Fluorinated HDPE Containers for Other Applications

It is known that fluorinated HDPE containers are highly suitable for the packaging of numerous other products such as adhesive systems, oil-based paints, polishes, hand cleaners, and hydrocarbon solvents.12 

It has also been reported that some products with distinct flavors can be successfully contained in fluorinated container13-15 Work done at the AEC on the containment of concentrated flavorants in HDPE containers showed excellent containment for butter LR12390, aniseed oil, and dimethyl sulfide. The unacceptable barrier properties found for OR onion, OR garlic, and banana LR4186 led to a massive slump in popularity of one of the authors from colleagues who accused him of poisoning them  

A further interesting property that is induced by surface fluorination is a roughening716 ofthe surface, leading to a matt or frosted texture. Currently this is a highly desirable surface finish for certain cosmetic containers. 

Another benefit of the fluorinated layer is its excellent adhesion properties. Printing (including water-based inks) and labels will normally adhere tenanciously to a fluorinated layer. In some cases it is even possible to fluorinate printed containers without discoloration ofthe printing. In these cases the printing will be far more insoluble to a large spectrum of solvents and will then only be removed with difficulty. 

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