Abstract: Compositions for scavenging oxygen are disclosed. These compositions comprise copolyamides comprising over 50 weight percent polyamide segments and an active oxygen scavenging amount of polyolefin oligomer segments. The polyamide segments comprise segments derived from typical bottling and packaging polyamides such as polyhexamethyleneadipamide and polyphthalamides. The copolymers are preferably formed by transesterification during reactive extrusion and typically comprise about 0.5 to about 12 wt. % of polyolefin oligomer segments. The copolyamides provide enhanced active and passive oxygen barrier properties over similar polyester constructions and similar polyamide constructions, when used in a laminar construction. In a series of preferred embodiments, multi-layered bottles fabricated with the oxygen scavenging copolyatnides of this invention are about 99.8 wt. % polyamide and suitable for recycle with other polyamide bottles.

Abstract: Active oxygen scavenging compositions and their use in packaging articles are disclosed. The compositions are all plastic materials and are typically deployed as at least one layer in a multi-layered wall of a packaging article such as a bottle, can or film. The compositions are usually used in conjunction with added transition metal catalyst to enhance the uptake of oxygen. Use of the compositions and package constructions disclosed serves to lengthen the shelf life of packaged oxygen sensitive substances and/or diminish the need for refrigeration of the packages.