WO2016187103A1 - Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant - Google Patents

Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016187103A1
WO2016187103A1 PCT/US2016/032667 US2016032667W WO2016187103A1 WO 2016187103 A1 WO2016187103 A1 WO 2016187103A1 US 2016032667 W US2016032667 W US 2016032667W WO 2016187103 A1 WO2016187103 A1 WO 2016187103A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
oil
polymer composition
extrudable
extrudable polymer
melt temperature
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2016/032667
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Jason WOLFE
Melvin Glenn Mitchell
James Etson BRANDENBURG
Original Assignee
Earth Renewable Technologies
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/972,637 external-priority patent/US20160208094A1/en
Priority claimed from US15/152,087 external-priority patent/US11292909B2/en
Application filed by Earth Renewable Technologies filed Critical Earth Renewable Technologies
Priority to EP16797080.5A priority Critical patent/EP3280762B1/fr
Publication of WO2016187103A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016187103A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08LCOMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
    • C08L67/00Compositions of polyesters obtained by reactions forming a carboxylic ester link in the main chain; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
    • C08L67/04Polyesters derived from hydroxycarboxylic acids, e.g. lactones
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08KUse of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
    • C08K3/00Use of inorganic substances as compounding ingredients
    • C08K3/18Oxygen-containing compounds, e.g. metal carbonyls
    • C08K3/20Oxides; Hydroxides
    • C08K3/22Oxides; Hydroxides of metals
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08KUse of inorganic or non-macromolecular organic substances as compounding ingredients
    • C08K5/00Use of organic ingredients
    • C08K5/04Oxygen-containing compounds
    • C08K5/09Carboxylic acids; Metal salts thereof; Anhydrides thereof
    • CCHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C08ORGANIC MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS; THEIR PREPARATION OR CHEMICAL WORKING-UP; COMPOSITIONS BASED THEREON
    • C08LCOMPOSITIONS OF MACROMOLECULAR COMPOUNDS
    • C08L23/00Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
    • C08L23/02Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
    • C08L23/04Homopolymers or copolymers of ethene
    • C08L23/06Polyethene
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01DMECHANICAL METHODS OR APPARATUS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS
    • D01D5/00Formation of filaments, threads, or the like
    • D01D5/28Formation of filaments, threads, or the like while mixing different spinning solutions or melts during the spinning operation; Spinnerette packs therefor
    • D01D5/30Conjugate filaments; Spinnerette packs therefor
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01FCHEMICAL FEATURES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBON FILAMENTS
    • D01F8/00Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof
    • D01F8/04Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof from synthetic polymers
    • D01F8/06Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof from synthetic polymers with at least one polyolefin as constituent
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D01NATURAL OR MAN-MADE THREADS OR FIBRES; SPINNING
    • D01FCHEMICAL FEATURES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL FILAMENTS, THREADS, FIBRES, BRISTLES OR RIBBONS; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF CARBON FILAMENTS
    • D01F8/00Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof
    • D01F8/04Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof from synthetic polymers
    • D01F8/14Conjugated, i.e. bi- or multicomponent, artificial filaments or the like; Manufacture thereof from synthetic polymers with at least one polyester as constituent

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an extrudable polymeric composition having improved physical properties such as melt viscosity, temperature stability, tensile strength, metallic properties, e.g.; ductility and malleability, higher moisture barrier and oxygen barrier properties, and impact resistance and a method of making molded articles therefrom.
  • the polymeric composition may be derived from a wide variety of petroleum-based polymers, polymers derived from renewable resources, and recycled polymers.
  • Molded articles are typically formed from various extrudable polymer compositions and then formed into exemplary articles of manufacture including bottles and other food containers, films, packaging, and the like. These molded articles are formed from a wide variety of polymers.
  • One particular group of polymers that are of interest are polymers which are derived from renewable resources and are potentially biodegradable.
  • Another group of polymers of interest are petroleum-based polymers including polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), high density polyethylene(HDPE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC).
  • Another group of polymers of interest are polymers recycled from either the above polymers derived from renewable resources or petroleum-based polymers.
  • the present invention provides an extrudable polymer composition
  • a base polymer and a bicomponent fiber comprising a low melt temperature component and a high melt temperature component.
  • the bicomponent fiber is a so-called "island-in-the-sea" construction with the sea being the low melt temperature component and the island being the high melt temperature component.
  • the extrudable polymer composition has a heat deflection temperature of greater than about 52°C, often greater than about 70°C and sometimes greater than about 100°C, and a melt temperature between about 153°C and about 230°C.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may comprise about 60 to about 99.8 percent base polymer and about 0.1 to about 20 percent bicomponent fiber comprising an island-in-the-sea structure comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or PLA as the sea and stereocomplex polylactic acid nylon, or polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • PLA as the sea and stereocomplex polylactic acid nylon, or polyethylene
  • PET terephthalate
  • natural oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, wax or waxy esters, cyclodextrin, nanofibers, crystallinity agents, glass agents, starch-based rheology agents, colorants or pigments, and other additives may be included.
  • the present invention also provides a method of forming molded articles from such an extrudable polymer composition.
  • a closure, cap or lid for a container formed from an extrudable polymer composition of the invention is provided.
  • a method of forming molded articles comprising forming a mixture of the extrudable polymer composition of the invention, drying the mixture to a moisture level of less than about 150 ppm, often less than about 100 ppm and sometimes less than about 50 ppm of water, extruding the dried mixture, and molding the extruded composition into an article of manufacture using molding techniques such as blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming and the like.
