Barrier improvement of the biaxial oriented polypropylene films using passive mechanisms

Abstract

Barrier properties of the biaxial oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films are the most important properties in food packaging industry. In this study different compatibilizers and materials were examined in order to find an appropriate blend composition to minimize the oxygen permeability of the films. It was observed that using organoclay and nanocomposits have positive effect on the oxygen permeability although the kind of compatibilizer is important. Through all evaluated materials the PVA (Poly(vinyl alcohol)) and MA (Maleic Anhydride) were the most successful selection for this goal. The BOPP film blended by PVA achieved the lowest oxygen transfer rate (300 cc 20μm/m2 24h atm) in compared with all other conventional BOPP films. In a novel action, both modified clay and PVA were used to produce a resistant blend. As each component was successfully improved the barrier properties of the BOPP film, it was tried to examine the synergistic effect of using both of them at the same time. The best oxygen permeability (220 cc 20μm/m2 24h atm) was found for the PP/gPP/PVA+Organoclay with the composition of 60/10/20+10 weigh %. X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscope were used to identify the occurred event in the polymers.