High barrier micro-coating for thinner plastic bottles
A novel polyelectrolyte-based micro-coating enhances gas barrier properties of PET and HDPE bottles, enabling thinner designs without compromising durability. This environmentally-friendly solution offers a fully recyclable and transparent coating with low oxygen transmission rates.
Overview
This innovative solution involves a polyelectrolyte-based micro-coating designed to improve the gas barrier properties of polyester (PET) and polyolefin containers, such as plastic bottles. By allowing containers to be thinner without sacrificing barrier performance, this coating facilitates material savings and sustainability. The coating is fully recyclable, transparent, and environmentally benign, making it a promising choice for manufacturers looking to reduce material usage while maintaining product integrity.
Technical specifications
Key features include:
- Composed of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with citric acid curing to increase charge density and enhance complexation.
- Achieves an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than 0.005 cc/m²/day at thicknesses below 2000 nm, even at high humidity.
- Applicable via commercial spraying or dipping methods, suitable for both bottles and preforms.
- Allows for future customization by evaluating different polyelectrolyte systems to adjust mechanical properties.
Technology readiness level
The technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment, with plans for further development and pilot trials in collaboration with consumer-goods industry partners.
About Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University in College Station is a comprehensive public research university and the flagship of The Texas A&M University System, combining broad academic strengths with a strong applied‑research culture. Industry collaborates on the Texas A&M‑RELLIS campus—an integrated education, research and testing environment that supports large‑scale experimentation and proving grounds—and through the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s facilities in Bryan‑College Station. A statewide extension network connects university expertise to companies and communities across all Texas counties, enabling rapid piloting and deployment. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA and DoD, alongside state and industry sponsorship. Texas A&M Innovation provides IP management, licensing and commercialization pathways across the system.
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