In the field of packaging, Laminated Packaging Films have become the top choice for packaging a wide range of products due to their excellent comprehensive properties. Among these, the barrier property stands out as a crucial characteristic, playing a pivotal role in ensuring product quality and extending shelf life.
Gas Barrier Property
1. Oxygen Barrier
Oxygen is one of the primary factors causing the deterioration of many products. For food, oxygen can trigger the oxidation of fats and oils, resulting in a rancid smell and a reduction in food flavor and nutritional value. For pharmaceuticals, oxygen may react with active ingredients, leading to a decrease in efficacy or even inactivation. Laminated Packaging Films typically incorporate materials with high oxygen barrier performance, such as ethylene – vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) or polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), to inhibit the penetration of oxygen, effectively extending the product’s shelf life. For example, in the packaging of potato chips and other snack foods, good oxygen barrier properties can maintain the crispy texture and freshness of the chips.
2. Carbon Dioxide Barrier
In the packaging of carbonated beverages and other carbonated products, the retention of carbon dioxide is of great importance. Laminated Packaging Films need to have excellent carbon dioxide barrier properties to prevent the escape of carbon dioxide, thus maintaining the carbonation level and fizz of the beverage. Laminated Packaging Films based on PET (polyethylene terephthalate), combined with special barrier coatings or co – extrusion structures, can effectively block the loss of carbon dioxide, ensuring that the beverage retains its desired taste and quality within the shelf life.
Moisture Vapor Barrier Property
1. Moisture Resistance
Excessive moisture can make food become damp and soft, cause pharmaceuticals to absorb moisture and deteriorate, and damage electronic products due to water vapor erosion. Laminated Packaging Films create a moisture – proof barrier by selecting materials with a low moisture vapor transmission rate, such as aluminum foil and polyethylene (PE). In the packaging of biscuits, the composite packaging film can effectively prevent external moisture from entering, maintaining the crispy texture of the biscuits. In pharmaceutical packaging, composite films with good moisture vapor barrier properties can prevent pharmaceuticals from caking and mildewing due to moisture absorption, ensuring the quality and safety of the drugs.
2. Moisture Retention
For some products with high water content, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, or certain meat products, the composite packaging film not only needs to prevent external moisture from entering but also prevent the loss of internal moisture. By rationally designing the moisture vapor barrier properties of the packaging film, the internal moisture balance of the product can be maintained, preserving the tender taste and appearance of the product. For example, the composite packaging film used for packaging fresh strawberries can prevent the strawberries from losing water and shriveling, as well as avoid rotting due to excessive humidity.
Aroma Barrier Property
1. Prevention of Aroma Loss
For many products, especially food and perfumes, their unique aroma is one of the important selling points. Laminated Packaging Films need to have good aroma barrier properties to prevent the volatilization of the product’s own aroma components. By using a multi – layer composite structure, which includes materials with strong adsorption and blocking effects on aroma molecules, such as certain special polymers or barrier layers containing nanoparticles, the aroma of the product can be effectively locked in, allowing consumers to still experience the rich original aroma when opening the package.
2. Prevention of External Odor Infiltration
In addition to preventing the loss of its own aroma, the composite packaging film also needs to resist the infiltration of external odors. During storage and transportation, products may come into contact with various substances with different odors. If the packaging film has poor odor barrier performance, external odors may penetrate into the product, affecting its quality. For example, in the packaging of tea, high – quality Laminated Packaging Films can prevent tea from absorbing external odors in the surrounding environment, maintaining the pure aroma and flavor of the tea.
Light Barrier Property
1. Ultraviolet Protection
Ultraviolet light is another important factor leading to product deterioration. It can trigger photochemical reactions, causing food to fade, nutritional components to be lost, the activity of pharmaceuticals to decrease, and the components of cosmetics to decompose. Laminated Packaging Films often incorporate materials with ultraviolet – absorbing functions, such as inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, or organic compounds like ultraviolet absorbers, effectively blocking the penetration of ultraviolet light and protecting products from photo – oxidation and photodegradation. In the packaging of edible oils, Laminated Packaging Films with ultraviolet – blocking functions can slow down the oxidation rate of oils and extend the shelf life of edible oils.
2. Visible Light Blocking
For some light – sensitive products, not only ultraviolet light but also visible light may have an adverse impact on them. Some Laminated Packaging Films use opaque or highly light – shielding materials, such as aluminum foil, black or dark – colored polymer layers, to block visible light, providing comprehensive light protection for the products. For example, the packaging of some high – end skin – care products uses composite films with strong light – shielding properties to prevent quality changes of the products under light, maintaining the stability and efficacy of the products.
The barrier property of Laminated Packaging Films is a complex and diverse system. Through effective blocking of gases, moisture vapor, aroma, and light, it provides all – round protection for products. It plays an indispensable role in the storage, transportation, and sales of products, safeguarding the quality and value of products.
Post time: Mar-31-2025