Abstract: A multilayer barrier film comprises an oriented outer film and a sealing layer attached to the oriented outer film, and the oriented outer film has 1) a first exterior layer containing a first polymeric material having a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of greater than or equal to 10 gram·mil/100 in2/day, 2) a first EVOH layer adjacent to the first exterior layer, 3) an interior layer adjacent to the first EVOH layer, and 4) a second EVOH layer adjacent to the interior layer, the multibarrier film exhibiting rapid recovery of oxygen transmission barrier after exposure to a retort process.

Abstract: A multilayer barrier film for food packaging comprises an outer layer comprising a first polymeric material having a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of greater than or equal to 10 gram·mil/100 in2/day; a first inner layer adjacent to the outer layer, the first inner layer comprising a first retortable grade ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer; a second inner layer adjacent to the first inner layer, the second inner layer comprising a second polymeric material having a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of greater than or equal to 10 gram·mil/100 in2/day; a third inner layer adjacent to the second inner layer, the third inner layer comprising a second retortable grade EVOH copolymer; and a sealing layer adjacent to the third inner layer; wherein the first polymeric material is not a retortable grade EVOH copolymer. Excellent recovery of oxygen barrier over time is achieved by these films and retortable containers made therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging films having accelerated migration rates of an antimicrobial agent through a product-contact layer which extends the shelf-life of products packaged therein. The product-contact layer includes an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer having a melt flow index of greater than 6 dg/min at 190 C/2.18 kg, an antimicrobial agent and a wetting agent. In some preferred embodiments, greater than 30% of the initial amount of antimicrobial agent present in the product-contact layer can be released after 21 days upon contact with water. The packaging films can be converted into bags, pillow pouches, stand-up pouches, quad pouches, zipped pouches, over-wraps, lidding films, thermoformed trays, vacuum packages, vacuum skin packaging and the like. These films can be used for any product in which it would advantageous to reduce harmful microbial contaminants.

Abstract: Water soluble particles can be incorporated into articles that are produced from a polymer based matrix with reduced appearance implications. Using a specific formulation including a water permeable polymer, water soluble particles and a surfactant, and a specific process for combining these components, agglomeration of the particles can be reduced. This is particularly useful for applications where the particles are incorporated into packaging films and extracted upon exposure to moist products.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging films comprising an antioxidant based on 4-pyranone having a general structural formula: Formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging films comprising an antioxidant based on 3(2H-)-furanone having a general structural formula (I): R1?CH3, CH2CH3; R2?H, CH3; R3?H, CH2CH3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to packaging films having accelerated migration rates of an antimicrobial agent through a product-contact layer which extends the shelf-life of products packaged therein. The product-contact layer includes an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer having a melt flow index of greater than 6 dg/min at 190 C/2.18 kg, an antimicrobial agent and a wetting agent. In some preferred embodiments, greater than 30% of the initial amount of antimicrobial agent present in the product-contact layer can be released after 21 days upon contact with water. The packaging films can be converted into bags, pillow pouches, stand-up pouches, quad pouches, zipped pouches, over-wraps, lidding films, thermoformed trays, vacuum packages, vacuum skin packaging and the like. These films can be used for any product in which it would advantageous to reduce harmful microbial contaminants.

Abstract: A method of plating a metal on a hydrophobic polymer, especially in the shape of small particles, involves: (a) contacting a surface of hydrophobic polymer substrate with a polycation such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) to create a treated surface; (b) contacting the treated surface with a catalyst; and then (c) immersing the surface in a electroless metal plating bath to create a coating of metal on the surface. Metals include copper, silver, gold, nickel and cobalt. Catalysts are selected from compounds containing palladium, platinum, tin, copper, or nickel salts. Damaging surface treatments such as etching by plasma or acid are avoided.

Abstract: A method of plating a metal on a hydrophobic polymer, especially in the shape of small particles, involves: (a) contacting a surface of hydrophobic polymer substrate with a polycation such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride) to create a treated surface; (b) contacting the treated surface with a catalyst; and then (c) immersing the surface in a electroless metal plating bath to create a coating of metal on the surface. Metals include copper, silver, gold, nickel and cobalt. Catalysts are selected from compounds containing palladium, platinum, tin, copper, or nickel salts. Damaging surface treatments such as etching by plasma or acid are avoided.