  • molding techniques such as blow molding, injection molding, thermoforming and the like.
  • injection stretch blow molding ISBM is used.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a method of forming the biocomponent fibers of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary biocomponent fiber.
  • Fig. 3 is a first pass DSC chart corresponding to Example 1.
  • Fig. 4 is a second pass DSC chart corresponding to Example 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a first pass DSC chart corresponding to Example 2.
  • Fig. 6 is a second pass DSC chart corresponding to Example 2.
  • the present invention provides an extrudable polymer composition
  • a base polymer bicomponent fibers having a low melt temperature component and a high melt temperature component, optionally a natural oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, wax or waxy ester, and optionally cyclodextrin.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include nanofibers.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a crystallinity agent or a crystallinity retarder.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a rheology modifier.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a colorant, and often a naturally-derived colorant.
  • the extrudable polymer composition of the invention includes a base polymer.
  • the based polymer may be petroleum-based.
  • the base polymer may be only petroleum-based polymer having a melt temperature of at least 20°C to 40°C lower than the high melt temperature component of the bicomponent fiber.
  • Suitable base polymers may include acetal, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate cellulose propionate, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon, polybutylene terephthalate,
  • polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate polyether ether ketone, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide-imide, polyarylate, polytetrafluoroethane, polysulfonic poly (p-phenyleneoxide), polyvinyl chloride and mixtures, blends and copolymers thereof.
  • the base polymer may be a polymer derived from a renewable resource such as polylactic acid (PLA), bio HDPE or bio PET.
  • the base polymer may be derived from a recycled polymer or polymers.
  • an extrudable PLA composition of the invention may be formulated so as to substantially mimic the properties of non-biodegradable conventional polymers derived from non-renewable resources (petroleum-based polymers).
  • the extrudable PLA composition has an HDT of greater than about 52°C, often greater than about 70°C and sometimes greater than about 100°C, and a melt temperature between about 153°C and about 230°C.
  • the PLA may be copolymerized with other polymers or copolymers which may or may not be biodegradable and/or may or may not be naturally-derived or may or may not be derived from a recycled polymer.
  • Exemplary polymers or copolymers may include polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), aromatic/aliphatic polyesters, aliphatic polyesteramide polymers, polycaprolactones, polyesters, polyurethanes derived from aliphatic polyols, polyamides, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), and cellulose esters either in naturally-based and/or biodegradable form or not.
  • PP polypropylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • aromatic/aliphatic polyesters aliphatic polyesteramide polymers
  • polycaprolactones polyesters
  • polyesters polyurethanes derived from aliphatic polyols
  • polyamides polyamides
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PS polystyrene
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • cellulose esters either in naturally-based and/or biodegradable form
  • the extrudable polymer composition further includes a bicomponent fiber.
  • the fiber may be a multicomponent fiber having two or more components.
  • such fiber is typically a microfiber having a fineness of about less than about 10 d/f and often less than about 5 d/f.
  • the fibers are extruded from separate extruders.
  • the individual polymer type segments within the bicomponent fiber have a fineness of about less than about 10 microns and often less than about 5 microns.
  • the polymers are arranged in substantially constantly positioned distinct zones across the cross-section of the fibers.
  • the components may be arranged in any desired configuration and/or geometry, such as sheath-core, side-by-side, pie, island in the sea, and so forth.
  • Various methods for forming bicomponent and multicomponent fibers are described in, for example, U.S. Patent No.
  • Bicomponent or multicomponent fibers having various irregular shapes may also be formed, such as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,277,976 to Hogle et al., U.S. Patent No.
  • the bicomponent fiber comprises a low melt temperature "sea” component and a high melt temperature “island” component.
  • the low melt temperature sea component in one embodiment may be "bioHDPE", i.e., a naturally-derived, non-petroleum based high density polyethylene (HDPE) available from Braskem (Brazil).
  • the low melt temperature sea component may be a naturally-derived PLA such as 700 ID available from NatureWorks.
  • the sea component may also be a petroleum based polymer such as nylon or polyethylene terephthalate or may be bio-PET.
  • the high melt "island” component may be used to raise the thermal stability of the extrudable polymer composition.
  • the island component may also improve metallic-type properties such as ductility or malleability.
  • the high melt temperature island component is a naturally-derived PET (bioPET) available from Toyota Tsusho.
  • the island component comprises 100% poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) or 100% poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA).
  • the island component comprises a polylactic stereocomplex composition comprising about 20% to about 80% PLLA and about 80% to about 20% PDLA.
  • the stereocomplex-PLA composition is 50% PLLA and 50% PDLA, i.e., a 50/50 blend of PLLA and PDLA.
  • Suitable stereocomplex PLLA and PDLA and blends thereof are available from Corbion (Netherlands) and Teijin (Japan). Such compositions are described, for example, in PCT Publication WO 2014/147132 Al, U.S. Patent No. 8,304,490 B2 and U.S. Patent No. 8,962,791 B2.
  • These high melt temperature stereocomplex PLA compositions typically have a melt temperature greater than about 200°C and often greater than about 220°C.
  • the base polymer preferably has a melt temperature of about 20°C to 40°C lower than the island component of the bicomponent fiber.
  • lignin and chemically modified lignin may be blended with the PLA to increase melt temperature.
