Methods for treating the surface of starch-based articles with glycerin

• US 5,716,675 A
• Filed: 06/10/1996
• Issued: 02/10/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 11/25/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
• Original Assignee: E. Khashoggi Industries, LLC
• Inventors: Andersen, Per Just, Hodson, Simon K.
• Primary Examiner(s): DUDASH, DIANA L
• Application Number:
  US08/661,221
• Time in Patent Office: 610 Days
• Field of Search: 427/414, 427/243, 427/384, 427/316, 426/138, 426/805, 426/808
• US Class Current: 427/384
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 1/34 designed to influence the nature of flow of the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. to produce swirl designed to control volume of flow B05B1/30
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/0037 Containers for several components B05B11/0078
• CPC Class Codes: B05C 5/0245 for applying liquid or other fluent material to a moving work of indefinite length, e.g. to a moving web B05C5/0241, B05C5/0254, B05C5/027, B05C5/0283 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B27N 3/002 characterised by the type of binder compositions of macromolecular compounds C08L
• CPC Class Codes: B27N 3/007 and at least partly composed of recycled material
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 1/00 Producing shaped prefabricated articles from the material using presses B28B3/00; shaping on moving conveyors B28B5/00; producing tubular articles B28B21/00 ; producing articles with embedded elements B28B23/00
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 1/52 specially adapted for producing articles from mixtures containing fibres, e.g. asbestos cementby wrapping on to mandrels B28B1/42
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 11/00 Apparatus or processes for treating or working the shaped or preshaped articles specially adapted for tubular articles B28B21/92; decoration or surface treatment in general B05, B44; compacting concrete in situ in connection with building E04G21/06; drying F26
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 11/003 the shaping of preshaped articles, e.g. by bending B28B11/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 23/00 Arrangements specially adapted for the production of shaped articles with elements wholly or partly embedded in the moulding material; Production of reinforced objectsB28B21/00 takes precedence; in units for prefabricated buildings B28B7/22
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 23/0081 Embedding aggregates to obtain particular properties
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 23/0087 Lightweight aggregates for making lightweight articles
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/126 on material passing directly between the co-operating rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B28B 3/20 wherein the material is extruded extrusion moulding of plastics B29C48/00
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2049/4608 Nitrogen
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 2795/007 after shaping
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/00 Compression moulding, i.e. applying external pressure to flow the moulding material; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses B29C61/006
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/003 characterised by the choice of material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 43/08 with circular movement , e.g. mounted on rolls, turntables
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/0407 by regulating the temperature of the mould or parts thereof, e.g. cold mould walls inhibiting foaming of an outer layer
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 44/3402 : Details of processes or apparatus for reducing environmental damage or for working-up compositions comprising inert blowing agents or biodegradable components
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/001 : Combinations of extrusion moulding with other shaping operations
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0011 : combined with compression moulding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0012 : combined with shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. foaming
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0022 : combined with cutting
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/0023 : combined with printing or marking
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/07 : Flat, e.g. panels
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 48/15 : incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. extrusion moulding around inserts
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 49/0005 : characterised by the material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 51/002 : characterised by the choice of material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/063 : combined with folding
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 53/58 : helically
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 55/18 : by squeezing between surfaces, e.g. rollers
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 67/24 : characterised by the choice of material
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 67/242 : Moulding mineral aggregates bonded with resin, e.g. resin concrete shaping ceramic compositions without binder or water-setting cementitious material B28B; compositions per se C04B
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/50 : for producing articles of indefinite length, e.g. prepregs, sheet moulding compounds [SMC] or cross moulding compounds [XMC]
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 71/0009 : using liquids, e.g. solvents, swelling agents spectacle cases, e.g. for cleaning contact lenses A45C11/04; disinfecting or sterilising contact lenses A61L12/00, using liquid substances A61L2/20; cleaning involving the use of liquid in general B08B3/00; for hydrating contact lenses B29D11/00067
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2003/00 : Use of starch or derivatives as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2005/00 : Use of polysaccharides or derivatives as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2089/00 : Use of proteins, e.g. casein, gelatine or derivatives thereof, as moulding material
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/04 : cellular or porous
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/12 : of short lengths, e.g. chopped filaments, staple fibres or bristles
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/16 : Fillers
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/712 : Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages closures therefor B29L2031/56; ink or toner cartridges B29L2031/7678; squeeze tubes B29L2023/20; suitcases B29L2031/7418
• CPC Class Codes: B29L 2031/7132 : Bowls, Cups, Glasses
• CPC Class Codes: B31B 2105/0022 : Making boxes from tubular webs or blanks, e.g. with separate bottoms, including tube or bottom forming operations
• CPC Class Codes: B31B 50/32 : in circular paths
• CPC Class Codes: B31D 1/005 : making bottoms or caps
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 13/02 : with fibres or particles being present as additives in the layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/04 : as impregnant, bonding, or embedding substance not used
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/20 : using fillers, pigments, thixotroping agents
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 : characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/02 : characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer layer formed of metallic wires B32B15/02; layer formed of natural mineral fibres B32B19/02; layer formed of wood fibres B32B21/02
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/14 : characterised by a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts, e.g. denser near its faces
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/18 : characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 9/00 : Layered products comprising a layer of a particular substance not covered by groups B32B11/00 - B32B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2565/385 : especially suited for or with means facilitating recycling
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 43/162 : the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece B65D43/161 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/38 : Packaging materials of special type or form
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 65/466 : Bio- or photodegradable packaging materials
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 26/28 : Polysaccharides or derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 38/00 : Porous mortars, concrete, artificial stone or ceramic ware; Preparation thereof treating slag with gases or gas generating material C04B5/06 ; expanded graphite C04B35/536
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2301/02 : Cellulose; Modified cellulose
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2303/02 : Starch; Degradation products thereof, e.g. dextrin
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2323/02 : not modified by chemical after treatment
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2429/04 : Polyvinyl alcohol; Partially hydrolysed homopolymers or copolymers of esters of unsaturated alcohols with saturated carboxylic acids
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 5/18 : Manufacture of films or sheets
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 7/02 : with solvents, e.g. swelling agents
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 7/0427 : with only one layer of a composition containing a polymer binder with more layers C08J7/042
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 7/065 : Low-molecular-weight organic substances, e.g. absorption of additives in the surface of the article
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 1/28 : Alkyl ethers
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 1/286 : substituted with acid radicals, e.g. carboxymethyl cellulose [CMC] C08L1/282 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/02 : Organic macromolecular compounds, natural resins, waxes or and bituminous materials
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 2666/04 : Macromolecular compounds according to groups C08L7/00 - C08L49/00, or C08L55/00 - C08L57/00; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 3/00 : Compositions of starch, amylose or amylopectin or of their derivatives or degradation products
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 3/02 : Starch; Degradation products thereof, e.g. dextrin
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/02 : Dextran; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/12 : Agar or agar-agar , i.e. mixture of agarose and agaropectin; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 5/14 : Hemicellulose; Derivatives thereof
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 89/06 : derived from leather or skin , e.g. gelatin
• CPC Class Codes: C08L 97/02 : Lignocellulosic material, e.g. wood, straw or bagasse manufacture of articles made from lignocellulosic material by dry processes B27N
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 1/02 : made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/602 : for containers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 90/10 : Bio-packaging, e.g. packing containers made from renewable resources or bio-plastics

