Design of Nano-Filled PET Sheets With Enhanced Barrier Properties

Barrier properties are achieved in PET food packaging by using additives, coatings or multi-layers. An analytical model to predict the contamination during multiple recycling steps of this packaging is proposed. This model shows that lower contents of non-PET materials should be achieved to promote a valid recycling chain. A possible solution is using nano-technologies because of the very small amount of added material. Results are shown in the case of PVD coatings with aluminum target, and PET nano-composites. In both cases, less than 0.1 wt% of aluminum is able to reduce the oxygen transmission ratio of the PET packaging down to 50% of the virgin PET sheet.