This volume offers a comprehensive and practical survey of the materials, hardware, processes, and applications of multilayer flexible packaging films. The materials coverage includes detailed sections on polyethylene, polypropylene, and additives. The dies used to produce multilayer films are described, and the process engineering of film manufacture is explained, with special focus on meeting specifications and targets. The book includes unique coverage of bending technology, providing a useful explanation of the issues involved in the bending of viscoelastic non-Newtonian polymeric materials. The chapter on blending is also especially helpful.

From the Preface: “...As the technology of multilayer films is constantly developing, it is virtually impossible to have an up-to-the-minute description of every multilayer film and technology used. So, this book, by definition, is only a snapshot of what is available. By reading this book, whether you are a manager, purchasing agent, user, engineer or technician, you can improve your knowledge and insight...”

Target Audience: Plastics engineers, process engineers, quality assurance, reliability, and manufacturing engineers, and other personnel concerned with multilayer flexible packaging structures.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Resins:

PE Processes

Polypropylene

Additives to Design and Improve the Performance of Multilayer Flexible Packaging

Rheology of Molten Polymers

Technologies:

Coextrusion Equipment for Multilayer Flat Films and Sheets

Multilayer Blown (Tubular) Film Dies

Process Engineering

Blown Film, Cast Film and Lamination Processes

Machine Direction Oriented Film Technology

Oriented Film Technology

Polymer Blending for Packaging Applications

Water- and Solvent-Based Coating Technology

Vacuum Metallizing for Flexible Packaging

Multilayer Films — Descriptions, Performance Characteristics, Uses, Considerations, Properties:

PE Based Multilayer Film Structures

Multilayer Oriented Films

Appendix

Index