that may be too viscous to use in spray or flow coating may be used in dip coating. Similarly, because the coating material may spend less time at an elevated temperature in spray coating, higher temperatures than would be recommended for dip or flow coating because of curing problems may be utilized in spray coating. In any case, a solution or dispersion may be used at any temperature wherein it exhibits suitable properties for the application. In preferred embodiments, a temperature control system is used to ensure constant temperature of the coating solution/dispersion during the application process. In certain embodiments, as the viscosity increases, the addition of water may decrease the viscosity of the solution/dispersion. Other embodiments may also include a water content monitor and/or a viscosity monitor that provides a signal when viscosity falls outside a desired range and/or which automatically adds water or other solvent to achieve viscosity within a desired range.
In a preferred embodiment, the solution/dispersion is at a suitable temperature and viscosity to deposit about 0.06 to about 0.2 grams per coat on a 24 gram preform, also including about 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16. 0.17, 0.18, and 0.19 grams per coating layer on a 24 gram preform. Preferred deposition amounts for articles of varying sizes may be scaled according to the increase or decrease in surface area as compared to a 24 gram preform. Accordingly, articles other than 24 gram preforms may fall outside of the ranges stated above. Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be desired to have a single layer on a 24 gram preform that lies outside of the ranges stated above.
In one embodiment, coated preforms produced from dip, spray, or flow coating are of the type seen in
In preferred embodiments, coated preforms produced from dip, spray, or flow coating produce a finished product with substantially no distinction between layers. Further, in dip and flow coating procedures, it has been found that the amount of coating material deposited on the preform decreases slightly with each successive layer.
In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a dip coating process. The preforms are dipped into a tank or other suitable container that contains the coating material. The dipping of the preforms into the coating material can be done manually by the use of a retaining rack or the like, or it may be done by a fully automated process. In a preferred embodiment, the preforms are rotating while being dipped into the coating material. The preform preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 RPM, more preferably about 40 RPM, but also including 50, 60, and 70 RPM. This allows for thorough coating of the preform. Other speeds may be used, but preferably not so high as to cause loss of coating material due to centrifugal forces.
The preform is preferably dipped for a period of time sufficient to allow for thorough coverage of the preform. Generally, this ranges from about 0.25 to about 5 seconds although times above and below this range are also included. Without wishing to be bound to any theory, it appears that longer residence time does not provide any added coating benefit.
In determining the dipping time and therefore speed, the turbidity of the coating material should also be considered. If the speed is too high the coating material may become wavelike and splatter causing coating defects. Another consideration is that many coating material solutions or dispersions form foam and/or bubbles which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the dipping speed is preferably chosen to avoid excessive agitation of the coating material. If necessary, anti-foam/bubble agents may be added to the coating solution/dispersion.
In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a spray coating process. The preforms are sprayed with a coating material that is in fluid connection with a tank or other suitable container that contains the coating material. The spraying of the preforms with the coating material can be done manually with the use of a retaining rack or the like, or it may be done by a fully automated process. In a preferred embodiment, the preforms are rotating while being sprayed with the coating material. The preform preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 RPM, more preferably about 40 RPM, but also including about 50, 60, and 70 RPM. Preferably, the preform rotates at least about 360° while proceeding through the coating spray. This allows for thorough coating of the preform. The preform may, however, remain stationary while spray is directed at the preform.
The preform is preferably sprayed for a period of time sufficient to allow for thorough coverage of the preform. The amount of time required for spraying depends upon several factors, which may include the spraying rate (volume of spray per unit time), the area encompassed by the spray, and the like.
The coating material is contained in a tank or other suitable container in fluid communication with the production line. Preferably a closed system is used in which unused coating material is recycled. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by collecting any unused coating material in a coating material collector which is in fluid communication with the coating material tank. Many coating material solutions or dispersions form foam and/or bubbles which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the coating material is preferably removed from the bottom or middle of the tank. Additionally, it is preferable to decelerate the material flow prior to returning to the coating tank to further reduce foam and/or bubbles. This can be done by means known to those of skill in the art. If necessary, anti-foam/bubble agents may be added to the coating solution/dispersion.
