As a supplier of thermoforming film, I am often asked about the oxygen and moisture barrier properties of our products. These properties are crucial for various applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where maintaining product quality and extending shelf life are of utmost importance. In this blog post, I will delve into the science behind these barrier properties, explain how they are measured, and discuss the factors that influence them. Thermoforming Film
Understanding Oxygen and Moisture Barriers
Oxygen and moisture are two of the main factors that can cause product degradation. Oxygen can lead to oxidation, which can change the color, flavor, and nutritional value of food products. It can also cause the growth of aerobic microorganisms, leading to spoilage. Moisture, on the other hand, can cause products to become soggy, moldy, or lose their texture. In the pharmaceutical industry, moisture can affect the stability and efficacy of drugs.
Thermoforming films are designed to act as a barrier to oxygen and moisture, protecting the products inside. The barrier properties of a film are determined by its composition, structure, and thickness. Different types of polymers have different barrier characteristics, and the choice of polymer depends on the specific requirements of the application.
Measuring Oxygen and Moisture Barrier Properties
The oxygen and moisture barrier properties of thermoforming films are typically measured using standardized test methods. The most common method for measuring oxygen transmission rate (OTR) is the ASTM D3985 standard, which measures the amount of oxygen that passes through a film over a specified period of time under controlled conditions. The moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) is measured using methods such as ASTM F1249, which measures the amount of water vapor that passes through a film.
These measurements are usually expressed in units such as cc/m²/day for OTR and g/m²/day for MVTR. A lower OTR and MVTR indicate better barrier properties. For example, a film with an OTR of 1 cc/m²/day is a better oxygen barrier than a film with an OTR of 10 cc/m²/day.
Factors Affecting Oxygen and Moisture Barrier Properties
Several factors can affect the oxygen and moisture barrier properties of thermoforming films.
Polymer Type
Different polymers have different inherent barrier properties. For example, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) is known for its excellent oxygen barrier properties, making it a popular choice for applications where oxygen protection is critical. Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is another polymer with high barrier properties for both oxygen and moisture. On the other hand, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) have relatively lower barrier properties but are often used in combination with other polymers to improve their performance.
Film Thickness
In general, thicker films have better barrier properties than thinner films. This is because the thicker the film, the longer the path that oxygen and moisture molecules have to travel through the film, increasing the resistance to transmission. However, increasing the film thickness also increases the cost and may affect the flexibility and formability of the film.
Temperature and Humidity
The temperature and humidity conditions can have a significant impact on the barrier properties of thermoforming films. As the temperature increases, the mobility of oxygen and moisture molecules increases, leading to higher transmission rates. Similarly, high humidity can also increase the moisture transmission rate. Therefore, it is important to consider the storage and use conditions when selecting a thermoforming film.
Coating and Lamination
Coating and lamination are common techniques used to improve the barrier properties of thermoforming films. A thin coating of a high-barrier polymer can be applied to the surface of a base film to enhance its oxygen and moisture barrier properties. Lamination involves bonding two or more layers of different polymers together to create a multi-layer film with improved performance.
Applications of Thermoforming Films with Good Barrier Properties
Thermoforming films with excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties are widely used in various industries.
Food Packaging
In the food industry, these films are used to package a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, and bakery items. By providing a barrier to oxygen and moisture, these films help to maintain the freshness, flavor, and nutritional value of the food, extending its shelf life and reducing waste.
Pharmaceutical Packaging
In the pharmaceutical industry, thermoforming films are used to package tablets, capsules, and other medications. The barrier properties of the films help to protect the drugs from moisture, oxygen, and light, ensuring their stability and efficacy over time.
Electronics Packaging
Thermoforming films with good barrier properties are also used in the electronics industry to protect sensitive electronic components from moisture and oxygen, which can cause corrosion and damage.
Our Thermoforming Films and Their Barrier Properties
At our company, we offer a wide range of thermoforming films with excellent oxygen and moisture barrier properties. Our films are made from high-quality polymers and are designed to meet the specific requirements of different applications.
We use advanced manufacturing techniques to ensure the consistency and quality of our films. Our R & D team is constantly working on developing new formulations and improving the barrier properties of our products. We also offer customized solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers.
Conclusion
The oxygen and moisture barrier properties of thermoforming films are essential for protecting products from degradation and extending their shelf life. By understanding the science behind these properties and the factors that influence them, we can select the right film for each application. Our company is committed to providing high-quality thermoforming films with excellent barrier properties to meet the needs of our customers in various industries.
Coextruded Film If you are interested in learning more about our thermoforming films or have specific requirements for your application, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to discuss your needs and provide you with the best solutions.
References
- ASTM D3985 – Standard Test Method for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor
- ASTM F1249 – Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor
Sinosealed Packaging Solutions Limited
With a professional production team, we are one of the most experienced thermoforming film manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please rest assured to buy high quality thermoforming film for sale here from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
Address: Luohe City, Henan Province, China
E-mail: contact@barrierpackage.com
WebSite: https://www.barrierpackage.com/
