Metallized PET film: What can PET met be used for?

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PET met is a polyester film metallized with aluminum powder. Polyester film (short: PET film) is already characterized by high strength and surface hardness. Especially with regard to the diffusion density however, the favorable properties can be improved through the use of aluminum powder.

A PET film metallized with aluminum powder has advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional aluminum foils. The advantages of PET met are in particular, a higher tensile strength and lower production costs. The possible processing speed is significantly higher than that of aluminum foil in the composite material produced by vaporizing aluminum.

This makes PET met, the metallized polyester film particularly useful for applications such as:

• Packaging, especially for moisture or oxidation-sensitive foods such as coffee or instant soups.
• Relative vapor barrier in building insulation.
• Adhesive tapes and labels with relatively high chemical and thermal resistance for applications in vehicle technology or in outdoor areas.

High, but not absolute diffusion density

With PET met, a composite material made of a wafer-thin aluminum layer and a PET film, diffusion values of less than 0.5 cm³/m²/d for oxygen and less than 0.3 g/m²/d for water vapor even at material thicknesses of 10 μm can be achieved. These values &#;&#;are already close to the measurement limits which are indicated for the identification of the absolute diffusion density.

For an absolute diffusion density, however, a classic aluminum foil or a different metal foil has to be used.

PET met combines the positive properties of aluminum and PET film.

In contrast to a laminated composite material, the aluminum coating in PET met only causes a change in the diffusion, optical and electrical properties. The favorable strength values &#;&#;and the low specific weight of the PET film however, remains practically unchanged.

Really just a touch of aluminum

The thickness of the aluminum layer in PET met is so small that the unit, Ångström, which is derived from the atomic diameter is usually used instead of a measurement in μm (micrometers).

A measurement in Ångström can therefore be regarded as a corresponding number of atoms stacked directly above one another. This of course, does not reflect the actual physical conditions, but illustrates the extremely small thickness of the metal support layer.

Absolute values &#;&#;and comparison of the layer thicknesses of metallized PET film

The typical range of aluminum layer thicknesses for a metallized PET film of about 30 Å &#; 500 Å is about 3 to 50 nm. For comparison, pure gold can be reshaped into Å of thin gold leaf. At this thickness, gold is already slightly translucent and appears green against the light.

PET met foil is always slightly transparent.

Even metallized PET film is not completely opaque. In the case of incident light, this effect cannot be seen due to the silvery reflecting surface. This effect can be varied by printing, dyeing or varnishing as well as by brushing or embossing the PET film.

Effective protection against UV and thermal radiation

The highly reflective surface of a metallized PET film can be used to create an attractive optical effect in packaging as well as a barrier against electromagnetic radiation.

Aluminum vapor-coated PET foil reflects not only visible and infrared light, but also UV radiation. The aluminum coating differs from the silver or gold coatings used for similar purposes. Compared to these metals, the degree of reflection of aluminum is largely independent of the wavelength. The minimum which is still above 85%, is slightly above 800 nm in the near infrared range.

3-50nm

is the typical thickness of the aluminum coating

Metallized PET film has a typical aluminum coating thickness of 3 to 50 nm, providing excellent barrier properties with minimal material usage.

Effect of film thickness on the reflection factor of PET met

The reflection factor and the optical density of metallized PET film increases proportionally with the thickness of the aluminum coating. The optical density (OD) measured as the logarithm of the incident optical radiation divided by the radiation energy transmitted is typically between 0.25 and 3.5 for PET met.

The thicker the aluminum layer, the higher the optical density and the lower the transparency.

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The degree of reflection is thus about 66-99% because, due to the logarithmic scaling, an optical density of 0.3 corresponds to half of the transmitted radiation intensity.

Alteration of properties due to ageing

Just as it is the case with solid pure aluminum, a superficial oxidation takes place in the aluminum coated PET film. It protects the metal from further chemical conversion, both on the side exposed to air as well as the substrate side.

This self-passivation resulting from the formation of transparent aluminum oxide leads to a reduction in the optical density and the electrical conductivity, especially in the first 24 hours after the production of the metallized PET film. It must therefore be taken into account during production if customer specifications are to be observed with regard to these values.

PET met films become more transparent over time.

Since the oxide layer grows to a maximum of 3 to 4 nm irrespective of the thickness of the aluminum coating, the effect is particularly strong with thin coatings. With an approximately 10 nm thick aluminum coating, the optical density can drop from 0.2 to 0.28 within 24 hours and to about half of the original value in the long term.

Typical applications for metallized PET film

Metallized PET film is suitable, for example, in packaging technology as a direct replacement for aluminum foil. For the same film thickness, PET met is characterized by a higher tensile strength and flexural rigidity such that the composite material produced by vaporization of the metal is not as wrinkled as aluminum foil.

PETmet als Ersatz für Alu mit Vor- und Nachteilen.

This can give the package a more presentable look. Despite this, individual packages for candies, which are closed by twisting the film ends (twist closure) are also possible with metallized PET film.

However, aluminum foil also has advantages in certain packaging because, unlike PET met film, it is opaque and guarantees an absolute diffusion density. In general, food packaged with PET met film is therefore not as durable as those packaged with aluminum foil. PET met film is therefore more suitable for foodstuffs with short shelf life, which only stay in the supermarket for a relatively short time before a buyer gets it.

