Blox barrier resins from Dow Plastics are formulated to combine the adhesion and durability of thermoset epoxy with the processing ease of thermoplastics like PE, PS, ABS, and PET. Chemically speaking, Blox materials are polyhydroxyaminoether resins, a new family of plastics that is based on the reaction of epoxy with amines. They can be tailored to meet specific barrier performance requirements cost-effectively in a number of different applications.

For example, excellent adhesion to PET, gas barrier properties, clarity, and modulus make injection molding of multilayer preforms for oxygen- and carbon dioxide-sensitive beverages an ideal application for one type of Blox resin ($1.50 to $3.00/lb). Delamination problems that can occur with other barrier resins reportedly are significantly reduced or are frequently eliminated.

Improved adhesion improves design flexibility for bottlers, according to David Hatfield, global business development manager for Epoxy Products and Intermediates at Dow. ?Marketers of beer, juice, and carbonated soft drinks no longer have to rely on glass to achieve a combination of product integrity and visual impact,? he says. ?The superior adhesion of Blox resins allows for the creation of designs never before possible with plastic, while preserving product integrity and shelf life.?

Blox resins present no cycle time penalties, they come in a broad range of melts, and barrier properties can be dialed in to suit different packaging designs and applications, allowing customers to optimize package costs and performance.?Carl Kirkland

Dow Plastics
Midland, MI
Phone: (517) 636-1000
Fax: (517) 638-9752
www.dow.com