Resolving Saturated Polyolefin Hydrocarbon Oligomer Interference in Mineral Oil Migration Dossiers
Polyolefin oligomer co-elution requires epoxidation clean-up and GCxGC deconvolution to prevent false mineral oil failures in migration dossiers.
Polyolefin Sealant Layer
Meaning
Inner surface of a flexible packaging laminate composed of polyethylene or polypropylene enables the creation of a hermetic bond through the application of heat and pressure. Polyolefin sealant layer provides the functionality required to close pouches and lidding films on high-speed filling lines. It is designed to melt at a lower temperature than the outer structural layers, such as polyester or nylon.
This difference in melting points allows the package to be sealed without distorting the graphics or the overall shape.
Sealing Performance
Hot tack strength and seal initiation temperature are the primary metrics used to evaluate this component. A polyolefin sealant layer must flow around contaminants like powders or fats to ensure a leak-proof closure. Metallocene-catalyzed resins are often selected for their narrow molecular weight distribution and consistent melting behavior.
Barrier Contribution
Moisture resistance is provided by the hydrophobic nature of the polyolefin.
Processing Variable
Dwell time and jaw pressure must be optimized to achieve a consistent bond across the entire width of the seal. If the polyolefin sealant layer is too thin, the bond may fail during shipping or handling. Conversely, excessive heat can lead to burn-through or thinning of the seal area, which compromises the integrity of the package.