Material Rate
Material property defining the rate at which gases or vapors pass through a thin layer of linear low density polyethylene measured against a standardized pressure gradient governs the shelf life of goods. In flexible packaging applications, lldpe permeability determines the transmission of water vapor and oxygen through the plastic film. This characteristic is a function of the polymer density and the thickness of the extruded layer.
Processing Condition
Molecular gaps between the polymer chains allow small molecules to diffuse from the high-concentration side to the low-concentration side. Processing conditions during film blowing, such as the cooling rate and the stretch ratio, influence the crystallinity and the resulting barrier performance. Blending with other resins or using multi-layer co-extrusion techniques allows for the adjustment of these flow rates to meet specific product requirements.
The orientation of the polymer chains during extrusion affects the path length for diffusing molecules.
Barrier Stability
Barrier effectiveness drops significantly if the film is stretched too thin or suffers mechanical damage. High transmission rates lead to the softening of dry goods or the oxidation of fats within the package. Selecting the correct grade of resin is essential for protecting the integrity of the contents.