KINGSPORT TENN.—Eastman Chemical Co. has developed a high-barrier resin based on nanocomposite technology. Imperm resins are a new class of nylons containing small particles that improve barrier performance by as much as 600 percent compared with conventional nylon barrier materials.
The Kingsport-based company is aiming its Imperm products at multilayer PET bottles where the new resins would provide the internal layer to protect beer, juice and soft drinks from oxygen and carbon dioxide migration.
Eastman is making trial quantities of Imperm available with full commercial production slated for midyear at its Kingsport facility.
The firm claims Imperm can be used on existing multilayer bottle equipment with minor adjustments. It also said the new materials provide a better balance of adhesion, barrier and processing than traditional ethylene vinyl alcohol and nylon resins.
Tel. (423) 229-5728, fax (423) 229-4409, e-mail [email protected] man.com.