EP0189843A2 - Granular foamable plastic material and packaging material made therefrom - Google Patents

Granular foamable plastic material and packaging material made therefrom Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0189843A2
EP0189843A2 EP86100880A EP86100880A EP0189843A2 EP 0189843 A2 EP0189843 A2 EP 0189843A2 EP 86100880 A EP86100880 A EP 86100880A EP 86100880 A EP86100880 A EP 86100880A EP 0189843 A2 EP0189843 A2 EP 0189843A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
particles
legs
omission
plastic granules
packaging material
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP86100880A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0189843A3 (en
EP0189843B1 (en
Inventor
Günter Kohaut
Werner Dr. Weber
Herman Groenendijk
Adrianus Cornelis Poppelaars
Wilhelmus Henrikus J. Janssen
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Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV
Original Assignee
Hoechst AG
Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij BV
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Publication date
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Priority to AT86100880T priority Critical patent/ATE56415T1/en
Publication of EP0189843A2 publication Critical patent/EP0189843A2/en
Publication of EP0189843A3 publication Critical patent/EP0189843A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0189843B1 publication Critical patent/EP0189843B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/05—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/09—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using flowable discrete elements of shock-absorbing material, e.g. pellets or popcorn
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S206/00—Special receptacle or package
    • Y10S206/814—Space filler
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29—Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913—Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/2973—Particular cross section
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29—Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2913—Rod, strand, filament or fiber
    • Y10T428/2973—Particular cross section
    • Y10T428/2975—Tubular or cellular
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
    • Y10T428/29—Coated or structually defined flake, particle, cell, strand, strand portion, rod, filament, macroscopic fiber or mass thereof
    • Y10T428/2982—Particulate matter [e.g., sphere, flake, etc.]

