Modified polyester sheet having snapability

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a fracturable thermoformable packaging sheet comprising at least one thermoplastic layer having a thickness of between 10 mil and 50 mil which is composed of a polymer matrix of between 35% (wt.) to 77.5% (wt.) relative to the total weight of the thermoplastic layer of a substantially amorphous aromatic polyester. Incorporated into this polymer matrix of the at least one thermoplastic layer is an inorganic filler which is present in an amount of between 22% (wt.) to 50% (wt.) relative to the total weight of the thermoplastic layer. The inorganic filler is encased in a carrier resin which is present in an amount of between 0.5% (wt.) to 15% (wt.) relative to the total weight of the thermoplastic layer. The fracturable thermoformable packaging sheet of the present invention may be used to form thermoformed packages having a single product cavity with a snap-open tab or covering and multi-pack type packages having multiple single-serve product cavities where each individual cavities can be easily separated from each other by simply breaking the flange connecting two or more cavities. Each of these packages may optionally include a partial cut and/or crease Sine extending across a portion of the package to facilitate the snapping apart of the two sections of the package.