Multilayer film having passive and active oxygen barrier layers

Description of equivalent WO 2009032418 A2

MULTILAYER FILM HAVING PASSIVE AND ACTIVE OXYGEN

BARRIER LAYERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0004The present invention relates generally to a multilayer film having an active oxygen barrier layer with an oxygen scavenging moiety and more particularly to a multilayer film that maintains high oxygen barrier properties after the oxygen binding capacity of the oxygen scavenging moiety has been exhausted.

0005BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Polymeric films are used in a wide variety of packaging applications, including food packaging, pharmaceutical products and non-perishable consumer goods. Films suitable for each of these applications are typically required to exhibit a range of physical properties. Food packaging films in particular may be required to meet numerous demanding performance criteria, depending on the specific application, such as protection from the environment, resistance to physical and environmental abuse during processing, storage and distribution, and an aesthetic and attractive appearance. Optical properties such as high gloss, high clarity, and low haze contribute to the aesthetic consumer appeal of products wrapped in such packaging materials. Good optical properties also permit adequate inspection of the packaged product during the distribution cycle and by the end-user at point of purchase.

0006In the case of perishable products, such as oxygen sensitive products, oxygen barrier characteristics are required to provide extended shelf life for the packaged product. Limiting the exposure of oxygen-sensitive products to oxygen maintains and enhances the quality and shelf life of many products. For instance, by limiting the oxygen exposure of oxygen-sensitive food products in a packaging system, the quality of the food product can be maintained and spoilage retarded. In addition, such packaging also keeps the product in inventory longer, thereby reducing costs incurred from waste and having to restock. In the food packaging industry, several techniques for limiting oxygen exposure have been developed. Common techniques include those where oxygen is consumed within the packaging environment by some means other than the packaged article or the packaging material (e.g., through the use of oxygen scavenging sachets), those where reduced oxygen environments are created in the package (e.g., modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and vacuum packaging), and those where oxygen is prevented from entering the packaging environment (e.g., barrier films).

0007Sachets containing oxygen scavenging compositions can contain iron compositions, which oxidize to their ferric state, unsaturated fatty acid salts on an absorbent, ascorbic acid and its salts and/or a metal-polyamide complex. The disadvantages of sachets include the need for additional packaging steps (to add the sachet to the package), the potential for contamination of the packaged article should the sachet break, and the danger of ingestion by a consumer.

0008Oxygen scavenging materials also have been incorporated directly into the packaging structure. This technique (hereinafter referred to as "active oxygen barrier") can provide a uniform scavenging effect throughout the package and can provide a means of intercepting and scavenging oxygen as it passes through the walls of a package, thereby maintaining the lowest possible oxygen level throughout the package. Active oxygen barriers have been formed by incorporating inorganic powders and/or salts as part of the package. However, incorporation of such powders and/or salts can degrade the transparency and mechanical properties (e.g., tear strength) of the packaging material and can complicate processing, especially where thin films are desired. Also, in some cases these compounds as well as their oxidation products can be absorbed by food in the container, which can result in the food product failing to meet governmental standards for human consumption. In addition, various films have been developed to help provide oxygen barrier properties to the packaging. For example, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) has been known as a good oxygen barrier material, and has been used in the past in conjunction with multilayer packaging films. However, many of these films although providing some level of barrier to oxygen may still permit some oxygen to pass through the film and enter the package. As a result, the film may not provide the desired level of oxygen barrier properties. Accordingly, there still exists a need for films having active oxygen barrier properties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0010One aspect of the present invention is directed to a multilayer film having a multilayer oxygen barrier component comprising at least three layers in which at least one of the layers is an active oxygen barrier layer and at least one of the layers is a passive oxygen barrier layer. In one embodiment, the active barrier layer comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments the active barrier layer may also include a compatibilizer (D). In one embodiment, the multilayer film comprises an oxygen barrier component in which an active oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers. In another embodiment, the multilayer film comprises an oxygen barrier component in which a passive oxygen barrier layer is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In some embodiments, one or more adhesive or functional layers may be disposed an active oxygen barrier layer and two passive oxygen barrier layers, or between a passive oxygen barrier layer and two active oxygen barrier layers. For example, one or more adhesive or functional layers may be disposed between each of the passive barrier layers and the active oxygen barrier layer. In one embodiment, the active oxygen barrier layer comprises an oxygen barrier polymer that is blended with an oxygen scavenging moiety. Oxygen barrier polymers that may be used in the active oxygen barrier layer include ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyamide, polyvinj polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof. The passive oxygen barrier layers may comprise the same oxygen barrier polymer (C) that is present in the active oxygen barrier layer. In one embodiment, the passive oxygen barrier layers may comprise ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and polymers, polyvinylidene dichloride and copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthenate (PEN), and their copolymers, polyacrylonitrile, and combinations thereof.

0011The active oxygen barrier layer includes an oxygen scavenging moiety that intercepts and binds with oxygen molecules passing through the layer. During use, the capacity of the scavenging moiety to bind with oxygen may be reduced or depleted. This may result in the oxygen barrier properties of the active barrier layer being significantly reduced. In some cases, the resulting oxygen barrier properties of the oxygen barrier polymer (C) may be less than a similar film that did not include the oxygen scavenging moiety. As a result, depletion of the capacity of the oxygen scavenging layer may cause the film to perform unsatisfactorily. In the present invention, the presence of the passive oxygen barrier layers helps to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of the multilayer film after the oxygen binding capacity of the oxygen scavenging moiety has been exhausted. As a result, the useful shelf life of the film can be extended. The multilayer film may include at least one outer layer adhered to the multilayer oxygen barrier component. For example, in one embodiment, the multilayer film may include an outer sealant layer and/or an outer abuse layer. Sealant layer includes an outer surface of the multilayer film that is heat sealable polymeric material. In one embodiment, the sealant layer can be sealed to itself or a second film sheet to form a pouch or bag. The outer abuse layer generally forms an outer protective surface of a package that is formed from the multilayer film. In still other embodiments, depending on the desired characteristics of the film, the multilayer film may include one or more intermediate layers, such as adhesive layers, barrier layers, strengthening layers, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the multilayer film further includes one or more polyamide layers disposed between the multilayer oxygen barrier component and one or more of the outer layers. Other embodiments of the multilayer film comprises at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier and 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer, wherein the active oxygen layer comprises an oxygen scavenging composition that is a blend of:

0012(A) a thermoplastic resin having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain;

0013(B) a transition metal salt; and

0014(C) an oxygen barrier polymer, wherein the multilayer film further comprises an inner sealant layer and/or an outer abuse layer, and wherein the film has an oxygen scavenging rate that is at least about 0.01 cc oxygen per day per gram of the oxygen scavenging composition blend.

0015Multilayer films in accordance with the present invention can be used in packaging articles having various forms, such as flexible sheet, films, flexible bags, pouches, thermoformed containers, rigid and semi-rigid containers or combinations thereof. Typical flexible films and bags include those used to package various food items and may be made up of one or a multiplicity of layers to form the overall film or bag-like packaging material.

0016BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

0017FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a multilayer film that is in accordance with one aspect of the present invention wherein the multilayer oxygen barrier component includes an active oxygen barrier layer that is sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers;

0018FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a second embodiment of the multilayer film that is in accordance with one aspect of the present invention wherein the multilayer oxygen barrier component includes a passive oxygen barrier layer that is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a third embodiment of the multilayer film that is in accordance with one aspect of the present invention wherein the multilayer film include two tie layers disposed between the each outer layer and the multilayer oxygen barrier component;

0019FIG. 4 is a graph that plots percent O₂ in the interior of pouches as a function of time to illustrate the reduction in O₂ transmission into the pouch that is obtained with films that are in accordance with the present invention in comparison to control films;

0020FIG. 5 is a graph that plots percent O₂ in the interior of pouches as a function of time for films stored at 40° C and under moisture conditions; and

0021FIG. 6 is a graph that plots percent O₂ in the interior of pouches as a function of time for films stored at 100° F (38° C) and a relative humidity of 75%.

