Reactive barrier films

Chuanfang Yang, Eric E. Nuxoll, Edward L Cussler Jr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

94 Scopus citations

Abstract

Immobile reactive groups within films used as packaging materials can retard transport of solutes like oxygen and water vapor. A theory developed for these films shows that these groups do not affect the steady-state transport across the film, but that they do increase the time before permeability begins. The theory is verified by experiments with acid barriers made of polyvinylalcohol containing colloidal zinc oxide. These results imply that the time that barrier polymers are effective can be increased about two orders of magnitude. When reactive groups are combined with impermeable flakes, this time can be increased about three orders of magnitude. For example, a polymer barrier currently effective for one hour can be made effective for over one year.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)295-302
Number of pages8
JournalAIChE Journal
Volume47
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001

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