Maximize Barrier Performance of Reduced-Gauge HDPE Films

摘要

Multi-layer high-density polyethylene (HDPE) films are used for numerous food-packaging applications because of their superior water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). Economic factors have caused film converters to produce thinner-gauge films to reduce raw material costs. At thinner gauges, WVTR's can increase faster than the expected inverse relationship with thickness. This paper presents laboratory data that expand on an ineffective film thickness concept first discussed by Talwar . Correlation's showing the effect of resin properties on this ineffective film thickness are presented. Utilizing this information, the barrier performance of multi-layer film structures can be maximized.