0022DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One or more embodiments of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. With reference to FIG. 1, a multilayer film having active oxygen barrier properties that is in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated and broadly designated as reference number 10. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the multilayer film 10 includes a first outer layer 12, also referred to as a "sealant layer", a second outer layer 14, also referred to as an "outer abuse layer", and a multilayer oxygen barrier component 16 comprising at least three layers in which at least one of the layers is an active oxygen barrier layer and at least one of the layers is a passive oxygen barrier layer. For example, in one embodiment the multilayer film includes a multilayer oxygen barrier component comprising at least one of 1) an active oxygen barrier layer sandwiched between two passive oxygen barrier layers, or 2) a passive oxygen barrier layer sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers. In the illustrated embodiment, the multilayer oxygen barrier component 16 includes an active oxygen barrier layer 18 that is sandwiched between two opposing passive oxygen barrier layers 20, 22.

0023Generally, active oxygen barrier layer 18 has an oxygen absorption rate that is at least about 0.01 ml/(g-day). The active oxygen barrier layer generally comprises a blend of an oxygen barrier polymer and an oxygen scavenging moiety, such as an oxygen scavenging nylon or EVOH. In one particular embodiment, the active oxygen barrier layer 18 comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). Compositions comprising the active oxygen barrier layer 18 are discussed in greater detail below.

0024The passive oxygen barrier layers 20, 22, barrier layers generally comprise a polymeric material that is a "passive" oxygen barrier. Generally, passive barrier materials have good oxygen barrier properties, but do not chemically react with or absorb any oxygen. As discussed in greater detail below, passive oxygen barrier layer(s) typically have an oxygen permeability of 500 cc-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. Unless indicated to the contrary all oxygen permeability rates are measured according to ASTM D-3985.

0025The active oxygen barrier layer 18 includes an oxygen scavenging moiety that intercepts and binds with oxygen passing through the multilayer film to thereby maintain a low oxygen atmosphere in the interior of a package comprising the multilayer film. Over a period of time however, the capacity of the scavenging moiety to intercept and bind with oxygen may become diminished so that the overall active barrier properties of the layer are diminished. In some cases, the reduction in capacity can result in the active oxygen barrier layer having a significant reduction in oxygen barrier properties, which may result in the film having poor oxygen barrier properties. The presence of one or more passive oxygen barrier layers in the multilayer film helps to maintain a low oxygen transmission rate through the multilayer film even after the capacity of the active oxygen barrier layer has been exhausted.

0026The active oxygen barrier composition of the present invention can provide a film having an oxygen transmission rate that is less than one half that of control film having a conventional passive oxygen barrier layer. For example, the multilayer film of the present invention can have oxygen transmission rate that is less than one fifth, and in particular, less than one tenth that of the control. It has been found in some embodiments that when the oxygen scavenging capacity of the active barrier composition of the multilayer film is exhausted, the oxygen transmission rate of the multilayered film can increase as much as twice or more compared to a control (e.g., a film having a passive oxygen barrier layer, but no active oxygen barrier layer). When a conventional passive barrier layer is combined with an active barrier layer in the multilayered film of the present invention, the increase in oxygen transmission rate upon exhaustion of the capacity of the active oxygen barrier is significantly reduced. In one embodiment, the multilayered film of the present invention will show an oxygen transmission rate increase upon exhaustion of the scavenging capacity that is less than twice that of a similar film not including one or more passive oxygen barrier layer(s), and in particular less than 50%.

0027In one embodiment, the multilayer film of the present invention has an oxygen permeability of 50 cc-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. Unless indicated to the contrary all oxygen permeability rates are measured according to ASTM D-3985. For example, in one particular embodiment, the multilayer film has an oxygen permeability of 5 cc-20 μm/(m -dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C, and more particularly less than 0.5 cc-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. The multilayer film can also be characterized in terms of its oxygen absorption rate. In one embodiment, the multilayer film has an oxygen absorption rate that is at least about 0.01 ml/(g-day), and in particular an oxygen absorption rate that is at least about 0.1 ml/(g-day), and more particularly at least about 0.1 ml/(g-day).

0028In one embodiment, the multilayer oxygen barrier component 16 may be sandwiched directly between the sealant layer 12 and the abuse layer 14. In other embodiments, one or more intermediate layers, such as adhesive layers, additional barrier layers, and/or strengthening layers (also referred to as "inner abuse layers"), may be disposed between the multilayer core 16 and the sealant layer 12 and/or the abuse layer 14. With reference to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of the multilayer film that is in accordance with the invention is illustrated and broadly designated as reference number 30. In this embodiment, multilayer film 30 includes a multilayer oxygen barrier component 16 in which a passive oxygen barrier layer 20 is sandwiched between two active oxygen barrier layers 18. Active oxygen barrier layers may be the same or different from each other. Although FIGS. 1 and 2 depict the active oxygen barrier layer(s) and the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) in direct contact with each other, it should be recognized that one of more functional or adhesive layers may be disposed between the active oxygen and passive oxygen barrier layer(s).

0029Generally, the overall thickness of the multilayer film may range from between about 0.5 to 30 mils, and in particular between about 2 to 10 mils, such as from about 3 to 6 mils. The thickness of the multilayer oxygen barrier component 16 is typically between about 0.05 and 4 mils thick, and in particular between about 0.2 and 2 mil thick. In one embodiment, the multilayer oxygen barrier component comprises from about 5 to 90 % of the overall thickness of the film, and in particular from about 5 to 25 % of the overall thickness of the film.

0030As discussed in greater detail below, the multilayer film of the present invention can be used in a wide variety of packaging applications. For example in the production of bags, pouches, lidstocks, vacuum packaging, vacuum skin packaging, vertical and horizontal form fill packaging, and the like. In some embodiments, surface 24 of the multilayer film may comprise an inner surface of a package made from the multilayer film, and surface 26 may comprise an outer abuse layer for the package. For example, in one embodiment, the sealant layer comprises a polymeric material that is capable of adhering to another component of a package, such as a tray, one or more additional sheets of film, or to itself to form a package having an interior space in which an oxygen sensitive product can be disposed. In one particular embodiment, surface 24 of the multilayer film 10 can be adhered to itself to form a bag or pouch. In one embodiment, the sealant layer comprises a heat sealable polymeric material.

0031In general, oxygen barrier materials such as EVOH and polyamides absorb moisture from high humidity or water activity environments, which can lead to reduced barrier properties particularly at high temperatures. Moisture barrier layers can be interposed between the oxygen barrier layer and the surface of the film that is exposed to high moisture to diminish the moisture migration rate into the barrier layer. Additionally, layers that are highly permeable to moisture can be inserted between the oxygen barrier layer and the surface of the film with the lower water activity or relative humidity in order to wick moisture away from the barrier layer. By reducing the moisture uptake into the moisture sensitive oxygen barrier layer and by wicking moisture away from the moisture sensitive oxygen barrier layer, the water activity or relative humidity within the barrier layer will be kept lower and the oxygen barrier properties will be maximized.

0032The Active Oxygen Barrier Layer(s)

0033In one embodiment, the at least one active oxygen barrier layer 18 comprises a composition that is a blend of a thermoplastic resin (A) having carbon-carbon double bonds substantially in its main chain, a transition metal salt (B), and an oxygen barrier polymer (C). In some embodiments, the blend may also include a compatibilizer (D). The oxygen barrier polymer will typically comprise 70 to 99% by weight of the composition, and the thermoplastic resin having carbon-carbon double bonds with typically comprise from about 1 to 30 weight % of the polymeric portion of the composition. When a compatibilizer is used, it generally comprises from about 0.1 to 29 weight % of the total polymeric portion of the composition. Suitable active oxygen barrier compositions are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2006/0281882 and 2005/0153087, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are consistent with the teachings herein.

0034The active oxygen barrier layer typically has an oxygen permeability of 50 cc-20 μm/(m2-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. In particular, the active oxygen barrier layer may have an oxygen permeability of 5 cc-20 μm/(m2-day- atm) or less, such as 0.5 cc-20 μm/(m2-day-atm) or less at 65% RH and 20 C, and more particularly, the active oxygen barrier layer will have and oxygen permeability of 0.1 cc-20μ/(m2-day-atm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. The oxygen barrier polymer (C) generally has an oxygen permeability of 500 cc-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. In one embodiment, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, polyvinylidene dichloride and its copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers.

