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Structure and gas transmission characteristics of microperforations in plastic films
Author(s) -
AllanWojtas P.,
Forney C. F.,
Moyls L.,
Moreau D. L.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
packaging technology and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.365
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1099-1522
pISSN - 0894-3214
DOI - 10.1002/pts.804
Subject(s) - scanning electron microscope , materials science , transmission electron microscopy , diffusion , optical microscope , composite material , reproducibility , optics , analytical chemistry (journal) , nanotechnology , chemistry , physics , chromatography , thermodynamics
Abstract Bright field transmitted light microscopy (BFTLM), differential interference contrast light microscopy (DICLM), conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low‐vacuum scanning electron microscopy (LV‐SEM) were used to observe microperforations in plastic film used for modified atmosphere packaging. Characteristics of the microperforations, including size, shape and obstructions are indicators of consistency and reproducibility of the process used to produce the microperforations. In addition, the microperforations appeared differently on the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic films, including a local thickening at the site of the microperforation and size of the opening. Microperforations in the range of 30 to 100 µm in diameter exhibited a linear increase of both O 2 and CO 2 transmission rates with hole area, for diffusion under calm conditions. Further testing indicated that microperforations larger than 55 µm in diameter can lose their diffusion constant if convection is present. Holes with a diameter less than 55 µm should therefore be used to achieve the required oxygen transmission rates (OTR). Copyright © 2007 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.