Definitions

  • Packing or filling materials made of loose foamed plastic particles are known and are used in large quantities. The main reasons for this are their freedom from dust, resistance to moisture and mold, abrasion resistance and their inert behavior towards the packaged goods as well as their low weight.
  • plastic particles are usually made available as compact, blowing agent-containing, non-foamed granules and are only foamed to the final shape by known methods in the packaging plant.
  • the effect of the foamed plastic particles as packaging material is based on the fact that they interlock or interlock with each other after the packaging goods have been embedded and also include a large void volume.
  • the void volume is the volume enclosed, but not filled, by the particles when the material is poured into the pile. This creates a kind of "resilient shell” around the goods.
  • the mutual interlocking with the simultaneous formation of a large void volume is particularly important in order to prevent the packaged article from "wandering" through the packaging particles as a result of the transporter vibration and to achieve an optimal permanent "spring effect".
  • the particles forming the packaging material In contrast to the ability to interlock with other particles and thereby form a large void volume, there is a requirement that the particles forming the packaging material also have good flow properties.
  • the light, foamed plastic particles are usually made from storage silos inserted into the respective packaging containers in free fall. To this end, the particles must be able to flow freely, since otherwise the particles become "bridged" in the storage bunker and the uniform outflow and thus the quantity metering of the particles is disturbed or prevented. In the case of fully automatic packaging systems in particular, this leads to sensitive faults.
  • the packaging material Attempts have been made to meet these contradicting requirements for the packaging material by a specific shape of the foamed plastic particles, that is to say, with a large void volume and good interlocking or interlocking of the particles in the packaging container, at the same time to achieve good flowability when removed from the storage container.
  • the shape of the particles are: S-shape, Y-shape, star shape, wavy oblong or round leaflets, rings, slit rings, 8-shaped hollow bodies, spiral bodies, particles in the form of potato chips, hemispheres, saddle-shaped particles, dumbbell-shaped particles and flakes.
  • the object of the invention was therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the known particle shapes and, in particular, to provide foamed plastic granules which, after foaming, result in a packaging material which has good flow properties, good toothing properties and at the same time a large void volume of the bed.
  • the invention proposes a plastic granulate made of foamable particles in a star shape, which is characterized in that it mainly consists of particles which are derived from a star or cloverleaf-shaped base body with at least three legs lying in one plane, the Particles have at least one omission (hole).
  • the invention further relates to the use of these foamable plastic granules for the production of appropriately foamed packaging materials and to the foamed packaging materials themselves.
  • the number of legs is at least three, in particular three, four, five or six. According to the invention, preference is given to granular particles which have three or six legs.
  • the outlet (s) of the granule particles according to the invention can be located in one of the legs or in the center of the granule particles.
  • parts are preferred which have omissions in all legs; further preferred are those particles in which the omission is only in the center, which applies in particular to six-legged particles. If the omissions are only relatively small and their size is in the lower part of the ranges mentioned below, it may be advantageous in some cases to add an omission in the center of the ganulate particles in addition to the omissions in the legs.
  • the omissions are preferably predominantly round to oval or lenticular in shape; however, other shapes, such as polygons, for example triangles, quadrangles, hexagons, etc., are also possible in principle.
  • the size of these omissions is generally such that their area is about 25% to about 75%, preferably 30% to 60%, based on the respective leg area or the total area with only one omission in the center.
  • the diameter or the largest clear width of these omissions is usually 0.2 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 mm.
  • the wall thickness (cutting length) of the granulate particles according to the invention is generally in the range from 2.5 to 7.0 mm, preferably 3.0 to 6.0 mm.
  • the dimensions (A), (B) and (C) in the case of three-legged granulate particles are usually 4 to 6.5 mm, 4 to 6 mm and 2.5 to 7 mm.
  • the corresponding preferred values are 4.5 to 6 mm (A), 4.5 to 5.5 mm (B) and 3 to 6 mm (C).
  • the angle ⁇ between the legs 1 and 2 expediently moves between 100 and 140 °, preferably 110 and 130 °.
  • the ratio of (A) to (B) is 1: 0.6 to 1: 1.5, preferably 1: 0.75 to 1: 1.25, the ratio of (A) to (C ) 1: 0.4 to 1: 1.75 preferably 1: 0.5 to 1: 1.4 and the ratio (B) to (C) 1: 0.4 to 1: 1.75 preferably 1: 0, 6 to 1: 1.35.
  • the legs of the granulate particles according to the invention lie in one plane. Without departing from the scope of the invention, however, at least some of it can also have a slight curvature, for example in such a way that all the legs deviate from an imaginary plane in the same direction. In addition, in man Chen particles individual legs can also be curved opposite to each other.
  • the angle of curvature (deviation from the plane) is a maximum of 20 ', preferably a maximum of 10 °.
  • thermoplastics for the particles according to the invention are the thermoplastics commonly used for packaging materials, such as e.g. Styrene polymers, polyolefins such as polyethylene, VC polymers and the like. Polystyrene is preferably used.
  • This foamable, blowing agent-containing, compact plastic granulate is produced in a known manner by melting the plastic in an extrusion press, metering in a suitable blowing agent under pressure into the plastic melt, pressing out the blowing agent-containing melt through a corresponding star-shaped (cloverleaf-like) mold opening and subsequent granulation.
  • This mold opening is provided with mold cores (thorns), the shape and number of which corresponds to that of the desired omissions.
  • the strands emerging from the extrusion press are cooled rapidly, expediently by means of a water bath. The length of the cheapest water bath route and the withdrawal speed of the strands can easily be determined for the person skilled in the art by means of a few routine tests.
  • the chilled strands are then cut perpendicularly to the take-off direction into particles of the thickness specified above.
  • the strand temperature should expediently be chosen so that the proportion of dust and splinters when cutting is as low as possible.
  • the expandable particles formed in this way can be foamed to the packaging material bodies according to the invention by heating above their softening point, for example by steam. Usually this foaming only carried out at the consumer.
  • a chemical blowing agent can also be mixed into the plastic before extrusion, which releases gases, for example water vapor, carbonic acid or nitrogen, when heated.
  • the packaging material obtained consists predominantly, preferably more than 90% and in particular more than 95% of particles of the form described above, i.e. in the form of a star-shaped particle with three, four, five or more, preferably three or six legs lying in one plane, each leg having at least one opening (a hole). Slight deviations from the flat shape are also possible here, as described for the granulate particles.
  • the wall thickness of the particles of the packaging material according to the invention is generally 8 to 20 mm, preferably 10 to 16 mm, the wall thickness generally being greatest in the center of the particle and falling towards the edge regions. Under certain circumstances, this drop can be up to 70 x, in particular up to 50%.
  • the dimensions (A '), (B') and (C ') in the case of three-legged particles are usually 16 to 40 mm, 16 to 40 mm and 8 to 20 mm.
  • the corresponding preferred values are 20 to 38 mm (A '), 18 to 36 mm (B') and 10 to 18 mm (C ').
  • the angle a 'between the legs 2 and 4 (FIG. 3) expediently moves between 100 and 140 °, preferably 100 and 130 °.
  • the ratio of (A ') to (B') is 1: 0.4 to 1: 2.5, preferably 1: 0.5 to 1: 1.8, the ratio of (A ') to (C ') 1: 0.2 to 1: 1.25, preferably 1: 0.26 to 1: 0.9 and the ratio (B') to (C ') 1: 0.2 to 1: 1 , 25, preferably 1: 0.25 to 1: 1.
  • the dimensions, angles and proportions of the four-, five-, six- and multi-legged particles are quite corresponding.
  • the omissions in the packaging material particles are - corresponding to those in the granulate particles - preferably round, oval and / or lenticular and are preferably found on all legs or only the center preferably has an omission.
  • the area of this omission (s) is generally about 25% to about 75%, preferably 30% to 60%, based on the respective leg surfaces or on the total area.
  • the diameter or the largest clear width of this omission (s) is usually 3 to 15 mm, preferably 6 to 12 mm.
  • the center of the packaging material particles may also have an omission.
  • the size of the omissions in the packaging material particles, as also in the granulate particles is not critical and can assume values that are larger or smaller than the percentages given above, but then with certain disadvantages.
  • the surface of the packaging material particles contains a more or less large number of cracks (craters), which are caused by the escaping blowing agent.
  • the void volume of the unshaken bed of the packaging material according to the invention is generally more than 60%, preferably 65 to 90%, in particular 65 to 80 ⁇ .
  • the star-shaped, omitted shape of the packing material body according to the invention not only forms a particularly large cavity volume of the bed, but also results in an elastic deformation behavior of the particles without permanent deformation or even destruction of the foam structure.
  • the packaging material according to the invention can contain the usual additives such as flame retardants, UV and heat stabilizers, dyes and external agents in the usual amounts.
  • the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings.
  • Figures 1 and 2 represent a foamable, three-legged granulate in high magnification
  • Figures 3 to 5 relate to the particles of the packaging material according to the invention obtained by foaming.
  • Figures 5 to 9 show other embodiments of foamed particles according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 which shows a front view of a granule particle (1) according to the invention
  • (2), (3) and (4) mean the three legs of the particle and (5) the omissions.
  • (A), (B) and (C) represent the dimensions of the particle in the three spatial directions.
  • ⁇ represents the angle between the two legs (2) and (4).
  • Figure 2 shows the particle (1) of Figure 1 in side view.
  • (C) means the wall thickness (cutting length).
  • FIG. 3 shows a particle (1 ') of the packaging material according to the invention, which was created by foaming the granulate particle (1) of FIG. 1.
  • (2 '), (3') and (4 ') again mean the three legs, (5') the omissions, while (A '), (B') and (C ') the dimensions of this particle in the three spatial directions express.
  • ⁇ represents the angle between the two legs (1 ') and (3').
  • Figure 4 shows the. Particle (1 ') of Figure 3 in section IV - IV.
  • (C') means the thickness.
  • the packing behavior of foamed plastic particles is essentially determined by the bulk density, the void volume and the flowability.
  • the cylinder drop test provides an additional important statement.
  • the test funnel consisted of sheet metal with a smooth surface, had a slide in the outlet and had the following dimensions: Such a test funnel is described, for example, in "Technical Delivery Conditions TL 8135-0032, Edition 2 (March 1982)", pp. 1 to 6 of the Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement of the Federal Republic of Germany.
  • the upper edge of the measuring cup was then wiped off with a ruler.
  • the net weight divided by 10 gave the bulk density of the unshaken bed in grams per liter.
  • the measuring cup described under 1) was filled with packaging particles in free fall with the aid of the test funnel also described under 1). During the filling process, the measuring cup was continuously pushed onto a solid surface at short intervals until no further volume contraction of the bed took place. The measuring cup was then wiped off with a ruler. The net weight divided by 10 gave the bulk density of the shaken bed in grams per liter.
  • the above measuring cup was filled with packaging particles as described under 1). After painting over the top of the measuring cup with a ruler the measuring cup is closed with a wire strainer. Then the measuring cup was immersed in water and rotated on all sides so that all the voids in the bed filled with water. The volume of water required to fill the cavities corresponded to the cavity volume of the unshaken bed.
  • Said measuring cup was, as listed under 2), filled and shaken to the tightest particle packing.
  • the measuring cup was then immersed in water and rotated on all sides so that all of the cavities were filled with water.
  • the volume of water required to fill the cavities corresponded to the cavity volume of the vibrated bed.
  • a steel cylinder weighing 1.65 kg (diameter 44 mm, length 140 mm) was dropped from a height of 1 m into a container filled with packaging particles and briefly shaken (diameter above: 420 mm; diameter below: 360 mm; filling height: 370 mm).
  • the cylinder hitting with the horizontal longitudinal axis only caused a short-term deformation of the packing material particle bed and then jumped back dampened from the level of the filling level.
  • the steel cylinder only slightly penetrated the bed the second time it hit the bed, but remained fixed in this position (Table 1, packing material I).
  • the distance from the level of the filling level to the penetrated lower metal line of the steel cylinder is given as the penetration depth in cm.
  • This assessment criterion makes it easy to differentiate the packing and fixing properties of packing materials. If there is no spring-back when the steel cylinder hits the bed for the first time, the depth of penetration is always greater than that of packing materials which, due to their good interlocking and cushioning properties, force the steel cylinder to spring back and only very small depths of penetration on the bed of the second or third impact result from the springback.
  • Table 1 shows that the packaging material particles I according to the invention are superior to the particles A in terms of bulk density, void volume, cylinder drop test, penetration depth and trickle time.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Porous Articles, And Recovery And Treatment Of Waste Products (AREA)
  • Organic Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds And Preparation Thereof (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Molding Of Porous Articles (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Sealing Material Composition (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a plastics granular material of foamable particles which are derived from a star-shaped basic body with at least three limbs lying in a plane, the particles having at least one orifice. Preferably, these granular material particles are provided with three limbs and each limb is provided with an orifice. Furthermore, the invention has as its subject a packaging material which is obtained by foaming of the said plastics granular material. This packaging material displays a lower bulk density, improved pourability with simultaneously improved packing effect (good packaging properties, large void volume).

