European thematic network vacuum coating of polymer films for packaging and technical applications

Within the scope of a European Thematic Network in the field of vacuum web coating of polymer films 31 partners are performing research on a pre-competitive level. By participating in this project, they benefit from studying the whole production chain and not only their own process. Especially the integration of the process in previous and following process steps including handshakes between the different production steps is investigated and benchmarked. For packaging, the whole production chain of high barrier laminates, as film production, surface modification, vacuum web coating, lamination and equipment manufacturing, is studied on a production level, in order to identify and quantify the relevant parameters for obtaining best results in terms of adhesion, oxygen and moisture barrier. Up to now eight test sequences were performed, including the latest equipment and process developments. Selected project results are shown here for: measurement of adhesion of coated films and laminates, BOPP films: impact of surface properties on the functionality, such as adhesion, oxygen and moisture barrier, of coated and laminated films PET films: influence of pretreatment, thickness of the Al layers and lamination technique on intermediate and final functionality.