  • the bicomponent fibers may comprise about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the overall extrudable polymer composition.
  • the bicomponent fiber may function as a carrier for the introduction of other components into the extrudable polymer composition.
  • FIG. 1 one embodiment of a method of forming bicomponent fibers is illustrated.
  • the illustrated embodiment shows a continuous line of forming the fibers noting that the method could involve spinning the fibers, placing on a spool and at a later time drawings and cutting the fibers on a separate line.
  • the components of the bicomponent fiber are extruded through a spinneret, quenched, and drawn into a vertical passage of a fiber drawn unit.
  • the high melt component e.g., stereocomplex PLA
  • the low melt component e.g., HDPE
  • the high and low melt components are fed through conduit 30a, 30b to a spinneret 35.
  • spinnerets for extruding bicomponent fibers are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, various patterns of openings in the spinneret can be used to create various flow patterns of the high and low melt components.
  • a quench blower 40 to provide cooling air may be positioned to one side of the filaments as shown or may be positioned on both sides.
  • the filaments are then passed from drawing rolls 45, placed under tension using a tension stand 50 and delivered to a heating device 55 to heat the fiber above the softening point of the low melt component so that sufficient melt occurs to act as a bonding agent that holds the high melt fibers together.
  • the fibers are then compacted using compaction device 60.
  • this is accomplished by creation of a small twist in the tow band of the fully oriented yarn using a series of rollers 65a, 65b, in one embodiment grooved rollers.
  • Such a twist aids in applying pressure to create a semi-permanent bond of the low melt component after heating to its softening point.
  • the 65a, 65b are slightly offset from each other such that the path of the tow passing through the two grooved rolls creates two distinct turns within a distance of less than eight inches.
  • the first turn of the tow should produce an angle of about 140-170 degrees as measured to the outside of the original path of the tow.
  • the second turn should produce an angle of approximately equal angularity to the first but turning in the opposite direction as measured to the inside of the new path of the tow after the second turn.
  • the sharper the angle, the tighter the twist and adjustment of the angle will result in higher efficiency of compaction.
  • an optional lubrication stand including a kiss roll (not shown) may be used to add 0.1% to 5.0% of a lubricant to the fiber prior to cutting.
  • the bicomponent fiber may be cut using a cutter 70 to a length of not greater than 6mm, sometimes not greater than 3mm and often not greater than 1.5mm. After cutting, the fiber may be dried to less than 100 ppm.
  • FIG. 2 an exemplary sixteen pie wedge island-in-the-sea bicomponent fiber is shown.
  • the filaments of the individually spun yarns may be spun simultaneously into a larger type of monofilament of a uniform diameter and equal in denier to the combination of up to 144 individual yarns composed of 3 denier-per-filament by designing the spin pack such that the cross section of the monofilament may contain many multiples of the individual filaments.
  • a spin die containing 288 filaments that when wound together create a 864 denier (DEN) yarn wound onto a bobbin.
  • the individual monofilament would be 864 DEN.
  • the result would be a single filament, i.e.
  • the monofilament may be spun in from a horizontally oriented spin die instead of a vertically oriented spin die.
  • the orientation of the spin die to horizontal will allow the filament to be quenched immediately in either a trough type water bath or via an underwater chopper, such as Gala Underwater Pelletizer type chopper.
  • the compaction step may be done at a later time as a separate non-continuous process.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include natural oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, wax or waxy ester.
  • the natural oil, fatty acid, fatty acid ester, wax or waxy ester is coated on pellets of the polymer using agitation. A blend or mixture of the natural oil, fatty acid, wax or waxy ester may be used.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a natural oil.
  • Suitable natural oils include lard, beef tallow, fish oil, coffee oil, soy bean oil, safflower oil, tung oil, tall oil, calendula, rapeseed oil, peanut oil, linseed oil, sesame oil, grape seed oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, dehydrated castor oil, tallow oil, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, canola oil, orange oil, and mixtures thereof.
  • Suitable waxes include naturally-derived waxes and waxy esters may include without limitation, bees wax, plant-based waxes, bird waxes, non-bee insect waxes, and microbial waxes. Waxy esters also may be used. As utilized herein, the term 'waxy esters' generally refers to esters of long-chain fatty alcohols with long-chain fatty acids. Chain lengths of the fatty alcohol and fatty acid components of a waxy ester may vary, though in general, a waxy ester may include greater than about 20 carbons total. Waxy esters may generally exhibit a higher melting point than that of fats and oils.
  • waxy esters may generally exhibit a melting point greater than about 45°C.
  • waxy esters encompassed herein include any waxy ester including saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight chained, and so forth. Waxes have been found to provide barrier properties, such as reduced Oxygen Transfer and Water Vapor Transfer.
  • Suitable fatty esters or fatty acid esters are the polymerized product of an unsaturated higher fatty acid reacted with an alcohol.
  • Exemplary high fatty esters include oleic ester, linoleic ester, resinoleic ester, lauric ester, myristic ester, stearic ester, palmitic ester, eicosanoic ester, eleacostearic ester, and the like, and mixtures thereof.
  • esters may be combined with suitable oils, as well as various esters derived from carboxylic acids may be included to act as plasticizers for the polymer.
  • carboxylic acids include acetic, citric, tartaric, lactic, formic, oxalic and benzoic acid.
  • these acids may be reacted with ethanol to make an acid ethyl ester, such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, monoethyl citrate, diethyl citrate, triethyl citrate (TEC).