Description

Pack- oder Füllmaterialien aus losen aufgeschäumten Kunststoffteilchen sind bekannt und werden in großen Mengen eingesetzt. Maßgebend dafür sind vor allem ihre Staubfreiheit, die Widerstandsfähigkeit gegen Feuchtigkeit und Schimmelbildung, die Abriebfestigkeit und ihr inertes Verhalten gegenüber dem Verpackungsgut sowie ihr geringes Gewicht. Üblicherweise werden solche Kunststoffteilchen als kompakte, treibmittelhaltige, nichtaufgeschäumte Granulate zur Verfügung gestellt und erst im Verpackungsbetrieb nach bekannten Verfahren zur endgültigen Form aufgeschäumt.Packing or filling materials made of loose foamed plastic particles are known and are used in large quantities. The main reasons for this are their freedom from dust, resistance to moisture and mold, abrasion resistance and their inert behavior towards the packaged goods as well as their low weight. Such plastic particles are usually made available as compact, blowing agent-containing, non-foamed granules and are only foamed to the final shape by known methods in the packaging plant.

Die Wirkung der geschäumten Kunststoffteilchen als Packmaterial beruht darauf, daß sie nach dem Einbetten des Verpackungsgutes sich gegenseitig verhaken bzw. verzahnen.und zudem ein großes Hohlraumvolumen einschließen. Das Hohlraumvolumen ist dabei das von den Teilchen eingeschlossene, aber nicht ausgefüllte Volumen bei der Schüttung zum Haufwerk. Dadurch wird eine Art "federnde Hülle" um.das Gut gebildet. Die gegenseitige Verzahnung bei gleichzeitiger Bildung eines großen Hohlraumvolumens ist besonders wichtig, um das "Wandern" des verpackten Gegenstandes durch die Packmittelteilchen infolge der Transporterschütterung zu verhindern und eine optimale bleibende "Federwirkung" zu erreichen.The effect of the foamed plastic particles as packaging material is based on the fact that they interlock or interlock with each other after the packaging goods have been embedded and also include a large void volume. The void volume is the volume enclosed, but not filled, by the particles when the material is poured into the pile. This creates a kind of "resilient shell" around the goods. The mutual interlocking with the simultaneous formation of a large void volume is particularly important in order to prevent the packaged article from "wandering" through the packaging particles as a result of the transporter vibration and to achieve an optimal permanent "spring effect".

Im Gegensatz zu der Fähigkeit, sich mit anderen Teilchen zu verzahnen und dabei ein großes Hohlraumvolumen zu bilden, steht die Forderung, daß die das Packmaterial bildenden Teilchen zugleich auch eine gute Rieselfähigkeit aufweisen. Die leichten, geschäumten Kunststoffteilchen werden nämlich üblicherweise aus Vorratsilos in freiem Fall in die jeweiligen Packbehältnisse eingebracht. Dazu ist eine einwandfreie Rieselfähigkeit der Teilchen Voraussetzung, da andernfalls durch Verhaken der Teilchen eine "Brückenbildung" im Vorratsbunker stattfindet und das gleichmäßige Ausfließen und damit die Mengendosierung der Teilchen gestört oder verhindert wird. Besonders bei vollautomatischen Verpackungsanlagen führt dies zu empfindlichen Störungen.In contrast to the ability to interlock with other particles and thereby form a large void volume, there is a requirement that the particles forming the packaging material also have good flow properties. The light, foamed plastic particles are usually made from storage silos inserted into the respective packaging containers in free fall. To this end, the particles must be able to flow freely, since otherwise the particles become "bridged" in the storage bunker and the uniform outflow and thus the quantity metering of the particles is disturbed or prevented. In the case of fully automatic packaging systems in particular, this leads to sensitive faults.

Man hat versucht, durch bestimmte Formgebung der geschäumten Kunststoffteilchen diese sich widersprechenden Anforderungen an das Packmaterial zu erfüllen, also bei großem Hohlraumvolumen und guter Verhakung oder Verzahnung der Teilchen im Verpackungsbehältnis zugleich eine gute Rieselfähigkeit bei der Entnahme aus dem Vorratsbehälter zu erreichen. Als Beispiele für die Form der Teilchen seien genannt: S-Form, Y-Form, Sternform, gewellte längliche oder runde Blättchen, Ringe, aufgeschlitzte Ringe, 8-förmige Hohlkörper, spiralige Körper, Teilchen in der Form von Kartoffel-Chips, Halbkugeln, sattelförmige Teilchen, hantelförmige Teilchen und Flocken.Attempts have been made to meet these contradicting requirements for the packaging material by a specific shape of the foamed plastic particles, that is to say, with a large void volume and good interlocking or interlocking of the particles in the packaging container, at the same time to achieve good flowability when removed from the storage container. Examples of the shape of the particles are: S-shape, Y-shape, star shape, wavy oblong or round leaflets, rings, slit rings, 8-shaped hollow bodies, spiral bodies, particles in the form of potato chips, hemispheres, saddle-shaped particles, dumbbell-shaped particles and flakes.

Die vorstehend genannten Teilchenformen zeigen zwar häufig zufriedenstellende Verzahnungseigenschaften bei annehmbarer Rieseleigenschaft, jedoch bleibt das für das Packverhalten wesentliche Hohlraumvolumen unter der erwünschten Größe.Although the particle shapes mentioned above frequently show satisfactory toothing properties with an acceptable pouring property, the void volume that is essential for the packing behavior remains below the desired size.

Aufgabe der Erfindung war es daher, die Nachteile der bekannten Teilchenformen zu vermeiden und insbesondere ein verschäumtes Kunststoffgranulat bereitzustellen, das nach dem Aufschäumen ein Packmaterial ergibt, das eine gute Rieselfähigkeit, eine gute Verzahnungseigenschaft und zugleich ein großes Hohlraumvolumen der Schüttung aufweist. Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe schlägt die Erfindung ein Kunststoffgranulat aus verschäumbaren Teilchen in Sternform vor, das dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, daß es überwiegend aus Teilchen besteht, die sich von einem stern- bzw. kleeblattförmigen Grundkörper mit mindestens drei in einer Ebene liegenden Schenkeln ableiten, wobei die Teilchen zumindest eine Auslassung (ein Loch) aufweisen.The object of the invention was therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the known particle shapes and, in particular, to provide foamed plastic granules which, after foaming, result in a packaging material which has good flow properties, good toothing properties and at the same time a large void volume of the bed. To achieve this object, the invention proposes a plastic granulate made of foamable particles in a star shape, which is characterized in that it mainly consists of particles which are derived from a star or cloverleaf-shaped base body with at least three legs lying in one plane, the Particles have at least one omission (hole).

Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin die Verwendung dieser verschäumbaren Kunststoffgranulate zur Herstellung von entsprechend aufgeschäumten Packmaterialien sowie die so erhaltenen aufgeschäumten Packmaterialien selbst.The invention further relates to the use of these foamable plastic granules for the production of appropriately foamed packaging materials and to the foamed packaging materials themselves.

Die Zahl der Schenkel beträgt erfindungsgemäß mindestens drei, insbesondere drei, vier, fünf oder sechs. Bevorzugt sind erfindungsgemäß Granulattteilchen, die drei- oder sechsschenkelig ausgebildet sind.According to the invention, the number of legs is at least three, in particular three, four, five or six. According to the invention, preference is given to granular particles which have three or six legs.

Die Auslassung(en) der erfindungsgemäßen Granulatteilchen kann (können) sich in einem der Schenkel oder im Zentrum der Granulatteilchen befinden. Bevorzugt sind erfindungsgemäß Teilen, die in allen Schenkeln Auslassungen aufweisen; bevorzugt sind weiterhin solche Teilchen, bei denen sich die Auslassung nur im Zentrum befindet, was insbesondere für sechsschenkelige Teilchen gilt. Sofern die Auslassungen nur relativ klein sind und sich deren Größe im unteren Teil der nachstehend genannten Bereiche bewegt, kann es in manchen Fällen günstig sein, neben den Auslassungen in den Schenkeln auch noch eine Auslassung im Zentrum der Ganulatteilchen anzubringen.The outlet (s) of the granule particles according to the invention can be located in one of the legs or in the center of the granule particles. According to the invention, parts are preferred which have omissions in all legs; further preferred are those particles in which the omission is only in the center, which applies in particular to six-legged particles. If the omissions are only relatively small and their size is in the lower part of the ranges mentioned below, it may be advantageous in some cases to add an omission in the center of the ganulate particles in addition to the omissions in the legs.

Die Auslassungen haben vorzugsweise überwiegend runde bis ovale oder linsenförmige Form; jedoch sind grundsätzlich auch andere Formgebungen, wie Vielecke, beispielsweise Dreiecke, Vierecke, Sechsecke etc. möglich. Die Größe dieser Auslassungen ist im allgemeinen so bemessen, daß deren Fläche etwa 25 % bis eta 75 %, vorzugsweise 30 % bis 60 % beträgt, bezogen auf die jeweilige Schenkelfläche bzw. auf die Gesamtfläche bei nur einer Auslassung im Zentrum. Der Durchmesser bzw. die größte lichte Weite dieser Auslassungen liegt zumeist bei 0,2 bis 2,0 mm, vorzugsweise 0,3 bis 1,5 mm.The omissions are preferably predominantly round to oval or lenticular in shape; however, other shapes, such as polygons, for example triangles, quadrangles, hexagons, etc., are also possible in principle. The size of these omissions is generally such that their area is about 25% to about 75%, preferably 30% to 60%, based on the respective leg area or the total area with only one omission in the center. The diameter or the largest clear width of these omissions is usually 0.2 to 2.0 mm, preferably 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

Die Wanddicke (Schnittlänge) der erfindungsgemäßen Granulatteilchen liegt im allgemeinen im Bereich von 2,5 bis 7,0 mm, vorzugsweise 3,0 bis 6,0 mm.The wall thickness (cutting length) of the granulate particles according to the invention is generally in the range from 2.5 to 7.0 mm, preferably 3.0 to 6.0 mm.

Die Maße (A), (B) und (C) im Falle von dreischenkeligen Granulatteilchen (vgl. Figuren 1 und 2) betragen zumeist 4 bis 6,5 mm, 4 bis 6 mm und 2,5 bis 7 mm. Die entsprechenden Vorzugswerte liegen bei 4,5 bis 6 mm (A), 4,5 bis 5,5 mm (B) und 3 bis 6 mm (C). Der Winkel α zwischen den Schenkeln 1 und 2 (Fig. 1) bewegt sich zweckmäßigerweise zwischen 100 und 140°, vorzugsweise 110 und 130°.The dimensions (A), (B) and (C) in the case of three-legged granulate particles (see FIGS. 1 and 2) are usually 4 to 6.5 mm, 4 to 6 mm and 2.5 to 7 mm. The corresponding preferred values are 4.5 to 6 mm (A), 4.5 to 5.5 mm (B) and 3 to 6 mm (C). The angle α between the legs 1 and 2 (FIG. 1) expediently moves between 100 and 140 °, preferably 110 and 130 °.

Im allgemeinen beträgt bei dreischenkeligen Granulatteilchen das Verhältnis von (A) zu (B) 1:0,6 bis 1:1,5, vorzugsweise 1:0,75 bis 1:1,25,das Verhältnis von (A) zu (C) 1:0,4 bis 1:1,75 vorzugsweise 1:0,5 bis 1:1,4 und das Verhältnis (B) zu (C) 1:0,4 bis 1:1,75 vorzugsweise 1:0,6 bis 1:1,35.In general, in the case of three-legged granulate particles, the ratio of (A) to (B) is 1: 0.6 to 1: 1.5, preferably 1: 0.75 to 1: 1.25, the ratio of (A) to (C ) 1: 0.4 to 1: 1.75 preferably 1: 0.5 to 1: 1.4 and the ratio (B) to (C) 1: 0.4 to 1: 1.75 preferably 1: 0, 6 to 1: 1.35.

Die Maße, Winkel und Maßverhältnisse bei den vier-, fünf-, sechs- und mehrschenkeligen Teilchen liegen ganz entsprechend.The dimensions, angles and proportions of the four-, five-, six- and multi-legged particles are quite appropriate.

Wie ausgeführt, liegen die Schenkel der erfindungsgemäßen Granulatteilchen in einer Ebene. Ohne den Rahmen der Erfindung zu verlassen, kann zumindest ein Teil davon jedoch auch eine geringfügige Verwölbung aufweisen, etwa derart, daß alle Schenkel in der gleichen Richtung von einer gedachten Ebene abweichen. Daneben können in manchen Teilchen einzelne Schenkel auch entgegengesetzt zueinander gekrümmt sein. Der Krümmungswinkel (Abweichung von der Ebene) beträgt maximal 20', vorzugsweise maximal 10°.As stated, the legs of the granulate particles according to the invention lie in one plane. Without departing from the scope of the invention, however, at least some of it can also have a slight curvature, for example in such a way that all the legs deviate from an imaginary plane in the same direction. In addition, in man Chen particles individual legs can also be curved opposite to each other. The angle of curvature (deviation from the plane) is a maximum of 20 ', preferably a maximum of 10 °.

Als Kunststoffe für die erfindungsgemäßen Teilchen eignen sich die üblicherweise für Packmaterialien verwendeten Thermoplaste, wie z.B. Styrolpolymerisate, Polyolefine wie Polyäthylen, VC-Polymerisate und dergleichen. Bevorzugt wird Polystyrol eingesetzt.Suitable thermoplastics for the particles according to the invention are the thermoplastics commonly used for packaging materials, such as e.g. Styrene polymers, polyolefins such as polyethylene, VC polymers and the like. Polystyrene is preferably used.

