Barrier resin

In the late 1960s a new class of AN copolymers and multipolymers was introduced that contain >60% acrylonitrile. These are commonly known as barrier resins and have found thek greatest acceptance where excellent barrier properties toward gases (5), chemicals, and solvents are needed. They may be processed into bottles, sheets, films, and various laminates, and have found wide usage in the packaging industry (see Barrier polymers). 

Coextrusion. An increasingly popular technique to produce tailored film or sheet products is to coextmde one or more polymer types in two or more layers of melt (6). In this fashion the benefits of specific polymer types or formulations may be combined. Thus high cost barrier resins may be combined with a low cost thicker layer of standard resin to achieve an optimum barrier film at lower cost. Thin sUp-control layers may be used on the surface of a bulk layer of opticaUy clear resin to obtain an aesthetic film with good handleabUity. Lower melting outer layers may be used to provide heat sealing for polymers that seal with difficulty by themselves. 

As an excellent barrier resin, PTEE is widely used in the chemical industry. However, it is a poor barrier for fluorocarbon oils because similarity in the chemical composition of a barrier and a permeant increases permeation. Most Hquids and gases (other than fluorocarbons) do not permeate highly crystalline PTFE. Permeabilities at 30deg C (in mol/(m-s-Pa) X 10 ) are as follows CO2, 0.93 N2, 0.18 He, 2.47 anhydrous HCl, <0.01 (89). 

Because of the capacity to tailor select polymer properties by varying the ratio of two or more components, copolymers have found significant commercial appHcation in several product areas. In fiber-spinning, ie, with copolymers such as nylon-6 in nylon-6,6 or the reverse, where the second component is present in low (<10%) concentration, as well as in other comonomers with nylon-6,6 or nylon-6, the copolymers are often used to control the effect of sphemUtes by decreasing their number and probably their size and the rate of crystallization (190). At higher ratios, the semicrystalline polyamides become optically clear, amorphous polymers which find appHcations in packaging and barrier resins markets (191). 

Poly(ethylene-i (9-vinyl alcohol) is made by saponification of ethylene—vinyl acetate copolymers. The properties of these materials depend on the amount of vinyl alcohol present in the copolymer. High vinyl alcohol content results in more hydrophilic materials possessing higher densities, stiffness, and moduh. They are used commercially as barrier resins for packaging. Important producers include Du Pont and EVALCA (74) (see Barrier polymers). 

During the 1970s there was considerable interest for a time in copolymers with a high acrylonitrile content for use as barrier resins, i.e. packaging materials with low permeability to gases. Problems associated with free acrylonitrile have, however, led to the virtual disappearance of these materials from the market. 

Aortal Aery Me ABS Alkyd Alloy /Blands Barrier Resin CeliAwie Diallyl Phthalates Engineering Plastics Epoxies Fluorepdlymars Liquid Crystal Melamine Nitrile Resins Nylon Phenolic Polyamlde-lmide Polycarbonate polyester Polyethylene Polyimictes Polypropylene Polyurethanes PVC... 

Our studies of the absorption, permeation, and extraction properties of containers produced from high nitrile barrier resins have demonstrated that they meet or surpass the basic criteria established for retention of taste and odor characteristics of carbonated soft drinks. Sensory tests, which can isolate and identify end results as well as integrate collective effects, have confirmed this judgement and have established the general compatibility of these containers with a variety of beverage products from a taste and odor standpoint. Furthermore, these materials have the excellent physical properties required for containers which will find wide use in food and beverage packaging. 

The primary use of acrylonitrile is as the raw material for the manufacture of acrylic and modacrylic fibers. Other Major uses include the production of plastics (acrylonitrile-butadiene- styrene (ABS) and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), nitrile rubbers, nitrile barrier resins, adiponitrile and acrylamide (EPA 1984). 

Barex Barrier resin/Acrylonitrile copolymers Vistron/BP Chemicals... 

Commercial barrier resins which are used as packaging films and blown bottles are produced by blending copolymers of acrylonitrile, ethyl acrylate, and butadiene with selected copolymers of acrylonitrile. These barrier resins have a Tg of about 125 C, a coefficient of linear expansion of 6.7 X 10 5 cm/cm C, a heat deflection temperature of 77 C, and an index of refraction of 1.511. These resins are resistant to nonoxidizing alkalis and acids and are decomposed by mineral acids. 

An example of this type of a safer chemical is methacrylonitrile (1) compared with acrylonitrile (2) (Figure 1.1). Both compounds are a, 3-unsaturated aliphatic nitriles, and structurally very similar, but 2 causes cancer whereas 1 does not appear to do so. Among other applications, 2 is used in the production of acrylic and modacrylic fibers, elastomers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and styrene-acrylonitrile resins, nitrile rubbers, and gas barrier resins. In a study conducted by the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) in which 2 was administered orally to mice for 2 years, there was clear evidence that it caused cancer in the treated mice (in addition to causing other toxic effects), and is classified by the NTP as a probable human carcinogen [26]. 

ACRN is used to make acrylic fibers, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN). Worldwide acrylic fiber accounts for over half of total demand while ABS and SAN consume about 30% of output. Smaller applications include nitrile rubber copolymers (4%), adiponitrile (ADN) and acrylamide. Acrylic fibers are used in carpets and clothing while ABS and SAN resins are used in pipes and fittings, automobiles, furniture, and packaging276. In the United States the ACRN uses are distributed differently 38% is used in ADN, 22% in ABS and SAN, 17% in acrylic fibers, 11% in acrylamide, 3% in nitrile elastomers, and 9% in miscellaneous, which includes polymers, polyols, barrier resins and carbon fibers277. 

Harita, S., Tanaka, Y. Flavor Barrier Properties and Applications of EVAL Barrier Resins. Proceedings Europak 89. Fourth Ryder European Conference on Plastics and Packaging for Food and Beverages. Oct. 31 - Nov. 1,1989. Dusseldorf. 

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