Gas permeability is a crucial property when it comes to blister packaging film. As a supplier of blister packaging film, I have witnessed firsthand the significance of understanding this characteristic in various industries. In this blog, I will delve into what gas permeability is, its importance in blister packaging, factors affecting it, and how we, as a supplier, ensure the quality of our films in terms of gas permeability. Blister Packaging Film
What is Gas Permeability?
Gas permeability refers to the ability of a material, in this case, blister packaging film, to allow gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen to pass through it. It is typically measured in units of volume per unit area per unit time under specific conditions of temperature and pressure. For example, the gas permeability of a film might be expressed as cubic centimeters of gas per square meter per day (cc/m²/day) at a certain temperature and relative humidity.
The concept of gas permeability is based on Fick’s laws of diffusion. According to Fick’s first law, the rate of diffusion of a gas through a film is proportional to the concentration gradient across the film. In simpler terms, if there is a higher concentration of a gas on one side of the film compared to the other, the gas will tend to move from the high – concentration side to the low – concentration side.
Importance of Gas Permeability in Blister Packaging
Product Preservation
One of the primary reasons gas permeability is important in blister packaging is product preservation. Many products, especially pharmaceuticals, food items, and electronics, are sensitive to the presence of oxygen and moisture. Oxygen can cause oxidation, which can lead to spoilage, discoloration, and a loss of product efficacy. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, oxygen can degrade active ingredients in medications, reducing their potency. By using a blister packaging film with low oxygen permeability, we can extend the shelf life of these products.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging
In some cases, blister packaging is used for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). MAP involves changing the composition of the gas inside the package to enhance product quality and shelf life. For instance, in the food industry, a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide is often used to replace oxygen in the package. The gas permeability of the blister packaging film plays a vital role in maintaining the desired gas composition inside the package over time. If the film has too high a gas permeability, the gases inside the package will escape, and outside air will enter, defeating the purpose of MAP.
Product Safety
Gas permeability also affects product safety. For example, in the case of some chemical products, it is important to prevent the escape of harmful gases from the package. A blister packaging film with appropriate gas permeability can act as a barrier to ensure that these gases do not pose a risk to the environment or the end – user.
Factors Affecting Gas Permeability of Blister Packaging Film
Film Material
The type of material used to make the blister packaging film has a significant impact on its gas permeability. Different polymers have different molecular structures, which affect the way gases can diffuse through them. For example, polyethylene (PE) has relatively high gas permeability, while polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) has very low gas permeability. PVDC is often used in applications where high gas barrier properties are required, such as in the packaging of perishable food items.
Film Thickness
Generally, the thicker the blister packaging film, the lower its gas permeability. This is because a thicker film provides a longer path for the gas molecules to travel through, increasing the resistance to diffusion. However, increasing the film thickness also has its drawbacks, such as increased cost and reduced flexibility. Therefore, a balance needs to be struck between gas barrier properties and other factors when choosing the film thickness.
Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity can also affect the gas permeability of blister packaging film. As the temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the gas molecules increases, which leads to an increase in the rate of diffusion through the film. Similarly, high humidity can plasticize the film, making it more permeable to gases. Therefore, when specifying the gas permeability of a blister packaging film, it is important to consider the environmental conditions under which the product will be stored and transported.
Additives
Additives can be used to modify the gas permeability of blister packaging film. For example, anti – fog additives can improve the clarity of the film but may also affect its gas barrier properties. On the other hand, some additives can enhance the gas barrier performance of the film. For instance, nanocomposites, which are made by adding nanoparticles to the polymer matrix, can significantly reduce the gas permeability of the film.
Our Approach as a Blister Packaging Film Supplier
As a supplier of blister packaging film, we understand the importance of gas permeability in meeting our customers’ needs. We take several steps to ensure the quality of our films in terms of gas permeability.
Material Selection
We carefully select the materials for our blister packaging films based on the specific requirements of our customers. For applications where high gas barrier properties are needed, we may use materials such as PVDC or ethylene – vinyl alcohol (EVOH). For less demanding applications, we may use more cost – effective materials such as PE or polypropylene (PP).
Quality Control
We have a rigorous quality control system in place to monitor the gas permeability of our films. We use advanced testing equipment to measure the gas permeability of our films under different conditions of temperature and humidity. Our quality control team conducts regular checks to ensure that the films meet the specified gas permeability standards.
Customization
We offer customized solutions to our customers. We understand that different products have different gas permeability requirements. Therefore, we work closely with our customers to develop blister packaging films that are tailored to their specific needs. Whether it is a low – oxygen barrier film for pharmaceuticals or a high – carbon dioxide barrier film for food products, we can provide the right solution.
Conclusion
Gas permeability is a critical property of blister packaging film that has a significant impact on product preservation, safety, and quality. As a blister packaging film supplier, we are committed to providing high – quality films with the appropriate gas permeability for our customers’ applications. By understanding the factors that affect gas permeability and implementing strict quality control measures, we can ensure that our films meet the highest standards.
Food Packaging Film If you are in need of blister packaging film and are interested in discussing your specific requirements, we invite you to reach out to us. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in finding the best solution for your packaging needs.
References
- ASTM International. (2019). Standard Test Methods for Oxygen Gas Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Coulometric Sensor. ASTM D3985 – 17.
- Packaging Society. (2018). Handbook of Packaging Materials: Properties, Performance, and Selection. Woodhead Publishing.
- Ljungberg, N., & Wessling, M. (2005). Gas permeability of polymer membranes: A review. Journal of Membrane Science, 259(1 – 2), 1 – 19.
Wenzhou Fuya New Material Technology Co., Ltd.
With abundant experience, we are one of the most reliable blister packaging film manufacturers and suppliers in China. Welcome to wholesale advanced blister packaging film made in China here from our factory. If you have any enquiry about cooperation, please feel free to email us.
Address: No. 588, Nengke Industrial Park, Shidai Avenue, Longgang City, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province
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