POLYMER COMPOSITES OF IMPROVED BARRIER PROPERTIES (STEAM- AND GAS-IMPERMEABILITY)

The invention relates to polymer composites of improved barrier properties (steam- and gas-impermeability), which can find application as packaging materials for foods, drinks, medicaments, cosmetics, industrial oils, fuels and others when there is a requirement for the packaging to be gas and steam impermeable. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of the polymer composites and products thereof. The polymer composites comprise homo- and co-polymers of different barrier properties and melting temperatures, the polymer having ratio from 5/95 to 95/5 and have composite structure in the which low-melting component(s) is/are in the form of an isotropic matrix, and the high melting component(s) is/are the reinforcement agent(s) in the form of microfibrils, microplates or parallel layers of microstrips or films. The method includes mixing in a smelt of the components and extrusion. Optionally additional drawing is performed, followed by pressing and granulation. The treatment of the polymer composites to packaging material is made by casting under pressure, extrusion or pressing, the treatment temperatures not exceeding the melting temperature of the high melting component in the composite. 3 claims, 2 figures