Die Herstellung dieses verschäumbaren, treibmittelhaltigen, kompakten Kunststoffgranulats erfolgt in bekannter Weise durch Aufschmelzen des Kunststoffes in einer Strangpresse, Eindosieren eines geeigneten Treibmittels unter Druck in die Kunststoffschmelze, Auspressen der treibmittelhaItigen Schmelze durch eine entsprechende sternförmige (kleeblattähnliche) Formöffnung und anschließendes Granulieren. Diese Formöffnung ist mit Formkernen (Dornen) versehen, deren Form und Anzahl denen der gewünschten Auslassungen entspricht. Um ein Aufschäumen bei der Extrusion zu verhindern, werden die aus der Strangpresse austretenden Stränge rasch, zweckmäßigerweise durch ein Wasserbad, abgekühlt. Die Länge der günstigsten Wasserbadstrecke und die Abzugsgeschwindigkeit der Stränge lassen sich für den Fachmann leicht durch einige wenige Routineversuche ermitteln. Anschließend werden die gekühlten Stränge senkrecht zur Abzugsrichtung in Teilchen der oben angegebenen Dicke geschnitten. Die Strangtemperatur sollte dabei zweckmäßigerweise so gewählt werden, daß der Anteil an Staub und Splittern beim Schneiden möglichst gering ist.This foamable, blowing agent-containing, compact plastic granulate is produced in a known manner by melting the plastic in an extrusion press, metering in a suitable blowing agent under pressure into the plastic melt, pressing out the blowing agent-containing melt through a corresponding star-shaped (cloverleaf-like) mold opening and subsequent granulation. This mold opening is provided with mold cores (thorns), the shape and number of which corresponds to that of the desired omissions. In order to prevent foaming during extrusion, the strands emerging from the extrusion press are cooled rapidly, expediently by means of a water bath. The length of the cheapest water bath route and the withdrawal speed of the strands can easily be determined for the person skilled in the art by means of a few routine tests. The chilled strands are then cut perpendicularly to the take-off direction into particles of the thickness specified above. The strand temperature should expediently be chosen so that the proportion of dust and splinters when cutting is as low as possible.

Die so entstandenen expandierbaren Teilchen können durch Erwärmen über ihren Erweichungspunkt, z.B. durch Wasserdampf, zu den erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterialkörpern aufgeschäumt werden. Üblicherweise wird diese Verschäumung erst beim Verbraucher ausgeführt. Anstelle eines physikalischen Treibmittels kann dem Kunststoff auch vor der Extrusion ein chemisches Treibmittel, das beim Erwärmen Gase, z.B. Wasserdampf, Kohlensäure oder Stickstoff abspaltet, eingemischt werden.The expandable particles formed in this way can be foamed to the packaging material bodies according to the invention by heating above their softening point, for example by steam. Usually this foaming only carried out at the consumer. Instead of a physical blowing agent, a chemical blowing agent can also be mixed into the plastic before extrusion, which releases gases, for example water vapor, carbonic acid or nitrogen, when heated.

Das erhaltene Packmaterial besteht überwiegend, vorzugsweise zu mehr als 90 % und insbesondere zu mehr als 95 % aus Teilchen der oben beschriebenen Form, d.h. der Form eines sternförmigen Teilchens mit drei, vier, fünf oder mehr, vorzugsweise drei oder sechs in einer Ebene liegenden Schenkeln, wobei jeder Schenkel mindestens eine Auslassung (ein Loch) aufweist. Geringe Abweichungen von der ebenen Form sind auch hier, wie bei den Granulatteilchen beschrieben, möglich.The packaging material obtained consists predominantly, preferably more than 90% and in particular more than 95% of particles of the form described above, i.e. in the form of a star-shaped particle with three, four, five or more, preferably three or six legs lying in one plane, each leg having at least one opening (a hole). Slight deviations from the flat shape are also possible here, as described for the granulate particles.

Die Wanddicke der Teilchen des erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterials beträgt im allgemeinen 8 bis 20 mm, vorzugsweise 10 bis 16 mm, wobei die Wanddicke im Zentrum des Teilchens im allgemeinen am größten ist und zu den Randbereichen abfällt. Unter Umständen kann dieser Abfall bis zu 70 x, insbesondere bis zu 50 % betragen.The wall thickness of the particles of the packaging material according to the invention is generally 8 to 20 mm, preferably 10 to 16 mm, the wall thickness generally being greatest in the center of the particle and falling towards the edge regions. Under certain circumstances, this drop can be up to 70 x, in particular up to 50%.

Die Maße (A'),(B') und (C') im Falle von dreischenkeligen Teilchen (vgl. Figuren 3 bis 5) betragen zumeist 16 bis 40 mm, 16 bis 40 mm und 8 bis 20 mm. Die entsprechenden Vorzugswerte liegen bei 20 bis 38 mm (A'), 18 bis 36 mm (B') und 10 bis 18 mm (C'). Der Winkel a' zwischen den Schenkeln 2 und 4 (Fig. 3) bewegt sich zweckmäßigerweise zwischen 100 und 140°,vorzugsweise 100 und 130°.The dimensions (A '), (B') and (C ') in the case of three-legged particles (cf. FIGS. 3 to 5) are usually 16 to 40 mm, 16 to 40 mm and 8 to 20 mm. The corresponding preferred values are 20 to 38 mm (A '), 18 to 36 mm (B') and 10 to 18 mm (C '). The angle a 'between the legs 2 and 4 (FIG. 3) expediently moves between 100 and 140 °, preferably 100 and 130 °.

Im allgemeinen beträgt bei dreischenkeligen Teilchen das Verhältnis von (A') zu (B') 1:0,4 bis 1:2,5, vorzugsweise 1:0,5 bis 1:1,8, das Verhältnis von (A') zu (C') 1:0,2 bis 1:1,25, vorzugsweise 1:0,26 bis 1:0,9 und das Verhältnis (B') zu (C') 1:0,2 bis 1:1,25, vorzugsweise 1:0,25 bis 1:1. Die Maße, Winkel und Maßverhältnisse bei den vier-, fünf-, sechs- und mehrschenkeligen Teilchen liegen ganz entsprechend.In general, in the case of three-legged particles, the ratio of (A ') to (B') is 1: 0.4 to 1: 2.5, preferably 1: 0.5 to 1: 1.8, the ratio of (A ') to (C ') 1: 0.2 to 1: 1.25, preferably 1: 0.26 to 1: 0.9 and the ratio (B') to (C ') 1: 0.2 to 1: 1 , 25, preferably 1: 0.25 to 1: 1. The dimensions, angles and proportions of the four-, five-, six- and multi-legged particles are quite corresponding.

