VAcuum web coating of polymers: an update on european collaborative RD activities

摘要

IN Europe the driving force for developments on coating of plastic films is twofold: In addition to the general trend to reduce input materials cost there is a strong motivation also from the waste management side. The latter is given vby the EU Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste, which leads to the introduction of cost intensive wate management systems all over Europe. For a packaging system waste management costs may be even higher than production costs. Therefore prospects are best for light weight specialized materials, for which vauum coated films are prominent examples. Before this background our institute coordinates collaborative R&D projects in cooperation with more than 40 companies. Focus is on the needs of our industrial partners, supported by additional functing from national sources or the European Union. rom activities in the following areas exemplary results will be shown: Improvement of the barrier properties of laminates on the basis of vacuum coated BOPP films, Development of specific coating sources and processes, Rear and front side fims for solar modules.