Novel methods to include graphene as a packaging barrier

Important results from the project

The project aimed at replacing alumina foil in packaging which will lead to new environmentally friendly packaging materials. The goal was to reduce oxygen permeability by 90% at low levels of graphene flakes in extruded and foamed films. Attempts show that it is possible to use existing industrial equipment to apply and orient the graphene flakes. However, more research on basic raw material graphene flake properties and compatibility between flakes and matrices are needed to reduce oxygen permeability by 90% at low levels of the graph in a stable manner.

Expected long term effects

The results showed a reduction of oxygen permeability in PE by about 90% at 7.5 wt% graphene and in PVOH films by 60% at 0.5 wt% graphene (low reproducibility). The graphene flakes were oriented perpendicular to the oxygen transport in both extruded and dispersed films. The project has achieved good understanding of the mechanisms that control transport. Flake properties, exfoliation, compatibility and aggregation are important. Two demonstrators using extrusion and foaming in the paper machine show good opportunities to industrially apply the technology.

Approach and implementation

A large number of functionalized grafendispersions and powders have been produced within the framework of the project. Work in the packages "Foamed dispersion coatings" and "Extruded polymer melts" has continued according to plan and several ways to produce graph-containing films have been used and evaluated. Several methods of characterizing dispersions and films have been set up. Industrial participants have conducted analyses, arranged pilot runs, and contributed with materials and technical skills. Participating was:2D fab AB, Battenfeld Sverige AB, Perstorp AB, Polykemi AB, Stora Enso Pulp and Paper Asia AB, Tetra Pak Packaging Solutions AB, and Saving Spaces AB