In determining the spraying time and associated parameters such as nozzle size and configuration, the properties of the coating material should also be considered. If the speed is too high and/or the nozzle size incorrect, the coating material may splatter causing coating defects. If the speed is too slow or the nozzle size incorrect, the coating material may be applied in a manner thicker than desired. Suitable spray apparatus include those sold by Nordson Corporation (Westlake, Ohio). Another consideration is that many coating material solutions or dispersions form foam and/or bubbles which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the spraying speed, nozzle used and fluid connections are preferably chosen to avoid excessive agitation of the coating material. If necessary, anti-foam/bubble agents may be added to the coating solution/dispersion.
In a preferred embodiment, the coating is applied through a flow coating process. The object of flow coating is to provide a sheet of material, similar to a falling shower curtain or waterfall, that the preform passes through for thorough coating. Advantageously, preferred methods of flow coating allow for a short residence time of the preform in the coating material. The preform need only pass through the sheet a period of time sufficient to coat the surface of the preform. Without wishing to be bound to any theory, it appears that longer residence time does not provide any added coating benefit.
In order to provide an even coating the preform is preferably rotating while it proceeds through the sheet of coating material. The preform preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 RPM, more preferably about 40 RPM, but also including 50, 60, and 70 RPM. Preferably, the preform rotates at least about two full rotations or 720° while being proceeding through the sheet of coating material. In one preferred embodiment, the preform is rotating and placed at an angle while it proceeds through the coating material sheet. The angle of the preform is preferably acute to the plane of the coating material sheet. This advantageously allows for thorough coating of the preform without coating the neck portion or inside of the preform. In another preferred embodiment, the preform 1 as shown in
The coating material is contained in a tank or other suitable container in fluid communication with the production line in a closed system. It is preferable to recycle any unused coating material. In one embodiment, this may be accomplished by collecting the returning waterfall flow stream in a coating material collector which is in fluid communication with the coating material tank. Many coating material solutions or dispersions form foam and/or bubbles which can interfere with the coating process. To avoid this interference, the coating material is preferably removed from the bottom or middle of the tank. Additionally, it is preferable to decelerate the material flow prior to returning to the coating tank to further reduce foam and/or bubbles. This can be done by means known to those of skill in the art. If necessary, anti-foam/bubble agents may be added to the coating solution/dispersion.
In choosing the proper flow rate of coating materials, several variables should be considered to provide proper sheeting, including coating material viscosity, flow rate velocity, length and diameter of the preform, line speed and preform spacing.
The flow rate velocity determines the accuracy of the sheet of material. If the flow rate is too fast or too slow, the material may not accurately coat the preforms. When the flow rate is too fast, the material may splatter and overshoot the production line causing incomplete coating of the preform, waste of the coating material, and increased foam and/or bubble problems. If the flow rate is too slow the coating material may only partially coat the preform.
The length and the diameter of the preform to be coated should also be considered when choosing a flow rate. The sheet of material should thoroughly cover the entire preform, therefore flow rate adjustments may be necessary when the length and diameter of preform are changed.
Another factor to consider is the spacing of the preforms on the line. As the preforms are run through the sheet of material a so-called wake effect may be observed. If the next preform passes through the sheet in the wake of the prior preform it may not receive a proper coating. Therefore it is important to monitor the speed and center line of the preforms. The speed of the preforms will be dependant on the throughput of the specific equipment used.
Advantageously preferred methods provide such efficient deposition that virtually all of the coating on the preform is utilized (i.e. there is virtually no excess material to remove). However there are situations where it is necessary to remove excess coating material after the preform is coated by dip, spray or flow methods. Preferably, the rotation speed and gravity will work together to normalize the sheet on the preform and remove any excess material. Preferably, preforms are allowed to normalize for about 5 to about 15 seconds, more preferably about 10 seconds. If the tank holding the coating material is positioned in a manner that allows the preform to pass over the tank after coating, the rotation of the preform and gravity may cause some excess material to drip off of the preform back into the coating material tank. This allows the excess material to be recycled without any additional effort. If the tank is situated in a manner where the excess material does not drip back into the tank, other suitable means of catching the excess material and returning it to be reused, such as a coating material collector or reservoir in fluid communication with the coating tank or vat, may be employed.
Where the above methods are impractical due to production circumstances or insufficient, various methods and apparatus, such as a drip remover 88, known to those skilled in the art may be used to remove the excess material. For example, suitable drip removers include one or more of the following: a wiper, brush, sponge roller, air knife or air flow, which may be used alone or in conjunction with each other. Further, any of these methods may be combined with the rotation and gravity method described above. Preferably any excess material removed by these methods is recycled for further use.
