A New Approach to Predict the Water‐transport Properties of Multilayer Films Intended for Food‐packaging Applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A mathematical model that predicts the water‐permeability coefficient of multilayer films intended for food‐packaging applications is presented. A 6‐layer film composed of 5 polyolefinic layers and a layer made of a copolymer of ethylene and vinylalcohol (EVOH) was used to validate the proposed model. Water‐permeability tests were run at 25°C both on each single layer and on the multilayer film; whereas the water‐sorption isotherm and the water‐sorption kinetics were determined only for the EVOH layer. Results suggest that the water‐permeability coefficient of multilayer films can be predicted from the knowledge of the water‐transport properties of each constituent layer.