New Plastic Film Could Improve Food Packaging

Researchers have invented a new plastic film using a nano-inspired process that makes the material thinner than aluminum foil while keeping air and moisture at bay.

AsianScientist (Jan. 15, 2014) – Researchers at Tera-Barrier Films Pte Ltd (TBF), a spin-off company from A*STAR’s Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), have invented a new plastic film using a nano-inspired process that makes the material thinner than aluminum foil while keeping air and moisture at bay.

According to its inventors, the new plastic by TBF has one of the lowest moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR), preventing air and moisture from penetrating the layer. It also has an air and moisture barrier that is about ten times better than the transparent oxide barriers, which are currently being used to package food and medicines owing to its uniquely encapsulated nanoparticle layer.

The stretchable plastic could be an alternative for prolonging the shelf life of pharmaceuticals, food and electronics, they say.

“TBF’s strategy is to bridge the gap between aluminum foil and transparent oxide films by creating new packaging structures for the niche applications in the food, medical, pharmaceuticals and electronics markets,” said Mr. Senthil Ramadas, director and chief technology officer of TBF. “The secret behind TBF’s film lies in our patented encapsulated nanoparticle layer that consists of nanoparticles in polymer shells.”

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Source: A*STAR; Photo: kthrn/Flickr/CC.
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