Mobil Oil Corporation

Pactiv Corporation

Susan P Evans

Vinod K Luthra

Pradeep P Shirodkar

Peter J Canterino

Gary R DelDuca

Richard G Shaw

Theresa L Cunningham

Surinder K Bahl

R Andrew Sloan

Kalathur S V Santhanam

Absorbing oxygen from a closed space at a rapid rate, particularly in food packaging, is made possible by introducing an alcohol-water mixture as an activator for iron-based absorber systems, preferably including an acid to control pH. Preferred alcohols are aliphatic alcohols, particularly, monohydric alkanols, such as methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, sec-butanol and t-butanol. Such absorber-activator combinations are capable of rapidly reducing the oxygen in a closed package. A preferred acid is orthophosphoric acid used in an amount sufficient to establish a pH of about 0.6 to 4. A preferred iron-based absorber system employs sponge iron, optionally including a dibasic acid cooperating with the orthophosphoric acid to control pH in the system. In one preferred embodiment, the iron-based absorber is pre-activated by contacting with the activator in the substantial absence of oxygen for a predetermined period of time.

Rapid oxygen absorption by using activators

An iron-based oxygen scavenging packet is set forth in which the rate of uptake of oxygen is increased by virtue of the presence of an oxygen uptake accelerator such as water which is introduced into the packet. Methods of increasing the rate of oxygen absorption by the iron-based oxygen scavenging packet are also set forth.

Oxygen scavenger accelerator

The invention relates to novel blend compositions comprising a linear low density copolymer of ethylene and a minor amount of an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms (LLDPE), and to films of improved properties formed from such compositions. The invention includes a process of forming blown films from such compositions which is accomplished with improved processability and at least substantial retention of the desirable properties of the linear low density polyethylene. The invention also includes a waste bag formed from such blown film products.

Blends for consumer waste bags

Films containing LLDPE having a high modulus and good tear strength for the high modulus and improved processing conditions are obtained by blending minor amounts of polystyrene or other aromatic polymer, and polypropylene with the LLDPE.

Blends of LLDPE, polypropylene and aromatic polymers and high modulus

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Canandaigua, NY, United States of America

Susan P Evans