0035In one embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) comprises at least one of the units represented by formula (I) and formula (II):

0036<img file="EP2183103A2_D0001.tif" />

(II)

0038/ \

0039-CH, CH>-

0040wherein R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are the same or different, a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may be substituted, an aryl group that may be substituted, an alkylaryl group that may be substituted, — COOR₅, — OCOR₆, a cyano group or a halogen atom, and R₃ and R₄ may together form a ring via a methylene group or an oxymethylene group, where R₅ and R₆ are an alkyl group that may be substituted, an aryl group that may be substituted or an alkylaryl group that may be substituted. In one embodiment, R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen atoms in the formula (I) and formula (II). In some embodiments, the adjacent carbon-carbon double bonds in the thermoplastic resin (A) are separated by at least three methylenes. In one embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) has a unit represented by a

0041<img file="EP2183103A2_D0002.tif" /> formula (III): wherein R₇ and R₈ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group that may be substituted, an aryl group that may be substituted, an alkylaryl group that may be substituted, — COOR₉, — OCOR_1O, a cyano group or a halogen atom, and R₉ and R₁₀ are each independently a hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

0042In one embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) comprises at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene, polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polyoctenamer and polyoctenylene, and combinations thereof. In one particular embodiment, the thermoplastic resin (A) is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and polyoctenylene, and combinations thereof, such as polyoctenylene.

0043The transition metal salt (B) may include at least one metal salt selected from the group consisting of an iron salt, a nickel salt, a copper salt, a manganese salt and a cobalt salt, and combinations thereof. Counter ions for the transition metal salt may include caproate, 2-ethylhexanoate, neodecanoate, oleate, palmitate and stearate, and combinations thereof. Typically, the amount of transition metal salt (B) that is contained in the composition is present in a ratio of aboutl to 50,000 ppm in terms of the metal element with respect to the weight of the thermoplastic resin (A). In one embodiment, the transition metal salt (B) is contained in a ratio of about 5 to 10,000 ppm, and in particular in a ratio of about 10 to 5,000 ppm.

0044Generally, the oxygen absorption amount of the thermoplastic resin (A) is at least about 1.6 mols per 1 mol of carbon-carbon double bonds of the thermoplastic resin (A). In one embodiment, the oxygen absorption rate of the active oxygen barrier layer is at least about 0.01 ml/(g-day).

0045In one embodiment, particles of the thermoplastic resin (A) are dispersed in a matrix of the oxygen barrier polymer (C) in the composition. As discussed above, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) generally has an oxygen transmission rate of 500 ml-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less in 65% RH at 20° C. In one embodiment, the oxygen barrier polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, polyvinylidene dichloride and its copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers, polyethylene naphthenate and its copolymers, polyethylene terephthalate and its copolymers, and combinations thereof.

0046In one particular embodiment, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content from 5 to 60 mol% and a degree of saponification of 90% or more. More preferably, the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer has an ethylene content between 27 and 60 percent, and in particular from about 30 to 44 mole percent, for example, 32 mole percent. The amount of EVOH copolymer in the core layer is typically between about 70 and 99 weight percent, based on the total weight of the core layer. In one embodiment, the amount of EVOH copolymer is from about 85 to 95 weight percent, and in particular about 90 weight percent, based on the total weight of the active oxygen barrier layer.

0047Generally, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is present in an amount of 70 to 99 weight % and the thermoplastic resin (A) is contained in an amount of 30 to 1 wt %, when the total weight of the thermoplastic resin (A) and the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is determined to be 100 weight %.

0048In some embodiments, the composition comprising the active oxygen barrier layer may further include a compatibilizer (D). An example of a suitable compatibilizer (D) having a polar group is disclosed in detail, for example, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2002-146217. Among the compatibilizers disclosed in the publication, a styrene-hydrogenated diene block copolymer having a boronic ester group is particularly useful. The above- described compatibilizer (D) can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In one embodiment, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is contained in an amount of 70 to 98.9 weight %, the thermoplastic resin (A) is contained in an amount of 1 to 29.9 weight %, and the compatibilizer (D) is contained in an amount of 0.1 to 29 weight %, when the total weight of the thermoplastic resin (A), the oxygen barrier polymer (C) and the compatibilizer (D) is determined to be 100 weight %.

0049As the compatibilizer (D), ethylene- vinyl alcohol copolymers can also be used. In particular, when the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is EVOH, its effect as the compatibilizer is exhibited sufficiently. Among these, an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of 70 to 99 mol % and a degree of saponification of 40% or more is preferable to improve the compatibility. The ethylene content is more preferably 72 to 96 mol %, even more preferably 72 to 94 mol %. When the ethylene content is less than 70 mol %, the affinity with the thermoplastic resin (A) may be deteriorated. When the ethylene content is more than 99 mol %, the affinity with the EVOH may be deteriorated. Furthermore, the degree of saponification is preferably 45% or more. There is no limitation regarding the upper limit of the degree of saponification, and an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having a degree of saponification of substantially 100% can be used. When the degree of saponification is less than 40%, the affinity with the EVOH may be deteriorated.

0050When the oxygen absorption resin composition of the present invention contains the oxygen barrier polymer (C) and the compatibilizer (D) as resin components, in addition to the thermoplastic resin (A), it is preferable that the thermoplastic resin (A) is contained in a ratio of 1 to 29.9 weight %, the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is contained in a ratio of 70 to 98.9 weight %, and the compatibilizer (D) is contained in a ratio of about 0.1 to 29 weight %, when the total weight of the thermoplastic resin (A), the oxygen barrier polymer (C) and the compatibilizer (D) is 100 weight %. If the content of the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is less than 70 weight %, the gas barrier properties of the resin composition with respect to oxygen gas or carbon dioxide gas may deteriorate. On the other hand, if the content of the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is more than 98.9 wt %, the content of the thermoplastic resin (A) and the compatibilizer (D) is small, so that the oxygen scavenging function may deteriorate, and the stability of the morphology of the entire resin composition may be impaired. In one embodiment, the content of the thermoplastic resin (A) is more than about 2 to 19.5 weight %, and in particular from about 3 to 14 weight %. The content of the oxygen barrier polymer (C) is generally from about 80 to 97.5 weight %, and in particular from about 85 to 96 weight %. The content of the compatibilizer (D) is typically about 0.5 to 18 to weight %, and in particular from about 1 to 12 wt %. In some embodiments, the active oxygen barrier layer can contain an antioxidant. Sutiable antioxidants may include 2,5-di-tert-butylhydroquinone, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, 4,4,'-thiobis(6-tert-butylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis(4- methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), octadecyl-3 -(3 ',5 '-di-tert-butyl-4'- hydroxyphenyl)propionate, 4,4'-thiobis(6-tert-butylphenol), 2-tert-butyl-6-(3-tert- butyl-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-4-methylphenylacrylate, pentaerythritoltetrakis(3-laurylthiopropionate), 2,6-di-(tert-butyl)-4-methylphenol (BHT), 2,2-methylenebis(6-tert-butyl-p-cresol), triphenyl phosphite, tris(nonylphenyl) phosphite, dilauryl thiodipropionate, or the like. The amount of the antioxidant to be present in the active oxygen barrier composition is readily determined through experimentation as appropriate, in view of the kinds and the contents of components of the resin composition, and the use and the storage conditions of the resin composition, and the like. In general, the amount of the antioxidant is typically from about 0.01 to 1% by weight, and in particular from about 0.02 to 0.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the active oxygen barrier composition. If the amount of the antioxidant is too small, the reaction with oxygen may proceed extensively during storage or melt-kneading of the active oxygen barrier composition, so that the oxygen scavenging function may be lowered before the resin composition of the present invention is actually put to use. If the amount of the antioxidant is large, the reaction of the active oxygen barrier composition with oxygen can be inhibited, so that the oxygen scavenging function of the resin composition of the present invention will not be immediately active upon manufacture. In such cases, it may be desirable to further incorporate a photoinitiator into the composition and activate the composition at a later point in time with actinic radiation. Suitable photoinitiators and methods of triggering using actinic radiation are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,211,875; 6,139,770; 6,254,802; and 7,153,891, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

0051Other polymeric compositions that may be used in the active oxygen barrier layer may include barrier polymers having an unsaturated organic moiety blended therein, such as nylons including both amorphous and semi-crystalline nylons. The active oxygen barrier layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 to about 4.0 mils; from about 0.1 to about 2 mils; from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mils, and from about 0.7 to about 1.3 mils. Further, the thickness of the active oxygen barrier layer(s) as a percentage of the total thickness of the multilayer film may range (in ascending order of preference) from about 1 to about 25 percent, from about 5 to about 20 percent, and from about 10 to about 15 percent. The active oxygen barrier layer(s) may have a thickness relative to the thickness of the multilayer film of at least about any of the following values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 35%.