After the preform 1 has been coated and any excess material removed, the coated preform is then dried and cured. The drying and curing process is preferably performed by infrared (IR) heating. Such heating is described in PCT/US2005/024726, entitled “Coating Process and Apparatus for Forming Coated Articles”, now published as WO 2006/010141 A2, which is incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, a 1000 W quartz IR lamp 200 is used as the source. A preferred source is a General Electric Q1500 T3/CL Quartzline Tungsten-Halogen lamp. This particular source and equivalent sources may be purchased commercially from any of a number of sources including General Electric and Phillips. The source may be used at full capacity, or it may be used at partial capacity such as at about 50%, about 65%, about 75% and the like. Preferred embodiments may use a single lamp or a combination of multiple lamps. For example, six IR lamps may be used at 70% capacity.
Preferred embodiments may also use lamps whose physical orientation with respect to the preform is adjustable. The lamp position may be adjusted to position the lamp closer to or farther away from the preform. For example, in one embodiment with multiple lamps, it may be desirable to move one or more of the lamps located below the bottom of the preform closer to the preform. This advantageously allows for thorough curing of the bottom of the preform. Embodiments with adjustable lamps may also be used with preforms of varying widths. For example, if a preform is wider at the top than at the bottom, the lamps may be positioned closer to the preform at the bottom of the preform to ensure even curing. The lamps are preferably oriented so as to provide relatively even illumination of all surfaces of the coating.
In other embodiments reflectors are used in combination with IR lamps to provide thorough curing. In preferred embodiments lamps are positioned on one side of the processing line while one or more reflectors are located on the opposite side of or below the processing line. This advantageously reflects the lamp output back onto the preform allowing for a more thorough cure. More preferably an additional reflector is located below the preform to reflect heat from the lamps upwards towards the bottom of the preform. This advantageously allows for thorough curing of the bottom of the preform. In other preferred embodiments various combinations of reflectors may be used depending on the characteristics of the articles and the IR lamps used. More preferably reflectors are used in combination with the adjustable IR lamps described above.
In addition, the use of infrared heating allows for the thermoplastic epoxy (for example PHAE) coating to dry without overheating the PET substrate and can be used during preform heating prior to blow molding, thus making for an energy efficient system. Also, it has been found that use of IR heating can reduce blushing and improve chemical resistance.
Although this process may be performed without additional air, it is preferred that IR heating be combined with forced air. The air used may be hot, cold, or ambient. The combination of IR and air curing provides the unique attributes of superior chemical, blush, and scuff resistance of preferred embodiments. Further, without wishing to be bound to any particular theory, it is believed that the coating's chemical resistance is a function of crosslinking and curing. The more thorough the curing, the greater the chemical resistance.
In determining the length of time necessary to thoroughly dry and cure the coating several factors such as coating material, thickness of deposition, and preform substrate should be considered. Different coating materials cure faster or slower than others. Additionally, as the degree of solids increases, the cure rate decreases. Generally, for IR curing, 24 gram preforms with about 0.05 to about 0.75 grams of coating material the curing time is about 5 to 60 seconds, although times above and below this range may also be used. In some embodiments, the article may be cured by a low intensity IR cute for a long period of time. In some embodiments, a low intensity IR cure allows for full crosslinking of the articles. In other embodiments, the article may be cured by a high intensity IR cure for a shorter period of time than required for low intensity IR. In some embodiments, lower deposition weights of material or layers can be cured in combination with low intensity IR curing. In some embodiments, the deposition weight of the material or layer (if there is more than one material used to make the layer) to be cured is about 0.01 to about 0.75 g on a 24 gram preform. In other embodiments, the deposition weight of the material or layer to be cured is about 0.1 to about 0.5 grams on a 24 gram preform. In other embodiments, the deposition weight is less than 0.6 grams, including about 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or about 0.1 grams of material or layer.
