Applicability of biaxially oriented poly(trimethylene terephthalate) films using bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol in retort pouches

ABSTRACT Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) is a material that has intermediate properties between poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and nylon, and produced by polymerizing bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol and terephthalic acid. In this study, the possibility of replacing existing biaxially oriented PET (OPET) and nylon 6 (ONylon) film with biaxially oriented PTT (OPTT) film is investigated to develop a more environmentally friendly retort pouch. In order to define actual problems in the retort pouch manufacturing process, food process, and distribution process, extensive examinations are conducted to study the degradation of physical properties after the in‐processing and sterilization process, the testing of pinhole resistance caused by stress, and the box level drop test. The results show OPTT film to be a promising alternative for OPET and ONylon film, to a limited extent. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46251.