0052The Passive Oxygen Barrier Layer(s)

0053As discussed above, the passive oxygen barrier layers 20, 22 generally comprise a polymeric material that is a "passive" oxygen barrier. Oxygen barrier polymers that may be used in the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) typically comprises an oxygen barrier polymer having an oxygen permeability of 500 cc-20 μm/(m²-dayatm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. In particular, the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) may have an oxygen permeability of 100 cc-20 μm/(m2-day-atm) or less, such as 20 cc-20 μm/(m2-day-atm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C, and more particularly, the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) may have and oxygen permeability of 5 cc-20 um/(m2-day-atm) or less at 65% RH and 20° C. hi one embodiment, the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) have a permeance to oxygen of no more than about 5.8xlO^"8 cm³ /m²-s-Pa (i.e., about 500 cm³/m²-24 hours-atm), such as no more than 1.06 xlO^"8 cm³ /m² -s-Pa (i.e., 100 cm³/m²-24 hours-atm), such as no more than 0.58 xlO^'8 cm³ /m²-s-Pa (i.e., 50 cm³/m²-24 hours-atm) at 25° C.

0054Oxygen barrier layers 20, 22 may be the same or different from each other. Additionally, the oxygen barrier layers 20, 22 may comprise an oxygen barrier polymer that is the same or different from be the oxygen barrier polymer (C) of the active oxygen barrier layer 18. In one embodiment, the oxygen barrier polymer may be selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride and its copolymers, polyvinylidene dichloride and its copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile and its copolymers. Other suitable polymers may include poly( vinyl alcohol) (PVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), silica (SiO_x), and polyamides such as polycaprolactam (nylon 6), metaxylylene adipamide (MXD6), hexamethylene adipamide (nylon 66), amorphous polyamides such as nylon 6I,6T, as well as various amide copolymers and various blends of the above. Additional oxygen barriers include metal foil layers, metal coatings, depositions of metal, metal oxides such as silica (SiO_x), alumina, nano clays and vermiculite can also provide oxygen barrier properties.

0055The active oxygen barrier and passive oxygen barrier layers may also include one or more additional ingredients such as a compatibilizer, antioxidants, heat stabilizers and the like.

0056The multilayer film may also include one or more additional layers such as moisture barrier layer(s), inner abuse or strengthening layer(s), and adhesive or tie layer(s), although the multilayer film may have a composition such that tie layers are not incorporated in the film. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a multilayer film 32 that further includes two adhesive layers 28, also referred to as tie layer, that are each disposed between the outer layers and the multilayer oxygen barrier component 16. The adhesive layers, if present, may comprise ionomers, EVA; EMA; EAO's, including heterogeneous and homogeneous; polyethylene homopolymer; and chemically modified versions of the aforementioned materials, for example, compositions grafted with maleic anhydride, and combinations thereof. The number, orientation, and type of layers in the multilayer film may be varied to provide a film having desired properties, for example, strength, modulus, abuse resistance, optical properties, barrier properties, and the like.

0057In addition to providing oxygen barrier properties, the resin comprising the one or more passive oxygen barrier layers can be selected to improve the mechanical properties of the multilayer film, such as abuse resistance, modulus, tensile strength, and the like. For example, in one embodiment, layers 20, 22 may comprise a polyamide or copolyamides, such as nylon 6, nylon 9, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 66, nylon 69, nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 6/12, nylon 6/66, nylon 6/69, nylon 66/610, nylon 66/6, nylon 6T, and nylon 12T, nylons such as MXD6 (a copolymer of m-xylylenediamine and adipic acid), MXD6/MXDI, and copolyamides based on m-xylylenediamine, nylon 6I/6T (e.g., a copolyamide of an aliphatic hexamethylene diamide, and an aromatic isophthalic acid and terephthalic acid), etc.; and blends of any of the above, in any suitable proportions of each blend component. Commercial resins available for each type include: for nylon 6,12: CR 9™, CA 6E™, and CF 6S™ (Emser), 7024 B™, 7028 B™, and 7128 B™ (Ube), and VESTAMID™ D 12, D 14, and D 16 (Huels); for nylon 12: VESTAMID™ L 1600, L 1700, and L 1801 (Huels), BESNO™ (Atochem), GRILAMID™ TR 55 (Emser), and UBE™ 3024 B (Ube); for nylon 11 : BESNO™ (Atochem); for nylon 6,66: ULTRAMID™ C 35 (BASF), and

0058XTRAFORM™ 1539 and 1590 (Allied); for nylon 6,69: GRILON™ CF 62 BSE and XE 3222 (Emser); and for nylon 6,10: ULTRAMID™ S3 and S4 (BASF). An exemplary amorphous nylon is Grivory™ G21, which is available from Emser Industries. When present, the total thickness of the polyamide layers may vary widely.

0059The passive oxygen barrier layer(s) may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 to about 4.0 mils; from about 0.1 to about 2 mils; from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mils, and from about 0.7 to about 1.3 mils. Further, the thickness of the passive oxygen barrier layer(s) as a percentage of the total thickness of the multilayer film may range from about 1 to about 25 percent, from about 5 to about 20 percent, and from about 10 to about 15 percent. The passive oxygen barrier layer(s) may have a thickness relative to the thickness of the multilayer film of at least about any of the following values: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, 45%, and 50%. Outer Layers of the Multilayer Film

0060As discussed above, the sealant layer may define an inner (i.e., food side) surface 24 of the multilayer film. The sealant layer may comprise a polymeric material (e.g., component or blend of components) that facilitates the heat-sealing of multilayer film 10 to another object, such as a support member or tray, film, or to itself, for example, to form a pouch. The sealant layer generally comprises a polymeric resin or combination of polymeric resins that is heat-sealable to a support member, one or more additional sheets of film, or to itself The inner (sealant) and outer (abuse) layers may be similar or different from each other depending on the final film application and may include one or more thermoplastic polymers including polyolefms, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyvinyl chlorides, and ionomers provided that the desired permeability of the sealant layer may be maintained. In one embodiment, the sealant and abuse layers comprise a thermoplastic plastomer, such as a plastomer comprising ethylene/alpha-olefm copolymer and having a density of greater than about 0.86 g/cc. In the context of the invention, the term "plastomer" refers to a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefm copolymer having a density in the range of from about 0.86 to about 0.93, such as from 0.90 to 0.905.

0061Useful polyolefms include ethylene homo- and co-polymers and propylene homo- and co-polymers. Ethylene homopolymers may include low density polyethylene ("LDPE") and hyperbranched ethylene polymers that are synthesized with chain walking type catalyst, such as Brookhart catalyst. Ethylene copolymers include ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers ("EAOs"), ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymers, and ethylene/unsaturated acid copolymers. ("Copolymer" as used in this application means a polymer derived from two or more types of monomers, and includes terpolymers, etc.).

0062EAOs are copolymers of ethylene and one or more alpha-olefms, the copolymer having ethylene as the majority mole-percentage content. In some embodiments, the comonomer includes one or more C₃-C₂₀ alpha-olefins, e.g. C₄- C₁₂ or C₄-C₈ alpha-olefms. Particularly useful alpha-olefins include 1-butene, 1- hexene, 1-octene, and mixtures thereof.

