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Q2 Permeation Products & Services Newsletter

Monday, July 3, 2023

 
 

Quarter 2 | June 2023

MARKET TRENDS


 

Challenges Developing Coated Paper as a Primary Packaging Barrier

In an effort to decrease plastic waste on the planet, paper-based materials are being targeted as a primary alternative for packaging food and other consumer goods. However, due to their porous nature, paper and paperboard are not typically adequate barrier materials for extending product shelf life. Therefore, coatings and hybrid paper-based materials are being developed.

But not all coated paper is created equal. The ingredients of the coating may serve different purposes in the packaging industry. For example, some paper is coated with clay or other inorganic substances for easier printing, or to pack dry products such as tobacco and personal care products. Other paper such as PE-coated kraft paper is grease resistant and can be used to package a range of products, such as chocolate, tea and coffee.

To determine the barrier properties of these newly developed coated paper products, permeation studies must be conducted to determine Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and/or Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR). During R&D of these new barriers, manufacturers face challenges in accurately testing materials due to the natural porosity of paper fibers leading to edge diffusion.
To help customers solve these challenges, experts at AMETEK MOCON have developed solutions for accurate and precise testing of paper-based samples. Keep reading below for more information about these solutions..

 

NEW TECHNOLOGY & PRODUCTS


 

New Edge Compression Cartridge Allows Accurate Permeation Measurement of Paper Barriers

When improving the barrier properties of paper-based substrates, an unevenly applied coating can leave the surface uneven or rough. Barriers with rough surfaces are difficult to accurately test, as the high spots will seal against the cell while the valleys allow gases to flow, causing leaks and leading to erroneous test data.

The Edge Compression Cartridge is MOCON’s newest barrier-testing solution, enabling manufacturers to generate reliable, reproducible testing data for textured paper-based barriers. A compressive force mechanically eliminates micro-porosity, allowing analysis of these hard-to-test structures free of edge diffusion. With a smooth and consistent sample surface, test data is more reliable and repeatable.

Compared to masking, the Edge Compression Cartridge is easier to use, less wasteful, and more reliable; loading samples is quick, minimal grease is needed, and the cartridge can be reused indefinitely. Additionally, since the cartridge is stainless steel without an O-ring seal to the sample, the outgassing time is greatly reduced leading to faster tests.


Click the link below to learn more.



LATEST APPLICATIONS


Which Testing Solution is Best for Your Paper-based Barriers?

As the sustainability movement matures, growing numbers of novel paper barrier materials must be qualified to replace legacy polymer films. Paper structures innately contain porosity which often causes issues with testing. Because the diffusion mechanism is based off random molecular motions, paper substrates allow the atmosphere to compromise the driving force during analysis.

For example, as the test gas challenges one side of the film and moves into the structure, some molecules will leave the structure through the edges, while some permeate through the barrier. This phenomenon is known as edge diffusion which changes the driving force, producing inaccurate data.

Paper-based materials generally fall into four categories:

  • Thin and smooth
  • Thin and rough
  • Thick (>12 mils) and smooth
  • Thick and rough
    •  



      Different structures call for different test approaches to get accurate and repeatable permeation test results. The Edge Effect Cartridge is ideal for both thin and thick coated films with a smooth surface, while the Edge Compression Cartridge was designed to test thin structures with a textured surface.

      A new application note explains this application in detail, as well as the benefits of using the edge compression cartridge over traditional masking. Click the link below to learn more.

       

      AMETEK MOCON offers support to help you find the right solution for your challenging new barriers. For more information contact your local AMETEK MOCON sales representative, or contact us here.

       


      UPCOMING EVENTS/VIDEO LINKS

       



      Press Release: OX-TRAN 2/28 Series



      The AMETEK MOCON instrument portfolio now includes the OX-TRAN 2/28 HR, which in addition to the high-throughput and user-friendly benefits of the 2/28 H, allows precise control of test gas RH. Learn more by clicking the link below!
       

      Resource Library
      Visit our Resource Library for white papers, application notes, technical notes and videos from the leading experts in permeation.
       
      Upcoming 2023 Permeation Exhibitions, Conferences and Trade Shows

      Sept. 11-13, 2023 Pack Expo Las Vegas



      Our permeation and package testing team members hope to see you Sept. 11-13, booth 6835, for the 2023 Pack Expo event in Las Vegas.


      Sept. 20-21, 2023 Kunststoffenbeurs 2023



      Join us in Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, where we'll highlight our solutions for sustainable packaging development and production.


      Sept. 28-29, 2023 International Seminar on Plastic Characterization



      At this two-day international seminar in Valencia, Spain, Regional Sales Manager Christofer Coppens will be discussing the importance of barrier properties in packaging materials and advanced solutions for their measurement.

      Oct.16-18, 2023 Sustainability in Packaging Europe



      AMETEK MOCON permeation experts will join over 570 industry leaders for the 8th year of Sustainability in Packaging in Barcelona, Spain.

      Nov. 21-22, 2023 AMI Multilayer Flexible Packaging



      Our permeation and packaging experts will be at the 15th annual Multilayer Flexible Packaging event in Barcelona, Spain.