## PCR PET Film Grade: Packaging Industry Specifications and Barrier Properties
### Introduction
PCR PET film grade materials serve critical roles in food packaging, industrial films, and consumer goods applications. This article outlines the specifications, barrier properties, and quality requirements for recycled PET film products.
### Material Specifications
**Intrinsic Viscosity (IV)**:
– Film grade requirement: 0.72-0.82 dL/g
– Lower IV reduces mechanical strength
– Higher IV improves processability but increases cost
**Contamination Limits**:
– PVC: <10 ppm (critical for food contact)
- Moisture: <0.005% before processing
- Acetaldehyde: <1 ppm for beverage bottles
### Barrier Properties
**Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR)**:
- Amorphous PET: 50-80 cc/m²/day
- Crystallized PET: 20-40 cc/m²/day
- Coated PET (SiOx): <1 cc/m²/day
**Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR)**:
- Standard PET: 15-25 g/m²/day
- Metallized PET: <0.1 g/m²/day
**UV Barrier**:
- UV absorbers (benzotriazole type) at 0.2-0.5%
- Blocks 95%+ UV-B radiation
- Essential for light-sensitive products
### Processing Parameters
**Extrusion**:
- Barrel temperature: 270-290°C
- Die temperature: 280-300°C
- Chill roll temperature: 20-30°C
- Stretch ratio: 3-4x (biaxial)
**Heat Setting**:
- Temperature: 180-220°C
- Time: 2-5 seconds
- Crystallinity target: 30-40%
### Applications
**Food Packaging**:
- Tray and container thermoforming
- Flexible film for snack packaging
- Lidding films for ready meals
- Berry and produce containers
**Industrial Films**:
- Electrical insulation
- Solar panel backsheet
- Release films for composites
### Quality Testing
**Mechanical**:
- Tensile strength: ≥150 MPa (MD)
- Elongation at break: ≥80%
- Tear strength: ≥5 N/mm
**Optical**:
- Haze: <3%
- Gloss (45°): >80
– Clarity: Excellent
—
**Keywords**: PCR PET film grade, packaging film specifications, barrier properties, food packaging recycled PET