  • acid ethyl ester such as ethyl acetate, ethyl lactate, monoethyl citrate, diethyl citrate, triethyl citrate (TEC).
  • TEC triethyl citrate
  • Most naturally occurring fats and oils are the fatty acid esters of glycerol.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include cyclodextrin.
  • Cyclodextrin (CD) is cyclic oligomers of glucose which typically contain 6, 7, or 8 glucose monomers joined by a-1,4 linkages. These oligomers are commonly called a-cyclodextrin (a-CD), ⁇ -cyclodextrin ( ⁇ -CD, or BCD), and ⁇ -cyclodextrin ( ⁇ -CD), respectively.
  • a-CD a-cyclodextrin
  • ⁇ -CD ⁇ -cyclodextrin
  • BCD ⁇ -cyclodextrin
  • ⁇ -CD ⁇ -cyclodextrin
  • Higher oligomers containing up to 12 glucose monomers are known but their preparation is more difficult.
  • Each glucose unit has three hydroxyls available at the 2, 3, and 6 positions. Hence, a-CD has 18 hydroxyls or 18 substitution sites available and may have a maximum degree of substitution (DS) of 18.
  • ⁇ -CD and ⁇ -CD have a maximum DS of 21 and 24 respectively.
  • the DS is often expressed as the average DS, which is the number of substituents divided by the number of glucose monomers in the cyclodextrin.
  • a fully acylated ⁇ -CD would have a DS of 21 or an average DS of 3.
  • this derivative is named heptakis(2,3,6-tri-0-acetyl)-P-cyclodextrin which is typically shortened to triacetyl-P-cyclodextrin.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include nanofibers.
  • Suitable nanofibers include glass fibers, i.e., fibers derived from silica and have a diameter of about 1 ⁇ or less using a SEM measurement and typically have a length of about 65 to about 650 nm. Suitable nanofibers are available from Johns Manville as Micro- StandTM 106-475.
  • nanofibers derived from treated (refined) cellulose may be used.
  • wood pulp could be treated with a natural oil and wherein the pulp and oil may be mechanically refined in a pulp type refiner to develop fibrils which causes the solution to form a gel.
  • Biodegradable wood fibers such as bleached or unbleached hardwood and softwood kraft pulps may be used as the pulp.
  • High fiber count northern hardwoods such as Aspen and tropical hardwoods such as eucalyptus are of particular interest.
  • nonwood fibers may be used such as flax, hemp, esparato, cotton, kenaf, bamboo, abaca, rice straw, or other fibers derived from plants.
  • a renewable and biodegradable source of cellulose fibers particularly those having a microfiber structure, for example, switch grass may be used.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a crystallinity agent.
  • crystallinity agents include, but are not limited to talc, kaolin, mica, bentonite clay, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include a starch-based melt rheology modifier.
  • Suitable starches are those produced by plants and include cereal grains (corn, rice, sorghum, etc.), potatoes, arrowroot, tapioca and sweet potato..
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include one or more crystallinity retarders.
  • crystallinity retarders include, but are not limited to, xanthan gum, guar gum, and locust bean gum.
  • colorants to provide the common colors associated with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical containers i.e., white, amber, and green
  • a white container titanium dioxide may be included preferably with safflower oil as the natural oil.
  • the amount of colorant present is 0 to 67% depending on the type of extruder used, and may preferably be about 0.1 to 3% based on the overall weight of the extrudable polymer composition.
  • sodium copper chlorohyllin or a food grade analine powder available from DDW The Color House may be used as the colorant.
  • a blend of 0.019 to 0.021% food grade black, 0.008 to 0.010% blue, 0.104 to 0.106%) red, and 0.063 to 0.065%> yellow colorants available from Keystone, Chicago, Illinois may be used.
  • Agents to provide additional water and oxygen barrier properties may be included.
  • Exemplary water and oxygen barrier agents include candelilla wax, beeswax, and other waxes.
  • a barrier agent is derived from a renewable source.
  • Gloss agents to provide an aesthetically pleasing gloss to the container may be included.
  • Exemplary gloss agents include shea butter and nut oils such as Brazil nut oil.
  • Preferably such a gloss agent is derived from a renewable source.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may include lignin or modified lignin to improve temperature stability and impact resistance.
  • lignin or modified lignin in one embodiment is added to the bicomponent fiber such that the bicomponent fiber acts as a carrier.
  • the lignin may be lignin isolated from a biomass that has not been exposed to harsh reaction conditions and has not been denaturated and/or degraded by the isolation process such as described in U.S. Serial No. 14/619,451.
  • Such a lignin may be modified by esterification or transesterification to provide an acetylated or ethylated lignin such as lignin acetule or lignin ethylate.
  • a water dispersible polyester may be included.
  • additives may include other natural or synthetic plasticizers such as impact modifiers, fiber reinforcement other than nanofibers, antioxidants, antimicrobials, fillers, UV stabilizers, glass transition temperature modifiers, melt temperature modifiers and heat deflection temperature modifiers.
  • fillers are biodegradable nonwood fibers such as those used for the nanofibers, and include kenaf, cotton, flax, esparto, hemp, abaca or various fiberous herbs.
  • the extrudable polymer composition Prior to extrusion, the extrudable polymer composition is dried to remove substantially all of the moisture, i.e., there is less than about 0.02 %> water, and often less than about 0.01 %> water. Typically, desicant drying is utilized.
