X-ray and metal detectable thermoset composites for use in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Provided are X-ray and metal detectable thermoset composites and methods of detecting the same. The present X-ray and metal detectable thermoset composites may be formed into trays, sheets, or other substrates suitable for use in food or pharmaceutical processing or manufacturing.
1. A molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition, comprising:
a resin;
a cross-linking agent; and
at least one radiopacity agent present in an amount by weight of from 5% to 25% based on total weight of the composition, the radiopacity agent selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, tungsten and stainless steel;
wherein any fragment of the composition having a length of 6.5 mm or less but at least 1 mm, measuring along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof, is detectable by an X-ray detector and metal detector.
2. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the resin is a polyester resin.
3. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the resin is a vinyl ester resin.
4. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , further comprising one or more additives selected from the group consisting of a low profile additive, an accelerator, a cure inhibitor, a mineral filler, a rutile titanate, a lubricant, a thickener, a metal additive and a reinforcement material.
5. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the resin is present in an amount of 15-25%, by weight based on total weight of the composition.
6. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 5 , wherein the resin is present in an amount of 18-22%, by weight based on total weight of the composition.
7. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agent is barium sulfate.
8. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agent is tungsten.
9. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agent comprises stainless steel.
10. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agents are barium sulfate and tungsten.
11. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agents have different particle sizes.
12. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the at least one radiopacity agents are barium sulfate in at least two particle sizes.
13. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 12 , wherein the at least two particle sizes are 0.7 μm and 18 μm.
14. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the fragment has a length of from 1 mm to 4.5 mm along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.
15. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the fragment has a length of from 1 mm to 3.125 mm along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.
16. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the fragment has a length of from 2 mm to 6.5 mm along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.
17. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the fragment has a length of from 2 mm to 4.5 mm along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.
18. The molded X-ray detectable thermoset composition of claim 1 , wherein the fragment has a length of from 2 mm to 3.125 mm along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.
19. A tray comprised of an X-ray detectable thermoset composition, wherein the composition comprises: a resin, a cross-linking agent, and at least one radiopacity agent; wherein the at least one radiopacity agent is present in an amount by weight of from 5% to 25% based on total weight of the composition, and the radiopacity agent is selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, tungsten and stainless steel; and wherein a fragment of the tray is detectable by an X-ray detector and metal detector.
20. The tray of claim 19 , wherein the fragment has a length of at least 1 mm to at most 6.5 mm, as measured along any edge, cross-section or axis thereof.