Another factor to consider is the surface temperature of the preform as it relates to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the substrate and coating materials. Preferably the surface temperature of the coating exceeds the Tg of the coating materials without heating the substrate above the substrate Tg during the curing/drying process. This provides the desired film formation and/or crosslinking without distorting the preform shape due to overheating the substrate. For example, where the coating material has a higher Tg than the preform substrate material, the preform surface is preferably heated to a temperature above the Tg of the coating while keeping the substrate temperature at or below the substrate Tg. One way of regulating the drying/curing process to achieve this balance is to combine IR heating and air cooling, although other methods may also be used.
An advantage of using air in addition to IR heating is that the air regulates the surface temperature of the preform thereby allowing flexibility in controlling the penetration of the radiant heat. If a particular embodiment requires a slower cure rate or a deeper IR penetration, this can be controlled with air alone, time spent in the IR unit, or the IR lamp frequency. These may be used alone or in combination.
Preferably, the preform rotates while proceeding through the IR heater. The preform preferably rotates at a speed of about 30-80 RPM, more preferably about 40 RPM. If the rotation speed is too high, the coating will spatter causing uneven coating of the preform. If the rotation speed is too low, the preform dries unevenly. More preferably, the preform rotates at least about 360° while proceeding through the IR heater. This advantageously allows for thorough curing and drying.
In other preferred embodiments, Electron Beam Processing may be employed in lieu of IR heating or other methods. Electron Beam Processing (EBP) has not been used for curing of polymers used for and in conjunction with injection molded preforms and containers primarily due to its large size and relatively high cost. However recent advances in this technology, are expected to give rise to smaller less expensive machines. EBP accelerators are typically described in terms of their energy and power. For example, for curing and crosslinking of food film coatings, accelerators with energies of 150-500 keV are typically used.
EBP polymerization is a process in which several individual groups of molecules combine together to form one large group (polymer). When a substrate or coating is exposed to highly accelerated electrons, a reaction occurs in which the chemical bonds in the material are broken and a new, modified molecular structure is formed. This polymerization causes significant physical changes in the product, and may result in desirable characteristics such as high gloss and abrasion resistance. EBP can be a very efficient way to initiate the polymerization process in many materials.
Similar to EBP polymerization, EBP crosslinking is a chemical reaction, which alters and enhances the physical characteristics of the material being treated. It is the process by which an interconnected network of chemical bonds or links develop between large polymer chains to form a stronger molecular structure. EBP may be used to improve thermal, chemical, barrier, impact, wear and other properties of inexpensive commodity thermoplastics. EBP of crosslinkable plastics can yield materials with improved dimensional stability, reduced stress cracking, higher set temperatures, reduced solvent and water permeability and improved thermomechanical properties.
The effect of the ionizing radiation on polymeric material is manifested in one of three ways: (1) those that are molecular weight-increasing in nature (crosslinking); (2) those that are molecular weight-reducing in nature (scissioning); or (3), in the case of radiation resistant polymers, those in which no significant change in molecular weight is observed. Certain polymers may undergo a combination of (1) and (2). During irradiation, chain scissioning occurs simultaneously and competitively with crosslinking, the final result being determined by the ratio of the yields of these reactions. Polymers containing a hydrogen atom at each carbon atom predominantly undergo crosslinking, while for those polymers containing quaternary carbon atoms and polymers of the —CX2—CX2— type (when X=halogen), chain scissioning predominates. Aromatic polystyrene and polycarbonate are relatively resistant to EBP.
For polyvinylchloride, polypropylene and PET, both directions of transformation are possible; certain conditions exist for the predominance of each one. The ratio of crosslinking to scissioning may depend on several factors, including total irradiation dose, dose rate, the presence of oxygen, stabilizers, radical scavengers, and/or hindrances derived from structural crystalline forces.
Overall property effects of crosslinking can be conflicting and contrary, especially in copolymers and blends. For example, after EBP, highly crystalline polymers like HDPE may not show significant change in tensile strength, a property derived from the crystalline structure, but may demonstrate a significant improvement in properties associated with the behavior of the amorphous structure, such as impact and stress crack resistance.
Aromatic polyamides (Nylons) are considerably responsive to ionizing radiation. After exposure the tensile strength of aromatic polyamides does not improve, but for a blend of aromatic polyamides with linear aliphatic polyamides, an increase in tensile strength is derived together with a substantial decrease in elongation.
EBP may be used as an alternative to IR for more precise and rapid curing of TPE coatings applied to preforms and containers.