Die Auslassungen in den Packmaterialteilchen sind - entsprechend denen in den Granulatteilchen - vorzugsweise rund, oval und/oder linsenförmig und finden sich vorzugsweise auf allen Schenkeln oder nur das Zentrum weist vorzugsweise eine Auslassung auf. Die Fläche dieser Auslassung(en) beträgt in der Regel etwa 25 % bis etwa 75 %, vorzugsweise 30 % bis 60 %, bezogen auf die jeweiligen Schenkelflächen bzw. auf die Gesamtfläche. Der Durchmesser bzw. die größte lichte Weite dieser Auslassung(en) liegt zumeist bei 3 bis 15 mm, vorzugsweise 6 bis 12 mm. Entsprechend den Granulatteilchen kann auch bei den Packmaterialteilchen deren Zentrum gegebenenfalls auch noch eine Auslassung aufweisen. Grundsätzlich ist die Größe der Auslassungen in den Packmaterialteilchen, wie auch in den Granulatteilchen, nicht kritisch und kann größere oder kleinere Werte als die vorstehend angegebenen Prozentzahlen einnehmen, dann jedoch unter Inkaufnahme gewisser Nachteile.The omissions in the packaging material particles are - corresponding to those in the granulate particles - preferably round, oval and / or lenticular and are preferably found on all legs or only the center preferably has an omission. The area of this omission (s) is generally about 25% to about 75%, preferably 30% to 60%, based on the respective leg surfaces or on the total area. The diameter or the largest clear width of this omission (s) is usually 3 to 15 mm, preferably 6 to 12 mm. According to the granulate particles, the center of the packaging material particles may also have an omission. In principle, the size of the omissions in the packaging material particles, as also in the granulate particles, is not critical and can assume values that are larger or smaller than the percentages given above, but then with certain disadvantages.

Die Oberfläche der Packmaterialteilchen enthält je nach Aufschäumgrad etc. eine mehr oder weniger große Zahl von Aufbrüchen (Kratern), die durch das entweichende Treibmittel entstanden sind.Depending on the degree of foaming, etc., the surface of the packaging material particles contains a more or less large number of cracks (craters), which are caused by the escaping blowing agent.

Das Hohlraumvolumen der ungerüttelten Schüttung des erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterials (bestimmt nach der weiter unten beschriebenen Meßmethode) beträgt im allgemeinen mehr als 60 %, vorzugsweise 65 bis 90 %, insbesondere 65 bis 80 x. Durch die sternförmige, mit Auslassungen versehene Gestalt der erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterialkörper wird nicht nur ein besonders großes Hohlraumvolumen der Schüttung gebildet, sondern darüber hinaus ergibt sich ein elastisches Verformungsverhalten der Teilchen, ohne daß eine bleibende Deformation oder gar eine Zerstörung der Schaumstruktur eintritt.The void volume of the unshaken bed of the packaging material according to the invention (determined by the measuring method described below) is generally more than 60%, preferably 65 to 90%, in particular 65 to 80 ×. The star-shaped, omitted shape of the packing material body according to the invention not only forms a particularly large cavity volume of the bed, but also results in an elastic deformation behavior of the particles without permanent deformation or even destruction of the foam structure.

Das erfindungsgemäße Packmaterial kann die üblichen Zusatzstoffe wie Flammschutzmittel, UV- und Wärmestabilisatoren, Farbstoffe und äußerlich aufzubringende Ausrüstungsmittel in den üblichen Mengen enthalten. Die Erfindung wird anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Die Figuren 1 und 2 stellen dabei ein verschäumbares , dreischenkeliges Granulatteilchen in starker Vergrößerung dar, während die Figuren 3 bis 5 das daraus durch Verschäumen gewonnene Teilchen des erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterials betreffen. Die Figuren 5 bis 9 geben andere erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltungsformen von aufgeschäumten Teilchen wieder.The packaging material according to the invention can contain the usual additives such as flame retardants, UV and heat stabilizers, dyes and external agents in the usual amounts. The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 and 2 represent a foamable, three-legged granulate in high magnification, while Figures 3 to 5 relate to the particles of the packaging material according to the invention obtained by foaming. Figures 5 to 9 show other embodiments of foamed particles according to the invention.

In Figur 1, die eine Vorderansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Granulatteilchens (1) zeigt, bedeuten (2), (3) und (4) die drei Schenkel des Teilchens und (5) die Auslassungen. (A), (B) und (C) geben die Maße des Teilchens in den drei Raumrichtungen wieder. α stellt den Winkel zwischen den beiden Schenkeln (2) und (4) dar.In Figure 1, which shows a front view of a granule particle (1) according to the invention, (2), (3) and (4) mean the three legs of the particle and (5) the omissions. (A), (B) and (C) represent the dimensions of the particle in the three spatial directions. α represents the angle between the two legs (2) and (4).

Figur 2 zeigt das Teilchen (1) der Figur 1 in der Seitenansicht. (C) bedeutet darin die Wanddicke (Schnittlänge).Figure 2 shows the particle (1) of Figure 1 in side view. (C) means the wall thickness (cutting length).

Figur 3 stellt ein Teilchen (1') des erfindungsgemäßen Verpackungsmaterials dar, das durch Verschäumen des Granulatteilchens (1) der Figur 1 entstanden ist. (2'), (3') und (4') bedeuten wiederum die drei Schenkel, (5') die Auslassungen, während (A'), (B') und (C') die Maße dieses Teilchens in den drei Raumrichtungen ausdrücken. α gibt den Winkel zwischen den beiden Schenkeln (1') und (3') wieder.FIG. 3 shows a particle (1 ') of the packaging material according to the invention, which was created by foaming the granulate particle (1) of FIG. 1. (2 '), (3') and (4 ') again mean the three legs, (5') the omissions, while (A '), (B') and (C ') the dimensions of this particle in the three spatial directions express. α represents the angle between the two legs (1 ') and (3').

Die Figur 4 zeigt das.Teilchen (1') der Figur 3 im Schnitt IV - IV. (C') bedeutet darin die Dicke.Figure 4 shows the. Particle (1 ') of Figure 3 in section IV - IV. (C') means the thickness.

BeispieleExamples

Das Packverhalten von geschäumten Kunststoffteilchen wird im wesentlichen bestimmt durch die Schüttdichte, das Hohlraumvolumen und die Rieselfähigkeit. Eine zusätzlich wichtige Aussage gibt der Zylinderfalltest.The packing behavior of foamed plastic particles is essentially determined by the bulk density, the void volume and the flowability. The cylinder drop test provides an additional important statement.

In der folgenden Tabelle 1 sind diese das Packverhalten bestimmende Werte des erfindungsgemäßen Packmaterials denen des Packmaterials gemäß der DE-Offenlegunsschrift 2.848.338 gegenübergestellt.In the following Table 1, these values of the packing material according to the invention, which determine the packing behavior, are compared with those of the packing material according to DE-Offenlegunsschrift 2.848.338.

Die Prüfungen wurden folgendermaßen durchgeführt und sind in der Tabelle 1 zusammengefaßt:The tests were carried out as follows and are summarized in Table 1:

1. Ermittlung der Schüttdichtezunahme der Schüttung durch Rütteln 1st Determination of the bulk density increase of the bed by shaking

Ein Meßbecher mit 10 Liter Inhalt und den Abmessungen D = 189 mm e und H = 357 mm wurde unter Zuhilfenahme eines Testtrichters mit Packmittelteilchen im freien Fall gefüllt. Der Testtrichter bestand aus Metallblech mit glatter Oberfläche, besaß im Auslauf einen Schieber und hatte folgende Abmessungen:

Figure imgb0001
Ein derartiger Testtrichter ist beispielsweise beschrieben in "Technische Lieferbedingungen TL 8135-0032, Ausgabe 2 (März 1982)", S. 1 bis 6 des Bundesamtes für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung der BR-Deutschland.A measuring beaker with a content of 10 liters and dimensions D = 189 mm e and H = 357 mm was filled with packaging particles in free fall with the aid of a test funnel. The test funnel consisted of sheet metal with a smooth surface, had a slide in the outlet and had the following dimensions:
Figure imgb0001
 Such a test funnel is described, for example, in "Technical Delivery Conditions TL 8135-0032, Edition 2 (March 1982)", pp. 1 to 6 of the Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Danach wurde die Oberkante des Meßbechers mit einem Lineal abgestrichen. Das Nettogewicht dividiert durch 10 ergab die Schüttdichte der ungerüttelten Schüttung in Gramm je Liter.The upper edge of the measuring cup was then wiped off with a ruler. The net weight divided by 10 gave the bulk density of the unshaken bed in grams per liter.