0063EAOs include one or more of the following: 1) medium density polyethylene ("MDPE"), for example having a density of from 0.93 to 0.94 g/cm³; 2) linear medium density polyethylene ("LMDPE"), for example having a density of from 0.926 to 0.94 g/cm³; 3) linear low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), for example having a density of from 0.915 to 0.935 g/cm³; 4) very-low or ultra-low density polyethylene ("VLDPE" and "ULDPE"), for example having density below 0.915 g/cm³; and 5) homogeneous EAOs. Useful EAOs include those having a density of less than about any of the following: 0.925, 0.922, 0.92, 0.917, 0.915, 0.912, 0.91, 0.907, 0.905, 0.903, 0.9, and 0.86 grams/cubic centimeter. Unless otherwise indicated, all densities herein are measured according to ASTM D1505.

0064The polyethylene polymers may be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. As is known in the art, heterogeneous polymers have a relatively wide variation in molecular weight and composition distribution. Heterogeneous polymers may be prepared with, for example, conventional Ziegler Natta catalysts.

0065On the other hand, homogeneous polymers are typically prepared using metallocene or other single site-type catalysts. Such single-site catalysts typically have only one type of catalytic site, which is believed to be the basis for the homogeneity of the polymers resulting from the polymerization. Homogeneous polymers are structurally different from heterogeneous polymers in that homogeneous polymers exhibit a relatively even sequencing of comonomers within a chain, a mirroring of sequence distribution in all chains, and a similarity of length of all chains. As a result, homogeneous polymers have relatively narrow molecular weight and composition distributions. Examples of homogeneous polymers include the metallocene-catalyzed linear homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer resins available from the Exxon Chemical Company (Baytown, TX) under the EXACT trademark, linear homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer resins available from the Mitsui Petrochemical Corporation under the TAFMER trademark, and long-chain branched, metallocene-catalyzed homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer resins available from the Dow Chemical Company under the AFFINITY trademark.

0066More particularly, homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers may be characterized by one or more methods known to those of skill in the art, such as molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n), composition distribution breadth index (CDBI), narrow melting point range, and single melt point behavior. The molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n), also known as "polydispersity," may be determined by gel permeation chromatography. Homogeneous ethylene/alpha- olefm copolymers which can be used in the present invention generally have an M_w/M_n of less than 2.7; more preferably from about 1.9 to 2.5; still more preferably, from about 1.9 to 2.3 (in contrast heterogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers generally have a M_w/M_n of at least 3). The composition distribution breadth index (CDBI) of such homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers will generally be greater than about 70 percent. The CDBI is defined as the weight percent of the copolymer molecules-having a comonomer content within 50 percent (i.e., plus or minus 50%) of the median total molar comonomer content. The CDBI of linear ethylene homopolymer is defined to be 100%. The Composition Distribution Breadth Index (CDBI) is determined via the technique of Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation (TREF). CDBI determination may be used to distinguish homogeneous copolymers (i.e., narrow composition distribution as assessed by CDBI values generally above 70%) from VLDPEs available commercially which generally have a broad composition distribution as assessed by CDBI values generally less than 55%. TREF data and calculations therefrom for determination of CDBI of a copolymer may be calculated from data obtained from techniques known in the art, such as, for example, temperature rising elution fractionation as described, for example, in Wild et. al., J. Poly. Sci. Poly. Phys. Ed., Vol. 20, p.441 (1982). Preferably, homogeneous ethylene/alpha- olefin copolymers have a CDBI greater than about 70%, i.e., a CDBI of from about 70% to 99%. In general, homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers useful in the present invention also exhibit a relatively narrow melting point range, in comparison with "heterogeneous copolymers", i.e., polymers having a CDBI of less than 55%. In some embodiments, the homogeneous ethylene/alpha- olefin copolymers exhibit an essentially singular melting point characteristic, with a peak melting point (T_m), as determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), of from about 60° C to 105° C. In one embodiment, the homogeneous copolymer has a DSC peak T_n, of from about 80° C. to 100° C. As used herein, the phrase "essentially single melting point" means that at least about 80%, by weight, of the material corresponds to a single T_m peak at a temperature within the range of from about 60° C to 105° C, and essentially no substantial fraction of the material has a peak melting point in excess of about 115° C, as determined by DSC analysis. DSC measurements are made on a Perkin Elmer System 7 Thermal Analysis System. Melting information reported are second melting data, i.e., the sample is heated at a programmed rate of 10° C/min. to a temperature below its critical range. The sample is then reheated (2nd melting) at a programmed rate of 10° C/min.

0067A homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer can, in general, be prepared by the copolymerization of ethylene and any one or more alpha-olefin. For example, the alpha-olefm is a C₃-C₂₀ alpha-monoolefin, such as a C₄-C₁₂ or a C₄-C₈ alpha-monoolefin. For example, the alpha-olefin comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of butene-1, hexene-1, and octene-1, i.e., 1-butene, 1-hexene, and 1-octene, respectively or a blend of hexene-1 and butene-1. Processes for preparing and using homogeneous polymers are disclosed in

0068U.S. Pat. No. 5,206,075, to HODGSON, Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,031, to MEHTA, and PCT International Application WO 93/03093, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference thereto, in its entirety. Further details regarding the production and use of homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers are disclosed in PCT International Publication Number WO 90/03414, and PCT

0069International Publication Number WO 93/03093, both of which designate Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc. as the Applicant, and both of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto, in their respective entireties.

0070Still another species of homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,236, to LAI, et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,272, to LAI, et al., both of which are hereby incorporated by reference thereto, in their respective entireties.

0071Another useful ethylene copolymer is ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer, which is the copolymer of ethylene and one or more unsaturated ester monomers. Useful unsaturated esters include: 1) vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids, where the esters have from 4 to 12 carbon atoms, and 2) alkyl esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid (collectively, "alkyl (meth)acrylate"), where the esters have from 4 to 12 carbon atoms.

0072Representative examples of the first ("vinyl ester") group of monomers include vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl hexanoate, and vinyl 2- ethylhexanoate. The vinyl ester monomer may have from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, from 4 to 5 carbon atoms, and 4 carbon atoms. Representative examples of the second ("alkyl (meth)acrylate") group of monomers include methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate. The alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer may have from 4 to 8 carbon atoms, from 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and from 4 to 5 carbon atoms.

0073The unsaturated ester (i.e., vinyl ester or alkyl (meth)acrylate) comonomer content of the ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer may range from about 3 to about 18 weight %, and from about 8 to about 12 weight %, based on the weight of the copolymer. Useful ethylene contents of the ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymer include the following amounts: at least about 82 weight %, at least about 85 weight %, at least about 88 weight %, no greater than about 97 weight %, no greater than about 93 weight %, and no greater than about 92 weight %, based on the weight of the copolymer. Representative examples of ethylene/unsaturated ester copolymers include ethylene/methyl acrylate, ethylene/methyl methacrylate, ethylene/ethyl acrylate, ethylene/ethyl methacrylate, ethylene/butyl acrylate, ethylene/2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, and ethylene/vinyl acetate.

0074Another useful ethylene copolymer is ethylene/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, such as a copolymer of ethylene and acrylic acid or ethylene and methacrylic acid, or both. Also useful are ethylene copolymers comprising unsaturated alkyl esters and unsaturated carboxylic acids.

0075Useful propylene copolymer includes propylene/ethylene copolymers ("EPC"), which are copolymers of propylene and ethylene having a majority weight % content of propylene, such as those having an ethylene comonomer content of less than 20%, less than 10%, and from about 2% to 6% by weight.