  • a master batch is used. By utilizing a master batch, the often more expensive additives may be first compounded in larger percentage amounts into the master batch and then added to pure or virgin polymer. Such use of a master batch may be used to incorporate additives more cost effectively, for example, those that improve properties like barrier properties, flexibility properties, HDT properties and melt flow index, and the like.
  • a master batch may be formulated so that the consumer has the capability of customizing the color of the article of manufacture.
  • some amount of the base colorant e.g., green colorant
  • the colorant/base resin composition and the master batch with smaller amounts of the green colorant(s) are combined to result in the end extrudable polymer composition having the desired color.
  • the smaller amounts of green colorant(s) in the master batch may be selected to arrive at the desired hue or shade of the desired color.
  • an extrudable polymer composition for a closure or cap having properties similar to a PET container may be made.
  • the extrudable composition may comprise a) 50 to 99% base polymer; b) about 0.1% to about 20% bicomponent fiber; c) about 0.1 to about 8%) natural oil or natural wax; d) about 0.01 to about 5% nanofibers; e) about 0.05 to about 8% BCD; f) about 0 to about 10% crystallinity agent; g) about 0 to about 1% starch-based melt rheology modifier; h) about 0 to about 1% polysaccharide crystallinity retarder; i) about 0 to about 5%> colorant; j) about 0 to about 1% plasticizer; k) about 0 to about 1% gloss agent; about 0 to 30%) natural fiber, and 1) about 0 to about 4% barrier agent.
  • a master batch comprising the base polymer, natural oil, bicomponent fibers, cyclodextrin, crystallinity agent, pigment and a crystallinity retarder may be formed and blended with the bicomponent fiber which may or may not also include the additives.
  • the extrudable polymer composition may then be formed into an article of manufacture.
  • the process may include therm oforming, extrusion molding, injection molding or blow molding the composition in melted form.
  • injection molding processes include any molding process in which a polymeric melt or a monomeric or oligomeric solution is forced under pressure, for instance with a ram injector or a reciprocating screw, into a mold where it is shaped and cured.
  • Blow molding processes may include any method in which the extrudable polymer composition may be shaped with the use of a fluid and then cured to form a product.
  • Blow molding processes may include extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, and injection stretch blow molding, as desired.
  • Extrusion molding methods include those in which the extrudable polymer composition is extruded from a die under pressure and cured to form the final product, e.g., a film or a fiber.
  • Single screw or twin screw extruders may be used, the selection of which and the amounts of each component being varied depending on the extruder will be within the skill of one in the art.
  • ISBM processes may be divided into two main types.
  • One type is a one-step process, in which the preform is molded, conditioned, and then transferred to the stretch blow molding operation before the preform is cooled below its softening temperature.
  • the other main type of ISBM process is a two-step process in which the preform is prepared ahead of time. In this case, the preform is reheated to conduct the stretch blow molding step.
  • the two-step process has the advantage of faster cycle times, as the stretch blow molding step does not depend on the slower injection molding operation to be completed. However, the two-step process presents the problem of reheating the preform to the stretch blow molding temperature.
  • the two-step process usually has a smaller operating window than the one-step process.
  • the selection of the extrudable polymer composition as described herein has been found to broaden this processing window.
  • the preform is generally heated to a temperature at which the preform becomes soft enough to be stretched and blown. This temperature is generally above the glass transition temperature (T g ) of the extrudable polymer composition.
  • T g glass transition temperature
  • a preferred temperature is from about 70°C to about 120°C. and a more preferred temperature is from about 80°C to about 100°C.
  • the preform may be maintained at the aforementioned temperatures for a short period to allow the temperature to equilibrate.
  • Mold temperatures in the two-step process are generally below the glass transition temperature of the extrudable polymer composition, such as from about 30°C to about 60°C, especially from about 35°C to about 55°C. Sections of the mold such as the base where a greater wall thickness is desired may be maintained at even lower temperatures, such as from about 0 to about 35°C, especially from about 5°C to about 20°C.
  • the preform from the injection molding process is transferred to the stretch blow molding step, while the preform is at a temperature at which the preform becomes soft enough to be stretched and blown, again preferably above the T g of the resin, such as from about 80 to about 120°C, especially from about 80 to about 110°C.
  • the preform may be held at that temperature for a short period prior to molding to allow it to equilibrate at that temperature.
  • the mold temperature in the one-step process may be above or below the T g of the base polymer. In the so-called "cold mold” process, mold temperatures are similar to those used in the two-step process.
  • the mold temperature is maintained somewhat above the T g of the resin, such as from about 65 to about 100°C.
  • the molded part may be held in the mold under pressure for a short period after the molding is completed to allow the resin to develop additional crystallinity (heat setting).
  • the heat setting tends to improve the dimensional stability and heat resistance of the molded container while still maintaining good clarity.
  • Heat setting processes may also be used in the two-step process, but are used less often in that case because the heat setting process tends to increase cycle times.
  • the resulting molded article is a container.
  • container as used in this specification and the appended claims is intended to include, but is not limited to, any article, receptacle, or vessel utilized for storing, dispensing, packaging, portioning, or shipping various types of products or objects (including but not limited to, food and beverage products).
  • Specific examples of such containers include boxes, cups, "clam shells", jars, bottles, plates, bowls, trays, cartons, cases, crates, cereal boxes, frozen food boxes, milk cartons, carriers for beverage containers, dishes, egg cartons, lids, straws, envelopes, stacks, bags, baggies, or other types of holders. Containment products and other products used in conjunction with containers are also intended to be included within the term "container.”