2. Ermittlung der Schüttdichte der gerüttelten Schüttung:2. Determination of the bulk density of the vibrated bed:

Der unter 1) beschriebene Meßbecher wurde unter Zuhilfenahme des ebenfalls unter 1) beschriebenen Testtrichters mit Packmittelteilchen im freien Fall gefüllt. Während des Füllvorganges wurde der Meßbecher ständig in kurzen Abständen so lange auf einer massiven Unterlage aufgestoßen, bis keine weitere Volumenkontraktion der Schüttung mehr erfolgte. Danach wurde der Meßbecher mit einem Lineal abgestrichen. Das Nettogewicht dividiert durch 10 ergab die Schüttdichte der gerüttelten Schüttung in Gramm je Liter.The measuring cup described under 1) was filled with packaging particles in free fall with the aid of the test funnel also described under 1). During the filling process, the measuring cup was continuously pushed onto a solid surface at short intervals until no further volume contraction of the bed took place. The measuring cup was then wiped off with a ruler. The net weight divided by 10 gave the bulk density of the shaken bed in grams per liter.

3. Ermittlung der Verdichtung der Schüttung durch Rütteln (Rüttelverdichtung):3.Determining the compaction of the bed by shaking (vibrating compaction):

Die Verdichtung der Schüttung durch Rütteln ergab sich aus dem Quotienten
(Schüttdichte gerüttelte Schüttung - Schüttdichte ungerüttelte Schüttung) . 100/Schüttdichte ungerüttelte Schüttung
in den vorliegenden Fällen zu:

Figure imgb0002
The compaction of the bed by shaking resulted from the quotient
(Bulk density of vibrated bed - bulk density of unshaken bed). 100 / bulk density of unshaken bulk
in the present cases to:
Figure imgb0002

4. Ermittlung ds Hohlraumvolumens der ungerüttelten Schüttung.4. Determination of the void volume of the unshaken bed.

Der obige Meßbecher wurde wie unter 1) geschildert mit Packmittelteilchen gefüllt. Nach dem Überstreichen der Meßbecheroberkante mit einem Lineal wurde der Meßbecher mit einem Drahtsieb verschlossen. Dann wurde der Meßbecher unter Wasser getaucht und allseitig so gedreht, daß sich alle Hohlräume der Schüttung mit Wasser füllten. Das zum Füllen der Hohlräume erforderliche Wasservolumen entsprach dem Hohlraumvolumen der ungerüttelten Schüttung.The above measuring cup was filled with packaging particles as described under 1). After painting over the top of the measuring cup with a ruler the measuring cup is closed with a wire strainer. Then the measuring cup was immersed in water and rotated on all sides so that all the voids in the bed filled with water. The volume of water required to fill the cavities corresponded to the cavity volume of the unshaken bed.

5. Ermittlung des Hohlraumvolumens der gerüttelten Schüttung.5. Determination of the void volume of the vibrated bed.

Der besagte Meßbecher wurde, wie unter 2) aufgeführt, gefüllt und bis zur dichtesten Teilchenpackung gerüttelt. Danach wurde der Meßbecher unter Wasser getaucht und allseitig so gedreht, daß sich alle Hohlräume mit Wasser füllten. Das zum Füllen der Hohlräume erforderliche Wasservolumen entsprach dem Hohlraumvolumen der gerüttelten Schüttung.Said measuring cup was, as listed under 2), filled and shaken to the tightest particle packing. The measuring cup was then immersed in water and rotated on all sides so that all of the cavities were filled with water. The volume of water required to fill the cavities corresponded to the cavity volume of the vibrated bed.

6. Ermittlung der Rieselzeit (Fließverhalten):6. Determination of the trickle time (flow behavior):

Dieser Versuch wurde fünfmal durchgeführt. Die Schaumstoffteilchen wurden dabei bis zur Gewichtskonstanz auf Normklima 23/50-2 DIN 50 014 klimatisiert. Der Auslauf des unter 1) beschriebenen Trichters wurde durch den Schieber verschlossen und mit dem zu prüfenden Material bis zum Rand gefüllt. Anschließend wurde der Schieber herausgezogen und die Zeit bis zum vollständigen Auslaufen gemessen.This experiment was carried out five times. The foam particles were conditioned to constant weight in a standard climate 23 / 50-2 DIN 50 014. The outlet of the funnel described under 1) was closed by the slide and filled to the brim with the material to be tested. The slide was then pulled out and the time taken for it to drain completely was measured.

7. Ermittlung der Eindringtiefe beim Zylinderfalltest:7.Determining the depth of penetration in the cylinder drop test:

Die hierzu benutzte Versuchsanordnung ist beschrieben in der Firmenbroschüre der HOECHST AG "(R)Hostastar" (Ausgabe September 1981).The experimental setup used for this is described in the company brochure of HOECHST A G "(R) Hostastar" (September 1981 edition).

Ein 1,65 kg schwerer Stahlzylinder (Durchmesser 44 mm, Länge 140 mm) wurde aus 1 m Höhe in einen mit Packmittelteilchen gefüllten und kurz angerüttelten Behälter (Durchmesser oben: 420 mm; Durchmesser unten: 360 mm; Füllhöhe: 370 mm) fallengelassen.A steel cylinder weighing 1.65 kg (diameter 44 mm, length 140 mm) was dropped from a height of 1 m into a container filled with packaging particles and briefly shaken (diameter above: 420 mm; diameter below: 360 mm; filling height: 370 mm).

Der mit waagerechter Längsachse auftreffende Zylinder bewirkte lediglich eine kurzfristige Deformation der Packmittelteilchenschüttung und sprang dann vom Niveau der Füllhöhe gedämpft zurück. Erst beim zweiten Auftreffen auf die Schüttung drang der Stahlzylinder geringfügig in die Schüttung ein, blieb aber in dieser Position fixiert (Tabelle 1, Packmaterial I). Der Ab- stand vom Niveau der Füllhöhe bis zur eingedrungenen unteren Metallinie des Stahlzylinders wird als Eindringtiefe in cm angegeben.The cylinder hitting with the horizontal longitudinal axis only caused a short-term deformation of the packing material particle bed and then jumped back dampened from the level of the filling level. The steel cylinder only slightly penetrated the bed the second time it hit the bed, but remained fixed in this position (Table 1, packing material I). The distance from the level of the filling level to the penetrated lower metal line of the steel cylinder is given as the penetration depth in cm.