0076Ionomer is a copolymer of ethylene and an ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid having the carboxylic acid groups partially neutralized by a metal ion, such as sodium, calcium, magnesim, or zinc. Useful ionomers include those in which sufficient metal ion is present to neutralize from about 15% to about 60% of the acid groups in the ionomer. The carboxylic acid is e.g. "(meth)acrylic acid"~which means acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid. Useful ionomers include those having at least 50 weight % and preferably at least 80 weight % ethylene units. Useful ionomers also include those having from 1 to 20 weight percent acid units. Useful ionomers are available, for example, from Dupont Corporation (Wilmington, Del.) under the SURLYN trademark. The sealant and abuse layers may have a composition such that any one or combinations of the above described polymers comprise at least about any of the following weight percent values: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100% by weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, the composition of the sealant and abuse layers may be selected to provide a symmetrical film. In other embodiments, the compositions of the sealant and abuse layers may be selected to provide a non-symmetrical film. As noted above, the abuse layer and sealant layers may comprise the same composition or may have a composition that is different from each other. For example, in some embodiments, the sealant layer may comprise a polyethylene while that abuse layer may comprise a nylon or polypropylene, and vice versa.

0077The thickness of the sealant layer is selected to provide sufficient material to effect a strong heat seal bond, yet not so thick so as to negatively affect the manufacture (i.e., extrusion) of the film, e.g., by lowering the melt strength of the film to an unacceptable level. The sealant layer may have a thickness of at least about any of the following values: 0.1 mils, 0.2 mils, 0.25 mils, 0.3 mils, 0.35 mils, 0.4 mils, 0.45 mils, 0.5 mils, and 0.6 mils or greater. The sealant layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 to about 2.0 mils; from about 0.1 to about 1.5 mils; from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mils, and from about 0.7 to about 1.3 mils. Further, the thickness of the sealant layer as a percentage of the total thickness of the multilayer film may range from about 1 to about 25 percent, from about 5 to about 20 percent, and from about 10 to about 15 percent. The sealant layer may have a thickness relative to the thickness of the multilayer film of at least about any of the following values: 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 75%, and 80%. Similarly, the thickness of the outer abuse layer is selected to provide sufficient material to provide an outer abuse layer having sufficient strength to withstand rupture, tearing, and the like, yet not so thick so as to negatively affect the manufacture (i.e., extrusion) of the film. The abuse layer may have a thickness of at least about any of the following values: 0.1 mils, 0.2 mils, 0.25 mils, 0.3 mils, 0.35 mils, 0.4 mils, 0.45 mils, 0.5 mils, and 0.6 mils or greater. The abuse layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 to about 2.0 mils; from about 0.1 to about 1.5 mils; from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mils, and from about 0.7 to about 1.3 mils. Further, the thickness of the abuse layer as a percentage of the total thickness of the multilayer film may range (in ascending order of preference) from about 1 to about 25 percent, from about 5 to about 20 percent, and from about 10 to about 15 percent. The abuse layer may have a thickness relative to the thickness of the multilayer film of at least about any of the following values: 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, 75%, and 80%.

0078The multilayer film having a multilayer oxygen barrier component may have a wide variety of different configurations and structures. The following film structures represent various embodiments of the multilayer film that are in accordance with the invention. Representative Film 1 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0003.tif" />

0079Representative Film 2

0080Abuse Active Passive Active Sealant

0081Tie Tie layer Barrier Barrier Barrier Layer

0082Representative Film 3 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0004.tif" />

0083Re resentative Film 4 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0005.tif" />

0084Re resentative Film 5

0085<img file="EP2183103A2_D0006.tif" /> Re resentative Film 7 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0007.tif" />

0086In the above representative illustrations, examples of the passive barrier layer include the compositions discussed above such as EVOH, polyamides, such as nylon and amorphous nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene dichloride, polyacrylonitrile, poly( vinyl alcohol), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate, and copolymers and mixtures thereof. The active barrier layers may include discussions discussed above including oxygen scavenging EVOH and oxygen scavenging nylon.

0087In another embodiment, the multilayer film can also be used to form a laminate. For example, in one embodiment, the multilayer film can be laminated to one or more additional films, such as film comprising polyvinylidene dichloride (PVDC), polyvinyl chloride, or polystyrene. The following laminate structures representative examples of laminates that can be prepared in accordance with the invention.

0088Re resentative Laminate 1 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0008.tif" />

0089Re resentative Laminate 2 <img file="EP2183103A2_D0009.tif" /> The various layer compositions are as described above.

0090In one embodiment, the oxygen scavenging abilities of the active oxygen barrier layer containing the active oxygen barrier composition can be enhanced by exposing it to an ionizing radiation dosage of at least about 2 kiloGray (kGy). In particular, the multilayer film can be irradiated, such as by electron beam or gamma irradiation, at a dosage of between about 10 and 200, and in particular between 15 and 150, more particularly between 20 and 150, and more particularly between 20 and 100 kiloGray. In one embodiment, the multilayer film can be irradiated with an electron dosage that is from about 50 to 100 kiloGray. Other potential sources of radiation include ionizing radiation such as gamma and X- ray. Duration of exposure depends on several factors including. ^u"⁺ — ^{+ U}^ⁱ⁺^^A to, the amount of the active oxygen barrier composition that is present in the core layer, thickness of the layers to be exposed, thickness and opacity of intervening layers, amount of any antioxidant present, and intensity of the radiation source. Irradiated films and methods of irradiating films are discussed in greater detail in commonly assigned copending Patent Application No. 11/845,846, entitled

0091"MULTILAYER FILM HAVING AN ACTIVE OXYGEN BARRIER LAYER WITH RADIATION ENHANCED ACTIVE BARRIER PROPERTIES", filed August 28, 2007, (Attorney Docket No. 031456/318349), the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. When using oxygen scavenging layers or articles, irradiation can be applied during or after the layer or article is prepared. If the resulting layer or article is to be used to package an oxygen sensitive product, exposure can be just prior to, during, or after packaging. When irradiation occurs after packaging, the ionizing radiation dose can be used to sterilize the contents of the package and enhance the activity of the barrier composition. A suitable method for sterilizing an article and initiating oxygen scavenging is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,875,400 incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full. For best uniformity of radiation, exposure generally occurs at a processing stage where the layer or article is in the form of a flat sheet or tube. When the method of the present invention is to be used in an active oxygen barrier application, the radiation enhanced oxygen scavenging activity, in combination with the passive oxygen barrier layers, can create an overall oxygen transmission of less than about l.lxlO^"10 cm³/m² -s-Pa (1.0 cm³/m²-dayatm) at 25° C. The oxygen scavenging capacity typically is such that this value is not exceeded for at least two days.

0092After exposure of the active oxygen barrier composition to ionizing radiation, the scavenging composition, layer, or article prepared there from is generally able to scavenge up to its capacity, i.e., the amount of oxygen which the scavenger is capable of consuming before it becomes ineffective. In actual use, the capacity required for a given application can depend on the quantity of oxygen initially present in the package, the rate of oxygen entry into the package in the absence of the scavenging property, and the intended shelf life for the package. In use, the capacity required for a given application can depend on the quantity of oxygen initially present in the package, the rate of oxygen entry into the package in the absence of the scavenging property, and the intended shelf life for the package. When using scavengers that include the composition of the present invention, the capacity can be as low as 1 cm³/g, but can be 60 cm³/g or higher. When such scavengers are in a layer of a film, the layer may have an oxygen capacity of at least about 0.98 cmVm² per μm thickness (25.0 cm³/m²per mil), and in particular at least about 59 cm³/m² per μm thickness (1500 cm³/m² per mil). The period of time that the multilayer film of the invention is active is determined by the oxygen permeability of the active barrier matrix (in the absence of any scavenging reaction), the permeability of the surrounding layers, including passive barrier layers and the capacity of the oxygen scavenger in the active oxygen barrier layer. To be of practical use, the active oxygen barrier layer should be active for at least several days, and in particular several weeks and more particularly several months or longer. When using scavengers that include the composition of the present invention, the capacity can be as low as 1 cm³/g, but can be 60 cm³/g or higher. When such scavengers are in a layer of a film, the layer may have an oxygen capacity of at least about 0.98 cmVm² per μm thickness (25.0 cm³/m²per mil), and in particular at least about 59 cmVm² per μm thickness (1500 cmV per mil).

0093In some embodiments, the multilayer film 10 may also have a heat- shrinkable attribute. In one particular embodiment, the multilayer film 10 may have a free shrink measured at 185° F in at least one direction (i.e., machine or transverse direction), in at least each of two directions (machine and transverse directions), or a total free shrink of at least about any of the following values: 5%, 7%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%.

