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Development of Mono-Material Multilayer Light Barrier Films
Rocío Ayelén Fuentes1,2, Giacomo Foli3, Roberta Di Carlo3
1Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química, PLAPIQUI (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina.
Polymers
|December 31, 2025
Summary
New mono-material multilayer polypropylene films with mineral fillers offer enhanced light barrier properties. These recyclable films provide improved UV protection and mechanical strength for packaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Packaging Technology
Background:
- Conventional multi-material packaging poses recycling challenges.
- Development of light barrier structures is crucial for photosensitive product protection.
- Need for sustainable and high-performance packaging solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel mono-material multilayer polypropylene films as light barriers.
- To evaluate the impact of mineral fillers (talc, kaolinite) on film properties.
- To assess the suitability of these films for photosensitive packaging.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of trilayer polypropylene films via thermocompression with varying mineral filler content (0-5 wt.%).
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
- Evaluation of mechanical, optical (light transmittance), and gas barrier properties.
Main Results:
- Confirmed well-defined trilayer structures with no thermal degradation during processing.
- Observed enhanced thermal stability, modified crystallinity, and preferential polymer crystal orientation.
- Achieved improved stiffness and tensile strength without compromising sealability or puncture resistance.
- Demonstrated significantly reduced UV and visible light transmittance while maintaining translucency.
- Preserved gas barrier performance with minimal changes in permeability.
Conclusions:
- Mono-material multilayer polypropylene films incorporating mineral fillers are effective light barriers.
- These films offer a recyclable and sustainable alternative to conventional multi-material packaging.
- The developed films exhibit excellent UV protection, mechanical robustness, and preserved barrier properties.
