MCT's coatings pass the test

26 June 2000 00:00  [Source: ICB]

MicroCoating Technologies' (MCT) polymer R&D unit has received promising results on its silica-based transparent barrier coatings for PET films and bottles.

Permatech, an independent testing laboratory, said the coatings on PET films had an oxygen transmission rate comparable with those of other transparent silica-based barrier coatings deposited on to PET films by the plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition method.

MCT has used combustion chemical vapour deposition (CCVD) technology, an open-atmosphere, flame-based technique for depositing high-quality thin films of advanced materials, to deposit coatings onto temperature sensitive polymer substrates such as low density polyethylene (ldPE), polypropylene, polycarbonates, PET and nylons without any substrate deformation. The CCVD process eliminates the vacuums required for other thin film deposition processes.

Barrier protection of polymer films and other formed packaging products is required to extend shelf life by preventing transport of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, retain flavour and aroma and offer a moisture barrier. MCT's coatings are completely biocompatible, which favourably compares to alternative coated products, it claims.

n Eastman Chemical has introduced AmberGuard polymer, a specially formulated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) designed for the beer packaging market.

Traditionally clear PET is mixed with colourants to produce the coloured plastic. However, AmberGuard polymer is a 'pre-coloured PET', which Eastman claims will deliver colour consistency for beer containers produced from the polymer.

Earnest Deavenport, Eastman's chairman and chief executive officer, said: 'AmberGuard polymer shields ultraviolet and damaging visible light from promoting undesirable reactions that can lead to destruction of the flavour.

'We recently introduced Imperm nanocomposite resins for improved barrier performance, and we are quickly following with the introduction of AmberGuard polymer to address light protection,' he added.

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