  • the extrudable polymer composition as disclosed herein may be formed as a container, and in one particular embodiment, a container suitable for holding and protecting environmentally sensitive materials such as biologically active materials including pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
  • environmentally sensitive materials such as biologically active materials including pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
  • 'pharmaceutical' is herein defined to encompass materials regulated by the United States government including, for example, drugs and other biologies.
  • the term 'nutraceutical' is herein defined to refer to biologically active agents that are not necessarily regulated by the United States government including, for example, vitamins, dietary supplements, and the like.
  • the molded article is a containment product that is a closure.
  • closure as used in the specification and the appended claims is intended to include, but is not limited to, any containment product such as caps, lids, liners, partitions, wrappers, films, cushioning materials, and any other product used in packaging, storing, shipping, portioning, serving, or dispensing an object within a container.
  • closures include, but are not limited to, screw caps, snap on caps, tamper-resistant, tamper-evident and child-resistant closures or caps.
  • an extrudable PLA composition for a container having properties similar to a PET container may be made.
  • a master batch comprising partially crystalline or crystalline PLA, bicomponent fibers, a natural oil, nanofibers, cyclodextrin, pigment, and a crystallinity agent is formed by mixing the oil and nanofibers, adding the bicomponent fibers, oil and nanofibers to the PLA with the other constituents, then combining with a mixture of cyclodextrin and starch crystallinity retarder, followed by an addition of a crystallinity agent and then agitation and drying.
  • a colorant/pigment may be added to the master batch.
  • a separate batch of crystalline PLA and pigment may be made and the master batch and this separate batch then fed together.
  • An exemplary formulation for a container may comprise about 85% to about 95% polymer (e.g., crystalline polylactic acid including 0.01% to about 30% PLLA), about 0.05% to about 8%) cyclodextrin, about 0.1 to about 8% natural oil or wax, 1 to 15% bicomponent fiber comprising 25% to 35% naturally-based HDPE sea and 65% to 75% 50/50 PLLA/PDLA island, about 0.01 to about 1% starch-based rheology modifier, about 0.1% to about 1% gloss agent, about 0 to 30%) natural fibers, and about 0.01 to about 8% colorant.
  • polymer e.g., crystalline polylactic acid including 0.01% to about 30% PLLA
  • 0.05% to about 8% cyclodextrin
  • bicomponent fiber comprising 25% to 35% naturally-based HDPE sea and 65% to 75% 50/50 PLLA/PDLA island
  • bicomponent fiber comprising 25% to 35% naturally-based HDPE sea and 65% to 75% 50
  • Formed articles and structures incorporating the extrudable polymer composition may include laminates including the disclosed composite materials as one or more layers of the laminate.
  • a laminate structure may include one or more layers formed of composite materials as herein described so as to provide particular inhibitory agents at predetermined locations in the laminate structure. Barrier properties may also be increased by using a wax coating inside or outside of the vessel being utilized for spraying or dipping.
  • the various extrusion, blow molding, injection molding, casting or melt processes known to those skilled in the art may be used to form films or sheets.
  • Exemplary articles of manufacture include articles used to wrap, or otherwise package food or various other solid articles.
  • the films or sheets may have a wide variety of thicknesses, and other properties such as stiffness, breathability, temperature stability and the like which may be changed based on the desired end product and article to be packaged.
  • Exemplary techniques for providing films or sheets are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0112352, 2005/0182196, and 2007/0116909, and U.S. Patent No. 6,291,597, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
  • a laminate may include an impermeable polymeric layer on a surface of the structure, e.g., on the interior surface of a container (e.g., bottle or jar) or package (e.g., blister pack for pills).
  • an extruded film formed from the extrudable polymer composition may form one or more layers of such a laminate structure.
  • an impermeable polymer-based film may form an interior layer of a container so as to, for instance, prevent leakage, degradation or evaporation of liquids that may be stored in the container.
  • Such an embodiment may be particularly useful when considering the storage of alcohol-based liquids, for instance, nutraceuticals in the form of alcohol-based extracts or tinctures.
  • An extrudable PLA composition comprising the following formula:
  • Zone 1 334 F
  • Zone 2 392 F

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une composition polymère pouvant être extrudée comprenant un polymère de base et une fibre à deux composants comprenant un composant à basse température de fusion choisi dans le groupe constitué par le polyéthylène haute densité (HDPE) et l'acide polylactique (PLA) et un composant à température de fusion élevée choisi dans le groupe constitué par le PET, le PDLA à 100 %, le PLLA à 100 % ou un mélange 50/50 de PDLA à 100 % et de PLLA à 100 %, et le nylon, le polymère de base présentant une température de fusion d'environ 20 °C à 40 °C inférieure audit composant à température de fusion élevée de la fibre à deux composants.
