Mississippi Patent of the Month – January 2024
Breathable barrier materials are used around the world – positioned wherever it is desirable to transmit moisture vapor while avoiding air and liquid transport. The functionality of these materials are essential to protecting the product wrapped by the film. A common example of these materials is weather-proof housing wraps. ADLAM Films, LLC has made a name for themselves in the insulation films and cold chain packaging industries by advancing the technology in ways we could have only hoped for.
Recently, the company has been granted a patent for their extrusion coated barrier film technology. The solution is a film which combines biaxially oriented nylon film with a polymer blend. The polymer blend, consisting of ethylene-methylacrylate copolymer and a unique block copolymer with rigid polyamide blocks and soft polyether blocks, creates a versatile and high-performance barrier film.
At the core of this innovation is the biaxially oriented nylon film, carefully extrusion-coated with the specialized polymer blend. The nylon film, ranging from 30 to 60 gauges and weighing between 13.22 to 14.62 grams per square meter, forms a durable and flexible base for the barrier film.
One of the key features of this invention is its exceptional water vapor transmission rate, exceeding 13 g/(100 in2·day·in Hg). This ensures effective moisture management, making it ideal for various industrial applications, especially in construction.
The method employed in creating this barrier film involves a precise extrusion coating process. The polymer blend, including the ethylene-methylacrylate copolymer and the block copolymer, is heated, blended, and melted in an extruder. The molten polymer is then forced through a die and applied directly to the nylon film, creating a robust bond. The coated film is further processed between a chill roll and a rubber roll, ensuring the desired lamination bond strength.
ADLAM Films’ invention finds a practical application in thermal lamination to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam boards, making it an excellent choice for industrial facer materials. The resulting barrier film offers a perfect blend of flexibility, durability, and moisture resistance, addressing the limitations of traditional materials.
This breakthrough opens new possibilities in the realm of breathable industrial facers, providing an innovative solution for various industrial challenges. ADLAM Films has once again demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology, creating products that redefine industry standards.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
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