Variables that Affect/Control High-Density Polyethylene Film Oxygen-Moisture Barrier

Abstract

Multiple layer polyolefin-based films continue to be one of the preferred packages for both the food and medical industries. The technology of these films has advanced over the years from simple monolayer structures to multilayer hybrid structures. These affordable packages not only provide tamper proof evidence, but also protection from insects, bacteria, germs, and dust and are very effective in providing moisture and oxygen barrier. This paper will discuss these latter two properties, moisture and oxygen barrier, when polyethylene is used as the primary film component. Many variables affect high-density polyethylene (HDPE) film’s oxygen transmission rates (OTR), and water vapor transmission rates (WVTR). These variables include film crystalline structure, relaxation rates of molten polyethylene, polyethylene manufacturing technology, polyethylene resin physical properties, atmospheric conditions, and film fabrication technology and structure. This paper will describe how permeation rates are measured and how each of the above variables affects the permeation rates.