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SPE International Award Address–1978 Barrier properties and migration problems of plastics
Author(s) -
Stannett Vivian T.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.760181502
Subject(s) - materials science , polymer , helium , hydrogen , water vapor , nanotechnology , forensic engineering , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering
The present state of knowledge of the manner in which small molecules dissolve and diffuse in plastic materials is briefly described. The advantages and disadvantages of these phenomena are outlined. Two aspects, one positive and one negative, are reviewed in more detail. The use of plastic materials as barriers to gas and vapor transport particularly in packaging applications is described and illustrated by examples. Typical permeability values for water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide in various polymer films are given. Values for hydrogen and helium are included to illustrate the possible use of plastic films for gas separations. On the negative side, the migration of residual monomers and other, possibly toxic, substances out of plastic materials can be a serious problem. Some of the basic considerations and practical solutions to the migration problem are discussed in more detail.