Further application possibilities for metallized PET film in the field of food packaging result from the fact that the extremely fine metal coating changes the electrical conductivity at the surface of the film. This makes PET met visible in metal detectors, but can also be used, for example in the packaging of microwave dishes with low water content, so that the food can absorb more energy and heat up quickly.

In the case of building insulation, the positive influence of the aluminum vaporization on the diffusion resistance as well as on the reflection of thermal radiation is important. Compared with aluminum foil, PET met offers no absolute vapor barrier, but a significantly higher mechanical resistance and a better reflectivity.

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Dairy products can be packaged in various types of packaging to cater to different product types and consumer preferences. Some of the main packaging options for storing dairy products in the market include:

1. Cartons and Tetra Paks: Cartons made from paperboard and lined with layers of plastic or aluminum are commonly used for milk, cream, and dairy-based beverages. Tetra Paks is a popular brand of aseptic carton packaging that helps extend the shelf life of dairy products without refrigeration.
2. Plastic Containers: Plastic containers, often made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP), are used for packaging yogurt, cottage cheese, and other dairy products. These containers can be resealable and come in various sizes.
3. Glass Jars: Glass jars are commonly used for premium dairy products like gourmet yogurts, puddings, and specialty cheeses. They offer a premium and visually appealing presentation.
4. Flexible Pouches: Flexible pouches are becoming more popular for products like yogurt, cheese sauces, and baby food. They are lightweight, space-efficient, and offer opportunities for creative designs.
5. Plastic Cups with Lids: Small plastic cups with snap-on lids are used for packaging single servings of products like yogurt, puddings, and dairy desserts.
6. PET Bottles: PET bottles are used for a range of dairy products, including milk, flavored milk, drinkable yogurt, and dairy-based beverages.

Regarding the use of PET bottles for dairy products, here are the advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages of Using PET Bottles for Dairy Products:

1. Lightweight: PET bottles are lightweight, reducing transportation costs and making them easy for consumers to handle.
2. Transparency: PET's transparency allows consumers to see the product, which can be appealing, especially for visually appealing dairy drinks.
3. Customization: PET bottles can be molded into various shapes and sizes, offering flexibility for branding and marketing.
4. Recyclability: PET is recyclable, aligning with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly packaging.
5. Shatterproof: PET bottles are less likely to shatter compared to glass, which is important for safety during transportation and handling.
6. Resealable: PET bottles can be fitted with resealable caps, ensuring product freshness after opening.
7. Cost-Effective: PET is often more cost-effective than other materials like glass, making it suitable for both budget-friendly and premium dairy products.

Disadvantages of Using PET Bottles for Dairy Products:

1. Barrier Properties: PET has limitations in providing barriers against oxygen and light, which can impact the product's shelf life.
2. Temperature Sensitivity: Some dairy products, like milk, are sensitive to temperature changes. PET's performance under certain temperature conditions might affect product quality.
3. Flavor Absorption: PET can absorb and transfer flavors, which might be an issue for some dairy products, especially those with strong flavors.
4. Limited Heat Resistance: PET bottles might not be suitable for products that require high-temperature processing or packaging hot dairy products.

Solution to Avoid the Disadvantages of PET Bottles to Reserve Dairy Products:

1. Light Protection: One of the main issues with PET bottles is their limited ability to block light, which can lead to the degradation of dairy products due to light-induced oxidation. To overcome this, consider using opaque or tinted PET bottles, or using packaging that includes an additional layer to block UV rays.
2. Temperature Control: Dairy products are sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Implement a supply chain and distribution system that maintains proper temperature control from production to the consumer. This may include refrigerated transportation and storage.
3. Oxygen Barrier: PET bottles can allow oxygen to permeate over time, which can negatively affect dairy product freshness. To combat this, you can use oxygen barrier technologies or incorporate additives into the PET material itself to reduce oxygen transmission.
4. Improved Sealing: Ensure that the sealing mechanism of PET bottles is of high quality. Leaks or inadequate seals can allow oxygen and contaminants to enter, affecting the quality and safety of dairy products.
5. Use of Multilayer Packaging: Consider using multilayer packaging, such as PET/PE (Polyethylene) or PET/EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol), which provides enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and light.

Muti-layer technology applicated in PET preform (Huayan)

1. Packaging Size: Choose appropriate packaging sizes to minimize the amount of air trapped inside the bottle. Smaller containers can help reduce oxidation.
2. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP): Implement MAP techniques, where the air inside the packaging is replaced with a mixture of gases (e.g., nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to extend the shelf life of dairy products.
3. Quality Control: Invest in quality control measures during production to ensure that dairy products are filled into PET bottles under hygienic conditions, with minimal exposure to contaminants.

When choosing PET bottles for dairy products, it's crucial to consider factors like the product's characteristics, intended shelf life, packaging design, and consumer preferences. Adequate barrier properties and quality control during manufacturing are essential to ensure the product's safety and quality. Additionally, emphasizing the importance of recycling and sustainability can help raise awareness and encourage responsible consumption.

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