Heat sealable coating for food packaging via polymer blends
Cost-effective, high-performance heat sealable coatings for aluminum foil food packaging, combining carboxylic acid-based polymers with PET and optionally naturally derived nanoparticles. Developed at the University of Western Australia to improve adhesion, hydrophobicity, and durability for food packaging applications.
Overview
This research delivers a novel approach to heat sealable coatings for aluminum foil food packaging. The technology combines commercially available carboxylic acid-based polymers with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), optionally enhanced with naturally derived nanoparticles such as cellulose nanoparticles. The result is a nontoxic, thermally stable coating that achieves strong adhesion on aluminum foil and other packaging substrates, addressing a key limitation of conventional PET coatings.
The solution is designed for food packaging manufacturers seeking cost-effective, high-performance sealing coatings that improve product integrity, extend shelf life, and meet safety requirements. By leveraging renewable and biodegradable nanoparticle additives, the technology also supports sustainability goals in packaging design.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Carboxylic acid-based polymer binders improve adhesion to aluminum foil through electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces with the oxidized surface
- PET provides nontoxicity, thermal stability, mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity
- Optional incorporation of cellulose nanoparticles enhances mechanical strength, barrier properties, and biodegradability
- Systematic optimization of polymer molecular structure, molecular weight, nanoparticle type, nanoparticle size, component concentration, and processing temperature and time
- Comprehensive surface characterization including morphology, wettability, adhesion, thermal stability, wear resistance, elasticity, and hardness
- Applicable to aluminum foil and a range of other packaging materials
Technology readiness level
This research is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The underlying science is supported by prior work from the Atkin group demonstrating that carboxylic acid-based polymers significantly improve adhesion when combined with fluoropolymers. Future validation will involve systematic investigation of formulation and processing parameters at the University of Western Australia, followed by characterization of adhesion strength, hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The technology is positioned for co-development and pilot trials with packaging industry partners.
About University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia is a comprehensive public research university in Perth and a flagship for the state, pairing a global outlook with deep regional engagement. Industry partners access co-located facilities at a major hospital precinct for clinical translation, field sites across Western Australia for real-world trials, and shared marine and coastal infrastructure on the Indian Ocean. Engagement models include structured internships and executive education, with a dedicated technology transfer office that supports IP strategy, licensing, and venture creation. Research is underpinned by competitive state and federal funding, including the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council, and participation in Cooperative Research Centres.
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