Water-based moisture and vapor barrier coating for PET films and containers
A water-based moisture/vapor barrier coating for PET substrates that significantly lowers moisture vapor transmission rates. When applied to flat PET stock or potentially sprayed onto formed containers, it can reduce MVTR by up to 91% versus untreated PET, supporting improved shelf life and packaging performance. Performance is reported under industry-standard conditions (38°C, 90% RH, 24 hours).
Overview
A water-based moisture/vapor barrier coating has been developed for PET substrates. The coating, identified as Joncryl HPB 1631-A, can be applied as a continuous coating onto flat PET stock and may be sprayed onto formed containers, providing flexibility for packaging barrier enhancement.
The technology targets a key packaging requirement: reducing moisture vapor transmission to extend product shelf life and maintain quality. As a water-based alternative, it is positioned to support demand for lower-environmental-impact barrier systems compared with solvent-based approaches.
Technical specifications
Key performance data:
- Untreated PET baseline: 17.6 g/m² MVTR at 37.8°C and 90% relative humidity
- Joncryl HPB 1631-A at 2.4 g/m² coat weight: 4.3 g/m² MVTR — a 76% reduction
- Joncryl HPB 1631-A at 9.6 g/m² coat weight: 1.6 g/m² MVTR — a 91% reduction
Coating characteristics:
- Water-based formulation intended to support lower environmental impact and easier handling
- Applicable as a continuous coating on flat PET films
- Potential for spray application on formed containers to broaden use cases
- Performance validated under industry-standard conditions (38°C, 90% RH, 24 hours)
Technology readiness level
The coating has undergone initial MVTR validation testing on PET substrates, demonstrating substantial barrier improvements at multiple coating weights. Further validation work is described as open, with additional testing supported through provision of PET samples for expanded evaluation. This places the technology at an early-to-mid development stage, suitable for broader application testing and potential co-development focused on improved moisture barrier performance.
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