It is believed that when used in conjunction with dip, spray, or flow coating, EBP may have the potential to provide lower cost, improved speed and/or improved control of crosslinking when compared to IR curing. EBP may also be beneficial in that the changes it brings about occur in solid state as opposed to alternative chemical and thermal reactions carried out with melted polymer.
In other preferred embodiments, gas heaters, UV radiation, and flame may be employed in addition to or in lieu of IR or EPB curing. Preferably the drying/curing unit is placed at a sufficient distance or isolated from the coating material tank and/or the flow coating sheet as to avoid unwanted curing of unused coating material.
The preform is then cooled. The cooling process combines with the curing process to provide enhanced chemical, blush and scuff resistance. It is believed that this is due to the removal of solvents and volatiles after a single coating and between sequential coatings.
In one embodiment the cooling process occurs at ambient temperature. In another embodiment, the cooling process is accelerated by the use of forced ambient or cool air.
There are several factors to consider during the cooling process. It is preferable that the surface temperature of the preform is below the Tg of the lower of the Tg of the preform substrate or coating. For example, some coating materials have a lower Tg than the preform substrate material, in this example the preform should be cooled to a temperature below the Tg of the coating. Where the preform substrate has the lower Tg the preform should be cooled below the Tg of the preform substrate.
Cooling time is also affected by where in the process the cooling occurs. In a preferred embodiment multiple coatings are applied to each preform. When the cooling step is prior to a subsequent coating, cooling times may be reduced as elevated preform temperature is believed to enhance the coating process. Although cooling times vary, they are generally about 5 to 40 seconds for 24 gram preforms with about 0.05 to about 0.75 grams of coating material.
In one embodiment, once the preform has cooled it will be ejected from the system and prepared for packaging. In another embodiment the preform will be ejected from the coating system and sent to a blow-molding machine for further processing. In yet another embodiment, the coated preform is handed off to another coating module where a further coat or coats are applied. This further system may or may not be connected to further coating modules or a blow molding-machine.
Advantageously, bottles made by, or resulting from, a preferred process described above may be easily recycled. Using current recycling processes, the coating can be easily removed from the recovered PET. For example, a polyhydroxyaminoether based coating applied by dip coating and cured by IR heating can be removed in 30 seconds when exposed to an 80° C. aqueous solution with a pH of 12. Additionally, aqueous solutions with a pH equal to or lower than 4 can be used to remove the coating. Variations in acid salts made from the polyhydroxyaminoethers may change the conditions needed for coating removal. For example, the acid salt resulting from the acetic solution of a polyhydroxyaminoether resin can be removed with the use of an 80° C. aqueous solution at a neutral pH. Alternatively, the recycle methods set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,546, entitled Recycling of Articles Comprising Hydroxy-phenoxyether Polymers, may also be used. The methods disclosed in this application are herein incorporated by reference.
All patents and publications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Except as further described herein, certain embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in some embodiments, be similar to any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,109,006; 6,808,820; 6,528,546; 6,312,641; 6,391,408; 6,352,426; 6,676,883; U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/745,013 (Publication No. 2002-0100566); 10/168,496 (Publication No. 2003-0220036); 09/844,820 (2003-0031814); 10/090,471 (Publication No. 2003-0012904); 10/395,899 (Publication No. 2004-0013833); 10/614,731 (Publication No. 2004-0071885), 11/108,342 (Publication No. 2006-0065992), 11/108,345 (Publication No. 2006-0073294), 11/108,607 (Publication No. 2006-0073298), which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. In addition, the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques described herein may, in certain embodiments, be applied to or used in connection with any one or more of the embodiments, features, systems, devices, materials, methods and techniques disclosed in the above-mentioned patents and applications.
The various methods and techniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out the invention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all objectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different embodiments. Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well as other known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods in accordance with principles described herein.
Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments herein.
This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the provisional applications 60/672,321, filed Apr. 18, 2005, 60/695,023, filed Jul. 29, 2005, 60/726,973, filed Oct. 14, 2005, 60/737,536, filed Nov. 17, 2005, and 60/761,667, filed Jan. 26, 2006, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60672321 | Apr 2005 | US | |
| 60695023 | Jun 2005 | US | |
| 60726973 | Oct 2005 | US | |
| 60737536 | Nov 2005 | US | |
| 60761667 | Jan 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11405761 | Apr 2006 | US |
| Child | 12883100 | US |