PCT/US2016/032667 2015-04-07 2016-05-16 Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant WO2016187103A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP16797080.5A EP3280762B1 (fr) 2015-12-17 2016-05-16 Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201562143972P 2015-04-07 2015-04-07
US62/143,972 2015-04-07
US14/972,637 2015-12-17
US14/972,637 US20160208094A1 (en) 2014-12-19 2015-12-17 Extrudable polylactic acid composition and method of makingmolded articles utilizing the same
US15/152,087 2016-05-11
US15/152,087 US11292909B2 (en) 2014-12-19 2016-05-11 Extrudable polymer composition and method of making molded articles utilizing the same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016187103A1 true WO2016187103A1 (fr) 2016-11-24

Family

ID=57320360

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2016/032667 WO2016187103A1 (fr) 2015-04-07 2016-05-16 Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016187103A1 (fr)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018148165A1 (fr) * 2017-02-07 2018-08-16 Earth Renewable Technologies Composition d'apport d'additif de fibre bicomposée
CN108841153A (zh) * 2018-07-02 2018-11-20 江南大学 一种高韧、高热变形温度聚乳酸组合物及其制备方法
CN111469319A (zh) * 2020-04-20 2020-07-31 思庚特新能源科技(上海)有限公司 一种浇注尼龙的工业自动化生产装备
US20220074080A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Suzano S.A. Synthetic polymeric fibers additivated with lignin, their process of obtaining and use for manufacturing textile products
CN115028980A (zh) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-09 濮阳市中原石化实业有限公司 一种pc用高效复合助剂
CN115559010A (zh) * 2022-01-06 2023-01-03 江苏锵尼玛新材料股份有限公司 一种环保型高比强度纤维材料的制备工艺及其应用
US11958960B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2024-04-16 De Patent B.V. Scratch resistant polymer composition

Citations (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4789592A (en) 1985-09-19 1988-12-06 Chisso Corporation Hot-melt-adhesive composite fiber
US4795668A (en) 1983-10-11 1989-01-03 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Bicomponent fibers and webs made therefrom
US5057368A (en) 1989-12-21 1991-10-15 Allied-Signal Filaments having trilobal or quadrilobal cross-sections
US5069970A (en) 1989-01-23 1991-12-03 Allied-Signal Inc. Fibers and filters containing said fibers
US5108820A (en) 1989-04-25 1992-04-28 Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. Soft nonwoven fabric of filaments
US5162074A (en) 1987-10-02 1992-11-10 Basf Corporation Method of making plural component fibers
US5277976A (en) 1991-10-07 1994-01-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Oriented profile fibers
US5336552A (en) 1992-08-26 1994-08-09 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nonwoven fabric made with multicomponent polymeric strands including a blend of polyolefin and ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer
US5382400A (en) 1992-08-21 1995-01-17 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nonwoven multicomponent polymeric fabric and method for making same
US5698322A (en) * 1996-12-02 1997-12-16 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Multicomponent fiber
US6200669B1 (en) 1996-11-26 2001-03-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Entangled nonwoven fabrics and methods for forming the same
US6291597B1 (en) 1993-07-30 2001-09-18 Cargill, Incorporated Viscosity-modified lactide polymer composition and process for manufacture thereof
US20050112352A1 (en) 2003-11-26 2005-05-26 Laney Thomas M. Polylactic-acid-based sheet material and method of making
US20050182196A1 (en) 2002-03-01 2005-08-18 Biotec Biologische Naturverpackungen Gmb Biodegradable polymer blends for use in making films, sheets and other articles of manufacture
US20070116909A1 (en) 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Plastic Suppliers, Inc. Polylactic acid shrink films and methods of casting same
US8304490B2 (en) 2004-07-22 2012-11-06 Teijin Limited Polylactic acid and manufacturing process thereof
CA2762589A1 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-20 The Procter & Gamble Company Contenants et distributeurs ecologiques pour des produits de consommation, produits de consommation ecologiques comprenant des compositions ecologiques de produits dans les contenants ecologiques et methodes connexes
US20140087108A1 (en) * 2012-09-26 2014-03-27 Earth Renewable Technologies Extrudable composition derived from renewable resources and method of making molded articles utilizing the same
US8710172B2 (en) 2006-07-14 2014-04-29 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester for use in nonwoven webs
WO2014147132A1 (fr) 2013-03-20 2014-09-25 Institute Of Chemistry, Chinese Academy Of Sciences Composition de stéréocomplexe de poly(acide lactique), son produit moulé, procédé pour sa fabrication et son application
US8962791B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2015-02-24 Natureworks Llc Polylactic acid stereocomplex compositions and methods for making and using same
WO2016100764A1 (fr) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Earth Renewable Technologies Composition d'acide polylactique extrudable et procédé de production d'articles moulés l'utilisant

Patent Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4795668A (en) 1983-10-11 1989-01-03 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Bicomponent fibers and webs made therefrom
US4789592A (en) 1985-09-19 1988-12-06 Chisso Corporation Hot-melt-adhesive composite fiber
US5162074A (en) 1987-10-02 1992-11-10 Basf Corporation Method of making plural component fibers
US5466410A (en) 1987-10-02 1995-11-14 Basf Corporation Process of making multiple mono-component fiber
