Novel Glass-Embedded Polymer nanocomposite Food Tray

Triton Systems proposes an innovative nanotechnology that will develop an inexpensive, recyclable, and mechanically durable material for a food tray with sufficient barrier properties to provide food with a three-year shelf-life. A new generation of polymeric sheet stock material with a high baffler embedded glass structure capable of being thermoformed into a retortable food-container will be produced. This unique and innovative technology will embed a highly elastic barrier glass structure within the polymer sheet stock during extrusion. This single-layered, recyclable food tray will replace the current unrecyclable co-extruded 3-layered tray. A reduction in energy and die costs will be realized because of the use of a single extruder for processing of the single-layered tray. This Phase I program will develop the enabling technology which could impact the food packaging industry as well as other applications requiring high gas-barrier and moisture-barrier properties. BENEFITS: This technology has tremendous potential as barrier materials in food packaging applications in the form of rigid and semi-rigid food containers, as well as flexible pouches. Other applications include airplane interiors, brakes, tires, fuel tanks, components in electrical and electronic parts, and under-the-hood structural components. Replacement of current filled-polymer systems in automobiles, and airplanes offers tremendous potential.