0094As is known in the art, the total free shrink is determined by summing the percent free shrink in the machine (longitudinal) direction with the percentage of free shrink in the transverse direction. For example, a film which exhibits 50% free shrink in the transverse direction and 40% free shrink in the machine direction has a total free shrink of 90%. Unless otherwise indicated, each reference to free shrink in this application means a free shrink determined by measuring the percent dimensional change in a 10 cm x 10 cm specimen when subjected to selected heat (i.e., at a certain temperature exposure) according to ASTM D 2732. Also, a reference herein to the shrink attributes of a film that is a component of a laminate refers to the shrink attributes of the film itself, which can be measured by separating the film from the laminate—for example, by using an appropriate solvent to dissolve the adhesive that bonds the films together to form the laminate. If a heat- shrinkable film is desired, the thus obtained tube or sheet is heated to the orientation temperature, generally comprised between about 80° C and about 125° C, by passing it through a hot air tunnel or an IR oven and stretched mono- or bi- axially. When a round extrusion die is employed, stretching is generally carried out by the trapped bubble technique. In this technique the inner pressure of a gas such as air is used to expand the diameter of the thick tubing obtained from the extrusion to give a larger bubble transversely stretched, and the differential speed of the nip rolls that hold the bubble is used to get the longitudinal stretching. Generally stretching is in a ratio of at least 3 in each direction. Alternatively, when a flat die is used in the extrusion, if a heat-shrinkable film is desired, orientation is carried out by means of a tenter frame. Longitudinal stretching is generally obtained by passing the film on at least two couples of conveying rolls wherein the second set rotates at a speed higher than that of the first set. The transverse orientation is on the other hand obtained by blocking the film side edges by means of a series of clips that travel onto two continuous chains that gradually diverge with the advancing of the film. Alternatively to said sequential stretching, either longitudinal first and then transversal or transversal first and then longitudinal, stretching may also be simultaneous in both directions. In case of stretching by tenter-frame the stretching ratios are generally higher than with the trapped bubble method.

0095Multilayer films in accordance with the invention may have low haze characteristics. Haze is a measurement of the transmitted light scattered more than 2.5° from the axis of the incident light. Haze is measured according to the method of ASTM D 1003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. All references to "haze" values in this application are by this standard. In some embodiments, the haze of either multilayer film 10 is no more than about 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, and 3%.

0096Multilayer film 10 may have a gloss, as measured against the outer surface 24 of the film of at least about 40%, 50%, 60%, 63%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,

009785%, 90%, and 95%. These percentages represent the ratio of light reflected from the sample to the original amount of light striking the sample at the designated angle. All references to "gloss" values in this application are in accordance with ASTM D 2457 (45° angle). In some embodiments, the multilayer film 10 is transparent (at least in any non-printed regions) so that a packaged food item therein is visible through the film. "Transparent" as used herein means that the material transmits incident light with negligible scattering and little absorption, enabling objects (e.g., packaged food or print) to be seen clearly through the material under typical unaided viewing conditions (i.e., the expected use conditions of the material). In some embodiments, the transparency (i.e., clarity) of any of the multilayer film 10 is at least about any of the following values: 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, and 95% as measured in accordance with ASTM D 1746.

0098In some embodiments, the multilayer film 10 exhibits a Young's modulus sufficient to withstand the expected handling and use conditions. Young's modulus may be measured in accordance with one or more of the following ASTM procedures: D882; D5026; D4065, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. In one embodiment, the multilayer film 10 may have a Young's modulus of at least about 30,000 psi with a modulus of 45,000 to 200,000 psi or greater. A higher modulus film has an enhanced stiffness, which may help reduce the tendency of the film to stretch when subjected to various processing conditions, such as elevated temperatures, cutting, and the like. As a result, the film may have less of a tendency to distort or become damaged during various packaging procedures, such as those that may be encountered in VFFS or HFFS packaging. Further, it may be helpful in some embodiments that the film 10 has a high modulus at the elevated temperatures that may be present when the film 10 is exposed to heat seal temperatures, for example, during the lidstock sealing or package sealing processes.

0099The multilayer film of the present invention may be prepared by a process which involves the co-extrusion of a thick tubular shape laminate film (called "tape") which is quenched just under the die, folded by a pair of nip rolls and then heated to a temperature typically comprised between about 105 and about 120° C, and in particular of at least 110° C, and expanded, still at this temperature, by internal air pressure to get the transversal orientation and by a differential speed of the pinch rolls which hold the bubble to provide the longitudinal orientation so as to get a cylindrically-shaped laminate thin film. After being so stretched the film is rapidly cooled to somehow freeze-in the resulting film a latent shrinkability ("trapped bubble" technique).

0100Alternatively the films according to the present invention can also be prepared by extrusion coating wherein the multilayer tube to be oriented is formed by extruding or co-extruding a first tape (called the primary tape) and then coating said tape with the other layers which are either sequentially extruded or in a single step coextruded thereon.

0101Still alternatively the film according to the present invention may be prepared by flat co-extrusion or extrusion coating followed, after a quenching step, by the orientation of the extruded film by tenterframe at a temperature generally comprised between about 105° C. and about 120° C.

0102Multilayer films in accordance with the present invention can be used in packaging articles having various forms. Suitable articles include, but are not limited to, flexible sheet films, flexible bags, rigid containers or combinations thereof. Typical flexible films and bags include those used to package various food items and may be made up of one or a multiplicity of layers to form the overall film or bag-like packaging material.

0103Material in the form of flexible films and bags normally has a thickness ranging from about 5 to 260 micrometers. Typical rigid or semi-rigid articles include plastic, paper or cardboard containers, such as those utilized for juices, soft drinks, as well as thermoformed trays or cups normally have wall thickness in the range of from 100 to 1000 micrometers. The multilayer film of the present invention can be used as an integral layer or as a coating of the formed packaging article.

0104Besides packaging articles applicable for food and beverage, packaging for articles for other oxygen-sensitive products can also benefit from the present invention. Such products may include pharmaceuticals, oxygen sensitive medical products, corrodible metals or products, electronic devices and the like.

0105The following examples are provided for illustrating one or more embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

EXAMPLES

0107Multilayer films used in the following examples were prepared via cast coextrusion. Films have a total thickness of about 6 mils. Unless otherwise indicated all percentages are weight percentages. The materials used in the examples are identified below.

0108LLDPE-I: EXCEED™ 4518PA; an ethylene hexene-1 copolymer, produced by single site catalysis, with a melt index of 4.5 g/10 min (ASTM D- 1238) and a density of 0.918 g/cc (ASTM D- 1505); purchased from Exxon Mobil of Houston, TX. LLDPE-2: Dow-Corning MB50-313™, a linear low density polyethylene containing 50% polydimethylsiloxane slip additive. It has a density of 0.94 g/cc.

0109LDPE-I : LD 102.74™ is a low density polyethylene containing slip, antioxidants and antiblock additives with a density of 0.920 g/cc and a melting point of 110°C, obtained from Exxon Mobil of Houston, TX. LDPE-2: FSU 93E™ is a low density polyethylene based masterbatch containing 9% diatomaceous earth silica and 3.0% erucamide with a melt index of 7.5 g/10 min (ASTM D- 1238) and a density of 0.975 g/cc (ASTM D-792); obtained from A. Schulman of Cleveland, OH.

0110MA-HDPE-I : PX2049™ is an anhydride grafted high density polyethylene resin having a melt index of 4.7 g/10 min. and density of 0.955 g/ml available from Equistar Chemicals, a division of Lyondell. MA-LLDPE-3: PX 3236™ is an anhydride-grafted linear low density polyethylene having a melt index of 2.0 g/10 min (ASTM D- 1238) and a density of 0.921 g/cc (ASTM D-792); purchased from Equistar Chemicals of Chicago, IL.

0111Nylon 6-1 : C APRON™ BlOOWP is a polyamide 6 resin having a melt flow index of 2.6 g/10 min (ASTM D- 1238 (235/1.0)), a density of 1.135 g/cc

0112(ASTM D-792) and a melting point of 22O.degree. C; purchased from Honeywell of Hopewell, VA.