8. Zurückfedern des Zylinders von der Oberfläche der Schüttung.8. Spring back of the cylinder from the surface of the bed.

Mit diesem Beurteilungskriterium lassen sich die Pack- und Fixiereigenschaften von Packmittelschüttungen gut differenzieren. Erfolgt keine Rückfederung beim ersten Auftreffen des Stahlzylinders auf die Schüttung, so ist stets die Eindringtiefe größer als bei Packmittelschüttungen, die aufgrund ihrer guten Verhakungs-und Polstereigenschaften den Stahlzylinder zur Rückfederung zwingen und nur sehr geringe Eindringtiefen beim zweiten bzw. dritten Aufprall auf die Schüttung der aus der Rückfederung resultiert, zulassen.This assessment criterion makes it easy to differentiate the packing and fixing properties of packing materials. If there is no spring-back when the steel cylinder hits the bed for the first time, the depth of penetration is always greater than that of packing materials which, due to their good interlocking and cushioning properties, force the steel cylinder to spring back and only very small depths of penetration on the bed of the second or third impact result from the springback.

Figure imgb0003
Aus der Tabelle 1 geht hervor, daß die erfindungsgemäßen Packmittelteilchen I in Schüttdichte, Hohlraumvolumen, Zylinderfalltest, Eindringtiefe und Rieselzeit den Teilchen A überlegen sind.
Figure imgb0003
 Table 1 shows that the packaging material particles I according to the invention are superior to the particles A in terms of bulk density, void volume, cylinder drop test, penetration depth and trickle time.

Claims (16)

1. Kunststoffgranulat aus verschäumbaren Teilchen in Sternform, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Kunststoffgranulat überwiegend aus Teilchen besteht, die sich von einem stern- bzw. kleeblattförmigen Grundkörper mit mindestens drei in einer Ebene liegenden Schenkeln ableiten, wobei die Teilchen mindestens eine Auslassung aufweisen.1. Plastic granules made of foamable particles in a star shape, characterized in that the plastic granules consist predominantly of particles which are derived from a star or cloverleaf-shaped base body with at least three legs lying in one plane, the particles having at least one omission. 2. Kunststoffgranulat nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens einer der Schenkel eine Auslassung aufweist.2. Plastic granules according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the legs has an omission. 3. Kunststoffgranulat nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zentrum der Teilchen eine Auslassung aufweist.3. Plastic granules according to claim 1, characterized in that the center of the particles has an omission. 4. Kunststoffgranulat nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Auslassung rund bis oval und/ oder linsenförmig gestaltet ist.4. Plastic granules according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the omission is round to oval and / or lenticular. 5. Kunststoffgranulat nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Fläche der Auslassung 25 % bis 75 % der jeweiligen Schenkelfläche beträgt.5. Plastic granules according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the area of the omission is 25% to 75% of the respective leg surface. 6. Kunststoffgranulat nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Teilchen drei-oder sechschenkelig, insbesondere dreischenkelig sind.6. Plastic granules according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the particles have three or six legs, in particular three legs. 7. Kunststoffgranulat nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Dicke der Teilchen 2,5 bis 7 mm beträgt.7. Plastic granules according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the thickness of the particles is 2.5 to 7 mm. 8. Kunststoffgranulat nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Granulatteilchen dreischenkellg sind und das Maß (A) 4 bis 6,5 mm, das Maß (B) 4 bis 6 mm und das Maß (C) 2,5 bis 7,0 mm betragen.8. Plastic granules according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the granulate particles have three legs and the dimension (A) 4 to 6.5 mm, the dimension (B) 4 to 6 mm and the dimension (C) 2 , 5 to 7.0 mm. 9. Verwendung des Kunststoffgranulats gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 zur Herstellung des Packmaterials gemäß einem oder mehreren der nachfolgenden Ansprüche 10 bis 16.9. Use of the plastic granulate according to one or more of claims 1 to 8 for the production of the packaging material according to one or more of the following claims 10 to 16. 10. Packmaterial aus geschäumten Kunststoffteilchen, erhalten durch Verschäumen des Kunststoffgranulats gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 8.10. Packing material made of foamed plastic particles, obtained by foaming the plastic granules according to one or more of claims 1 to 8. 11. Packmaterial nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens einer der Schenkel eine Auslassung aufweist.11. Packing material according to claim 10, characterized in that at least one of the legs has an omission. 12. Packmaterial nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Zentrum der Teilchen eine Auslassung aufweist.12. Packing material according to claim 10, characterized in that the center of the particles has an omission. 13. Packmaterial nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 10 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Dicke der Teilchen bei 8 bis 20 mm liegt.13. Packaging material according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the thickness of the particles is 8 to 20 mm. 14. Packmaterial nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 10 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Teilchen dreischenkelig sind und das Maß (A') 16 bis 40 mm, das Maß (B') 16 bis 40 mm und das Maß (C') 8 bis 20 mm betragen.14. Packaging material according to one or more of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the particles have three legs and the dimension (A ') 16 to 40 mm, the dimension (B') 16 to 40 mm and the dimension (C ') 8 to 20 mm. 15. Packmaterial nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 10 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß bei der Schüttung zum Haufwerk das Hohlraumvolumen der ungerüttelten Schüttung mindestens 60 % beträgt.15. Packing material according to one or more of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the void volume of the unshaken bulk is at least 60% when pouring to the pile. 16. Packmaterial nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 10 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Teilchen aus Polystyrol bestehen und mit einem an sich üblichen Treibmittel aufgeschäumt wurden.16. Packing material according to one or more of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the particles consist of polystyrene and have been foamed with a conventional blowing agent.
EP86100880A 1985-01-30 1986-01-23 Granular foamable plastic material and packaging material made therefrom Expired - Lifetime EP0189843B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86100880T ATE56415T1 (en) 1985-01-30 1986-01-23 EXPANDABLE PLASTIC GRANULES AND PACKAGING MATERIAL MADE FROM THEM.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19853503057 DE3503057A1 (en) 1985-01-30 1985-01-30 FOAMABLE PLASTIC GRANULES AND PACKAGING MATERIAL MADE THEREOF
DE3503057 1985-01-30

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EP0189843A2 true EP0189843A2 (en) 1986-08-06
EP0189843A3 EP0189843A3 (en) 1988-01-13
EP0189843B1 EP0189843B1 (en) 1990-09-12

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US (1) US4621022A (en)
EP (1) EP0189843B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH074824B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE56415T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1282041C (en)
DE (2) DE3503057A1 (en)
DK (1) DK164587C (en)
ES (1) ES291980Y (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPS61175024A (en) 1986-08-06
DK43986A (en) 1986-07-31
JPH074824B2 (en) 1995-01-25
DE3503057A1 (en) 1986-07-31
ES291980Y (en) 1987-01-16
DE3674012D1 (en) 1990-10-18
EP0189843A3 (en) 1988-01-13
CA1282041C (en) 1991-03-26
DK164587B (en) 1992-07-20
EP0189843B1 (en) 1990-09-12
US4621022A (en) 1986-11-04
ES291980U (en) 1986-05-16
DK164587C (en) 1992-12-07
DK43986D0 (en) 1986-01-29
ATE56415T1 (en) 1990-09-15

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