BR-102024017473-A2 - Babassu fiber masterbatch for use as an anti-slip additive in flexible polyethylene packaging and manufacturing process.

Abstract

This patent addresses the application of babassu mesocarp fiber as an anti-slip additive for flexible polyethylene packaging and a method for manufacturing a masterbatch. The proposed method aims to offer a sustainable and viable alternative to commercially available additives, using residual materials. The resulting masterbatches can be used directly in a large-scale process. The manufacturing process includes steps such as fiber sieving, material drying, mixing, extrusion, and grinding. The manufacturing process using traditional methods, combined with ease of application, stands out as a simple and efficient approach for the intended application. Furthermore, it promotes the utilization of waste, reduces environmental impact, and stimulates extractive activities, as well as the development of remote regions focused on fiber production.

Inventors

• MÁRIO ALBERTO DE ALBUQUERQUE FILHO
• LAURA HECKER DE CARVALHO
• CARLOS THIAGO CÂNDIDO CUNHA

Assignees

• Universidade Federal De Campina Grande - Pb

Dates

Publication Date

20260310

Application Date

20240826

Claims (6)

1. 1. Method for the use and production of vegetable fiber masterbatch, characterized by a methodology that allows its easy production and application in the flexible packaging sector, offering a sustainable alternative to commercially available materials.
2. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the use of babassu fiber as an anti-slip additive for flexible packaging produced by extrusion.
3. 3. Method according to the preceding claims, characterized by the initial processing step of the masterbatch, including sieving, drying, mixing (by extruder or internal mixer) and grinding to obtain granules.
4. 4. A method according to the preceding claims, characterized by the use of a variety of fiber contents, from 0 to 2.0%, according to the application requirements. Furthermore, there may also be variations in the materials used, LDPE and LLDPE.
5. 5. A method according to the preceding claims, characterized by the development of compositions and control of the mixing process to ensure the consistency and quality of the masterbatch produced.
6. 6. A method according to the preceding claims, characterized by representing an eco-friendly approach to industrial additives, demonstrating a commitment to the environment and the pursuit of sustainable and innovative solutions.

Description

[01] In this invention patent report, we present a masterbatch based on babassu mesocarp fiber and a methodology for its manufacture. This product aims to serve as an economical and sustainable alternative for the flexible plastic packaging industry, as it is easy to produce and can be applied directly, similar to existing additives. The masterbatch can be placed directly into the extruder, in different quantities, depending on the desired anti-slip effect, for the production of various types of films, obtained by flat or tubular extrusion. [02] Currently, packaging is an essential element in the modern trade of goods, guaranteeing the preservation of the quality of food products. It also plays a fundamental role in protecting packaged products against external conditions affecting the quality and sanitary safety of food products, facilitating the transport, storage, and distribution of products. To extend the shelf life of products while maintaining all their characteristics, packaging must have functions according to the product being packaged, such as providing a barrier against gases, vapor, water, and light, or even special additional properties. [03] Packaging has several functions throughout the product lifecycle, and each function addresses different aspects related to safety. Packaging can be defined as "the preparation of goods for transport, distribution, storage, sale, and final consumption." According to their use, packaging is classified as primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary packaging is in direct contact with the product; secondary packaging serves to group the product to facilitate handling and presentation, and may also protect the primary packaging inside, preventing excessive shocks and vibrations. Tertiary packaging protects the merchandise during transport and so on. [04] Various additives are used in the packaging sector in order to impart specific properties to packaging for different applications, such as slip, antistatic, antiblocking, anti-slip, among others. Anti-slip additives function to increase the coefficient of friction between films, preventing slippage during stacking of bales, facilitating logistical processes. [05] The babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is a plant found in abundance in the North, Northeast, and Central-West regions of Brazil. The fruit is widely used in the oil extraction industry, but its processing generates several byproducts, including the babassu mesocarp. This component is found between the epicarp and the endocarp of the babassu coconut and represents about 20% of the total weight of the fruit. The babassu mesocarp is underutilized, as it is mainly used as a source of biomass for carbonization and animal feed, being mostly a residual product. [06] The masterbatch manufacturing process begins with sieving the fibers through a 200 mesh sieve and drying them in an oven, preparing them for the mixing stage, which can be done in an extruder or internal mixer. During the mixing process, the fiber is mixed with a molten polymer and, after cooling, undergoes a grinding process to obtain granules. The processing temperature will be the same as the processing temperature of the polymer used in the mixture. [07] The tests used plastics (polymers), technically called low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The “grades” used are manufactured by Braskem S.A.. Micronized babassu mesocarp fibers, supplied by Florestas Brasileiras, were used without prior treatment. [08] The compositions analyzed are shown in Table 1. This diversity of compositions allows for the customization of packaging to meet the specific needs of different applications or customer demands regarding the desired end property. [09] Considering that babassu fiber is a hydrophilic material and absorbs moisture from the air, it is essential to dry the material before processing to avoid defects such as bubbles. Drying in a vacuum oven at 60°C for at least 2 hours is recommended. After masterbatch production, provided it is stored correctly, no further drying processes are necessary before application in an extruder. [10] The materials can be processed in an internal mixer or in an extruder (in this case there is no limitation on the size of the equipment, as long as it is sufficient to ensure the incorporation of the powdered fiber into the polymer), resulting in granules of a size suitable for further extrusion processes. [11] In order to compare the properties of the developed material, different fiber contents were tested as an anti-slip agent and compared with the properties obtained for the commercial additive, used at a content of 0.5%. Films were produced by extrusion for property comparison. Table 1. Compositions of the polyethylene mixtures with the anti-slip additives and babassu fiber [12] Torque rheometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile mechanical properties, morphology, barrier properties and coefficient of friction analyses were per