Failure Analysis and Prevention of Defects in MRE Pouches. Short Term Project Number 1008

摘要

The objectives are to determine and document why and how MRE pouches fail, in order to improve the performance of MRE packaging materials. The objective has been achieved. The groundwork has been laid to achieve the other objectives in subsequent projects. In general, plastics exhibit many desirable properties such as superb corrosion resistance, light weight, great processability, recyclability, and, most importantly, low cost. Although plastics have been in use in MRE packaging since 1979, defects still occur in MRE pouches, and performance needs remain important. According to the US department of Agriculture (USDA) that%inspects MRE pouches offered to the Government, the production of MRE 16 (during 1996) had 3.9% of lots offered for the first time failed for holes and abrasions. In order to improve MRE pouch performance for combat ration applications, it would be helpful to first establish a meaningful database that describes the nature of MRE pouch failure, the material (laminate plastics) system utilized, the manufacturer, food item packaged, the location of failure, etc. To develop effective strategy for reducing pouch failure, it is also necessary that the root-causes(s) of MRE pouch failure be unambiguously determined. This effort will help guarantee that the MRE pouch material, i.e., the laminated plastic films, will perform as intended during the specified lifetime and service conditions. This version of the report does not include the appendices, which are restricted.