Abstract

Compositions and methods for the post-production treatment of a starch-bound article to increase the flexibility of the treated article by softening or plasticizing the article through the application of a polyalcohol, preferably glycerin. The glycerin is preferably mixed with water before application to aid in penetrating the cellular matrix of the article. The glycerin acts as a plasticizer and a humectant, and it stabilizes the starch-bound matrix against warping that otherwise results when water-borne substances are applied to the surface of a starch-bound article. The glycerin treatment can be applied to a hinge to increase the resilience and durability of the hinge, generally by causing the inner hinge surface to be more collapsible, which greatly decreases the radius of bending of the outer surface of the hinge and which thereby reduces the amount of strain or elongation exerted on the outer surface of the hinge. The mixture of glycerin and water may optionally further include a water-based coating, such as polyvinyl alcohol, and/or an inorganic mineral such as kaolin.

Claims

1. A method for treating a starch-based article comprising the steps of:

providing a starch-based article which includes a quantity of a starch binder such that the starch-based article is dimensionally unstable when exposed to fluctuations in ambient moisture; and

applying a liquid including a polyalcohol and a water-borne coating component to at least a portion of the starch-based article in order to treat the portion of the starch-based article, wherein the water-borne coating component is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polylactic acid, natural latex, and mixtures thereof.

2. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polyalcohol is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.

3. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the polyalcohol comprises glycerin.

4. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid includes at least about 15% polyalcohol by weight of the liquid.

5. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid includes at least about 25% polyalcohol by weight of the liquid.

6. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid further includes an inorganic filler.

7. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid is preheated before being applied to the starch-based article.

8. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 7, wherein the liquid is preheated to a temperature in a range from about 80°

C. to about 90°

C.

9. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the starch-based article has a temperature greater than ambient temperature.

10. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 9, wherein the starch-based article has a temperature in a range from about 80°

C. to about 90°

C.

11. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid is applied to the article in an amount such that the polyalcohol is applied in an amount in a range from about 1×

10^-4 g/cm² to about 4.5×

10^-4 g/cm² of the starch-based article.

12. A method for treating a starch-based article as set forth in claim 1, wherein the starch-based article has a starch-bound cellular matrix and wherein the polyalcohol penetrates a substantial depth into the starch-bound cellular matrix.

13. A method for treating a starch-based article comprising the steps of:

providing a starch-based article having surfaces and a starch-bound cellular matrix; and

applying a liquid including glycerin to at least a portion of the surfaces of the starch-based article to plasticize the portion of the surfaces of the starch-based article.

14. A method for treating a molded starch-bound cellular matrix comprising the steps of:

providing the molded starch-bound cellular matrix; and

applying a liquid including a polyalcohol to at least a portion of the molded starch-bound cellular matrix to plasticize the portion of the molded starch-bound cellular matrix, wherein the polyalcohol is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, sorbitol, and mixtures thereof.

15. A method for treating a molded starch-bound cellular matrix comprising the steps of:

providing the molded starch-bound cellular matrix; and

applying an aqueous solution including glycerin to at least a portion of the molded starch-bound cellular matrix to plasticize the portion of the molded starch-bound cellular matrix.