US5069970A (en) 1989-01-23 1991-12-03 Allied-Signal Inc. Fibers and filters containing said fibers
US5108820A (en) 1989-04-25 1992-04-28 Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. Soft nonwoven fabric of filaments
US5057368A (en) 1989-12-21 1991-10-15 Allied-Signal Filaments having trilobal or quadrilobal cross-sections
US5277976A (en) 1991-10-07 1994-01-11 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Oriented profile fibers
US5382400A (en) 1992-08-21 1995-01-17 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nonwoven multicomponent polymeric fabric and method for making same
US5336552A (en) 1992-08-26 1994-08-09 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Nonwoven fabric made with multicomponent polymeric strands including a blend of polyolefin and ethylene alkyl acrylate copolymer
US6291597B1 (en) 1993-07-30 2001-09-18 Cargill, Incorporated Viscosity-modified lactide polymer composition and process for manufacture thereof
US6200669B1 (en) 1996-11-26 2001-03-13 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Entangled nonwoven fabrics and methods for forming the same
US5698322A (en) * 1996-12-02 1997-12-16 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Multicomponent fiber
US20050182196A1 (en) 2002-03-01 2005-08-18 Biotec Biologische Naturverpackungen Gmb Biodegradable polymer blends for use in making films, sheets and other articles of manufacture
US20050112352A1 (en) 2003-11-26 2005-05-26 Laney Thomas M. Polylactic-acid-based sheet material and method of making
US8304490B2 (en) 2004-07-22 2012-11-06 Teijin Limited Polylactic acid and manufacturing process thereof
US20070116909A1 (en) 2005-11-21 2007-05-24 Plastic Suppliers, Inc. Polylactic acid shrink films and methods of casting same
US8710172B2 (en) 2006-07-14 2014-04-29 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester for use in nonwoven webs
US8962791B2 (en) 2006-10-26 2015-02-24 Natureworks Llc Polylactic acid stereocomplex compositions and methods for making and using same
CA2762589A1 (fr) * 2011-12-20 2013-06-20 The Procter & Gamble Company Contenants et distributeurs ecologiques pour des produits de consommation, produits de consommation ecologiques comprenant des compositions ecologiques de produits dans les contenants ecologiques et methodes connexes
US20140087108A1 (en) * 2012-09-26 2014-03-27 Earth Renewable Technologies Extrudable composition derived from renewable resources and method of making molded articles utilizing the same
WO2014147132A1 (fr) 2013-03-20 2014-09-25 Institute Of Chemistry, Chinese Academy Of Sciences Composition de stéréocomplexe de poly(acide lactique), son produit moulé, procédé pour sa fabrication et son application
WO2016100764A1 (fr) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Earth Renewable Technologies Composition d'acide polylactique extrudable et procédé de production d'articles moulés l'utilisant

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
FEDOROVA, N ET AL.: "Strength Optimization of Thermally Bonded Spunbond Nonwovens.", JOURNAL OF ENGINEERED FIBERS AND FABRICS., vol. 2, no. 1., 2007, pages 38 - 40, XP055332202 *

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018148165A1 (fr) * 2017-02-07 2018-08-16 Earth Renewable Technologies Composition d'apport d'additif de fibre bicomposée
US11958960B2 (en) 2018-03-29 2024-04-16 De Patent B.V. Scratch resistant polymer composition
CN108841153A (zh) * 2018-07-02 2018-11-20 江南大学 一种高韧、高热变形温度聚乳酸组合物及其制备方法
US20220074080A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Suzano S.A. Synthetic polymeric fibers additivated with lignin, their process of obtaining and use for manufacturing textile products
CN111469319A (zh) * 2020-04-20 2020-07-31 思庚特新能源科技(上海)有限公司 一种浇注尼龙的工业自动化生产装备
CN115559010A (zh) * 2022-01-06 2023-01-03 江苏锵尼玛新材料股份有限公司 一种环保型高比强度纤维材料的制备工艺及其应用
CN115559010B (zh) * 2022-01-06 2023-12-26 江苏锵尼玛新材料股份有限公司 一种环保型高比强度纤维材料的制备工艺及其应用
CN115028980A (zh) * 2022-06-20 2022-09-09 濮阳市中原石化实业有限公司 一种pc用高效复合助剂
CN115028980B (zh) * 2022-06-20 2023-09-19 濮阳市中原石化实业有限公司 一种pc用高效复合助剂

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20220251373A1 (en) Extrudable polymer composition and method of making molded articles utilizing the same
WO2016187103A1 (fr) Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant
EP3233984B1 (fr) Composition d'acide polylactique extrudable et procédé de production d'articles moulés l'utilisant
JP6871268B2 (ja) ポリ乳酸繊維系不織布、その製造方法
US20200240045A1 (en) Bicomponent fiber additive delivery composition
US20190144664A1 (en) Process for Producing a Bioplastics Product
US20150218367A1 (en) Extrudable composition derived from renewable resources
US10822491B2 (en) Composition of polyester and thermoplastic starch, having improved mechanical properties
Fiori Industrial uses of PLA
CN111116997A (zh) 一种可生物降解的管材及其制备方法和应用
US20110052847A1 (en) Articles of manufacture from renewable resources
CN110637064A (zh) 用于包装的新型材料
JP7434162B2 (ja) 均一なポリマー混合物、それに関連する方法、およびその使用
CA2960744A1 (fr) Modificateur d'aptitude a l'accrochage pour polyesters biodegradables
EP3280762B1 (fr) Composition polymère pouvant être extrudée et procédé de fabrication d'articles moulés l'utilisant
WO2014052300A1 (fr) Composition extrudable issue de ressources renouvelables
WO2015066588A1 (fr) Compositions de polymères thermoplastiques ayant une morphologie lamellaire co-continue
WO2024074561A1 (fr) Mélange de polymères biodégradables et son utilisation
FR3028519A1 (fr) Composition a base d'amidon thermoplastique et de polyester aliphatique ou de polyester semi-aliphatique

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16797080

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE