(689d) One-Layer Alkylated Poly(olefin) Water Vapor Barriers As Flexible Substrate Coatings

The effect of one-layer poly(olefin) barrier coatings onto flexible and thin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films will be discussed towards the blockage of water vapor. Results on well-known semi-crystalline polymers such as poly(ethylene) (PE), partially chlorinated PE (47% Cl-PE), poly(propylene) (PP), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and poly(vinylidene chloride) (PVDC) will be presented, as well as the effect of amorphous hydrophobic polymers such as poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) and commercial organo- and perhydro- poly(silazanes) on PET's water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) reduction. Results at different coating thicknesses will be highlighted. Finally, the water vapor barrier properties of synthetic alkylated poly(olefins) of controlled molecular weight and low dispersity, prepared by living cationic polymerization, will be presented as transparent polymeric coatings onto PET, and comparisons with metal sputtered PET (same substrate) will be realized. The incorporation of nanomaterials into high polymeric barrier coatings will be also discussed. Lastly, results on mechanical tests of PET/barrier coatings on elongation, along with coating-induced resistance towards cracking/ deformation will be presented.