Metallized Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene - Advances in Barrier Integrity, 1999 Polymers, Laminations & Coatings Conference Proceedings

M. L. Kullberg & T. R. Mueller

QPF,LLC

Streamwood, IL. 60107

A study of different surface treatments on biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) has demonstrated a correlation between high surface functionalization, treat stability and improved metal adhesion to polypropylene film. Flame treatment produces a higher surface functionalization and treat stability than air corona treatment and this leads to improved metal lamination bond strengths. Barrier loss in metallized film structures after package formation has been perceived as inevitable. To demonstrate the improvements in metal adhesion through flame treatment, laminations were fabricated utilizing both LDPE and adhesive, and barriers tested both flat sheet and after bag converting. The packages were also nitrogen gas flushed and the oxygen level within the package monitored over time. The study demonstrates that improved metal adhesion through flame treatment provides improved barrier integrity after lamination and package

formation.