Technology of Polymer Packaging

Preface

Acknowledgements

Contents

Abbreviations

1 Basics of Polymer Packaging

1.1 Definition of Polymers

1.2 Manufacturing of Polymer Resins

1.3 Classification of Plastics: Molecular Structure

1.4 Plastics Additives

1.4.1 Usual Additives in the Packaging Sector

1.4.1.2 Light Stabilizer

1.4.1.3 PVC Stabilizer

1.4.1.4 Antiblock Agents

1.4.1.5 Antifog Agents

1.4.1.6 Nucleating Agents

1.4.1.7 Lubricants as Processing Aids

1.4.1.8 Slip Agents

1.4.1.9 Antistatic Agents

1.4.1.10 Colorants

1.4.1.11 Optical Brighteners

1.4.1.12 Chemical Blowing Agents

1.4.1.13 Antimicrobial Agents

1.5 Required Performance of Polymer Packaging

1.6 Different Types of Polymers Used for Packaging

1.6.1 Polyurethanes as Adhesives

1.7 Short Description of Some Polymers for Packaging Applications

1.8 Major Polymers Used in Packaging

1.8.1 Important Points for the Technologist

References

2 Manufacturing of

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2.1 Extrusion of Resins

2.1.1 Technology of Extrusion

2.1.2 Continuous Processes

2.1.2.1 Manufacturing of Blown Film

2.1.2.2 Manufacturing of Cast Film

2.1.2.3 Collapsible Tubes

2.1.2.4 Flexible Films for Packaging

2.1.3 Important Features for the Technologist

2.1.4 Discontinuous Processes

2.1.4.1 Injection Molding (IM)

2.1.4.2 Injection Blow Molding (IBM)

2.1.4.3 Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM)

2.1.4.4 Stretch Blow Molding (SBM)

2.1.4.5 Different Types of PET

2.1.4.6 Thermoforming

2.2 Sealing of Packages

2.2.1 Theory of Sealing

2.2.2 Principles of Heat Generation for Sealing of Packaging Materials

2.2.3 Technology of Sealing

2.2.3.1 Direct Heating Systems

2.2.3.2 Indirect Heating Systems

References

3 Converting of Polymer Packaging (Composite Packaging)

3.1 Technology of Converting

3.1.1 Modes of Converting Packaging Material

3.1.2 Technology of Coating

3.1.2.1 Extrusion and Coextrusion Coating

3.1.2.2 Coating with Lacquer

3.1.2.3 Coating with Polymer Dispersion

3.1.3 Technology of Lamination

3.1.3.1 Extrusion and Coextrusion Lamination

3.1.3.2 Dry Lamination, Solvent Based

3.1.3.3 Dry Lamination, Solvent-Free Adhesive

3.1.3.4 Glue or Water-Based Lamination

3.1.3.5 Wax or Hot-Melt Lamination

3.1.4 Important Features for the Technologist

3.2 Vacuum Deposition of Ultrathin Layers

3.2.1 Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Process:

3.2.2 Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Process

3.3 Radiation Upgrading of Packaging Material

3.3.1 Effect of Radiation on Plastics

3.4 Extended (Foamed) Packaging Materials

3.4.1 Physical Foaming with Gas

3.4.2 Chemical Nucleating Agents

3.4.3 Foam Extrusion

3.4.4 Foam Injection Molding

3.4.5 Foam Thermoforming

3.5 Special Topics

3.5.1 Sealing through Liquid and Dust

3.5.2 Transverse Sealing of Side-Folded Pouches

3.5.3 Weak Points of a Collapsible Polymer Tube

3.5.4 Pinholes in Packs

3.5.5 Complaint Management for New Technologists

References

Index