0113Nylon 6-2: ULTRAMID™ B40 is a polyamide 6 resin having a density of 1.125 g/cc and a melting point of 220°C available from BASF Corporation. Nylon 6I/6T-2: GRIVORY™ G21 is an amorphous polyamide 6I/6T resin with a glass transition temperature (T_g) of 125° C. (ASTM D-3418) and a density of 1.18 g/cc (ASTM D-792); obtained from EMS of Sumter, SC.

0114EVOH-I : EV AL™ F 171 B is an ethylene- vinyl alcohol copolymer commercially available from Kuraray containing 32% by mole of ethylene. EVOH-2: XEP- 1070™ is the active barrier composition, which contains approximately 90% of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer containing 32mol% of ethylene (EVAL Fl 7 IB) and 10% of the scavenging components "A, B and D" described above, commercially available from Kuraray, Japan.

0115EVOH-3 EV AL™ E151A is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer commercially available from Kuraray containing 44% by mole of ethylene and has a melting point of 165⁰C and a density of 1.14 g/cc.

0116EVOH-4 : SOARNOL™ ET3803 is an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer commercially available from Noltex containing 38% by mole of ethylene and has a density of 1.17 g/cc and a melting point of 173 °C. MA-EVA- 1 : B YNEL™ 39E660 available from Dupont is a maleic anhydride grafted ethylene copolymer in ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with 12% vinyl acetate monomer, and a melt index of 2.5, used as an adhesive or tie layer.

0117The following exemplary inventive and control films were prepared to illustrate embodiments of the present invention. Control Film 1 -No active barrier, only passive barrier _τ Gauge _

0118Layer , .. . Component

01191 0.9 70% LLDPE- 1/30% LDPE-I

2 1.02 MA-LLDPE-3

01213 0.72 80% Nylon 6-1/20% Nylon 6I/6T-2

4 0.60 EVOH-I

01235 0.66 80% Nylon 6-1/20% Nylon 6I/6T-2

6 0.42 MA-LLDPE-3

01257 0.84 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

01268 0.84 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

01276.00 mils

0128Control Film 2 -Active Barrier EVOH without a passive barrier layer

0129Layer , .A Component

01301 0.9 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

2 1.02 MA-LLDPE-3

01323 0.72 80% Nylon 6-1/20% Nylon 6I/6T-2

4 0.60 EVOH-2

01345 0.66 80% Nylon 6-1/20% Nylon 6I/6T-2

6 0.42 MA-LLDPE-3

01367 0.84 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

01378 0.84 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

01386.00 mils

0139Control Film 3 All Passive Barrier Layers Layer , .A Component

01401 0.6 70% LLDPE- 1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01412 0.9 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

3 1.02 MA-HDPE-I

4 0.36 EVOH-3

5 0.60 EVOH-I

6 0.36 EVOH-3

01467 1 OΛ MA-EVA-I

1 .ZO

8 MA-EVA-I

01499 0.90 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01506.00 mils Control Film 4 Active Barrier layer with no passive barrier layer

0151Layer . ..° . Component ϊ 03 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01522 1.20 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

3 1.02 MA-HDPE-I

01544 0.66 Nylon 6-2

5 0.60 EVOH-2

01566 0.72 Nylon 6-2

7 0.60 MA-LLDPE-3

01588 0.90 70% LLDPE-1/27% LDPE-I / 3% LDPE-2

01596.00 mils

0160Inventive Film 1 τ Gauge „

0161Layer , ° Component

01621 0.6 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01632 0.9 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

3 1.02 MA-HDPE-I

4 0.36 EVOH-3

5 0.60 EVOH-2

6 0.36 EVOH-3

7 MA-EVA-I

01691.26

8 MA-EVA-I

01719 0.90 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01726.00 mils

0173Inventive Film 2

0174Layer . ..°. Component

01751 0.6 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01762 0.9 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

3 1.02 MA-HDPE-I

4 0.36 EVOH-4

5 0.60 EVOH-2

6 0.36 EVOH-4

7 MA-EVA-I

01821.26

8 MA-EVA-I

01849 0.90 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01856.00 mils Inventive Film 3

0186Gauge

0187Layer Component (mils)

01881 0.6 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01892 0.9 70% LLDPE-1/30% LDPE-I

3 1.02 MA-HDPE-I

4 0.36 EVOH-2

5 0.60 EVOH-3

6 0.36 EVOH-2

7 1 MA-EVA-I

1 . O ZAO

8 MA-EVA-I

01979 0.90 70% LLDPE-1/26% LDPE-I /4%LLDPE-2

01986.00 mils

0199The samples were formed into sample pouches and tested for oxygen ingress. Oxygen ingress testing was determined by preparing 4" x 7" pouches that were prepared in triplicate for each film and test condition. The pouches were vacuum sealed. The vacuum packaged pouches were inflated with 300 cm³ of nitrogen using a large syringe and then 10 ml of water was added. The oxygen level in each pouch was measured immediately after inflation using a Mocon Analyzer (PAC CHECK™ 650, 8 cm³ auto-injection) equipped with a charcoal filter. Unless otherwise stated, the samples were stored at either room temperature or oven conditions. Oxygen data for the interior of the pouches was collected at various intervals in order to determine the amount of oxygen that had ingressed into the pouch over a period of time. The oxygen ingress data for several of the Control Samples and Inventive Samples are shown in Tables 1-3 below.

0200As can be seen in the data in Table 1 and FIG. 4, Control Film 1 the standard EVOH-I containing control film shows steady ingress from time 0. Control Film 2 which contains the active barrier EVOH-2 shows less ingress under these room temperature storage conditions until about 130 days at which point the pouch begins to show faster ingress due to the depletion of the active barrier additive. In comparison the inventive films Inventive Film 1 and Inventive Film 3 continue to show slower ingress, after the 130 day mark, showing the improvement from having the secondary passive barrier layer in place. Table 1: Oxygen Ingress of Pouches Containing Active Barrier EVOH Stored at Room Temperature

0201Kj <img file="EP2183103A2_D0010.tif" />

0202As can be seen in the data in Table 2 below, and in FIG. 5, Control Film 1 the standard EVOH-I containing control film shows steady ingress from time 0. Control Film 2 which contains the active barrier EVOH-2, shows less ingress under the oven temperature (40° C), storage conditions until about 130 days at which point the pouch begins to show faster ingress due to the depletion of the active barrier additive. In comparison, the inventive films Inventive Film 1 and Inventive Film 3 continue to show slower ingress, again showing the improvement of having the secondary barrier layer in place.

0203Table 2: Oxygen Ingress of Pouches Containing Active Barrier EVOH Stored at Oven Temperature

0204<img file="EP2183103A2_D0011.tif" />

0205In addition to these pouch tests: Handmade pouches (120 mm x 220 mm) were produced using a Vertrod sealer. Pouches were filled with 200 ml of water, and flushed just prior to sealing with 2% oxygen, 98% nitrogen. Initial residual oxygen levels varied from 2.3 to 3.8%. Four samples were prepared from each film. The packages were stored at 100° F and -75% relative humidity with Mocon readings being taken periodically. This data is reported in Table 3 and shown in FIG. 6.

0206Table 3: Oxygen Ingress of Pouches Stored at 100° F and -75% relative humidity

0207<img file="EP2183103A2_D0012.tif" />

0208As can be seen by the data in Table 3 and FIG. 6, Control Film 3 which contains multiple layers of EVOH steadily ingresses oxygen under these conditions. Control Film 4, which contains a single layer of the active barrier EVOH-2 and no passive secondary layers, showed an initial decrease in oxygen in the pouch, but after approximately 20 days the active barrier was all consumed and the ingress of oxygen into the package rapidly increased to very high levels. Inventive Film 2, Inventive Film 1 and Inventive Film 3 show a decrease in oxygen in the package and maintain low/no ingress over the course of the 82 days of testing. This clearly demonstrates the benefit of protecting the active barrier EVOH-2 with additional secondary passive layers of barrier material.

0209Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.