Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Flexible packaging films used for dairy products (like milk powder) require high barriers against oxygen, moisture, and light to prevent lipid oxidation.
This barrier is often created by depositing a very thin layer of metal onto a plastic film.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The process of applying a microscopic layer of aluminum onto a plastic substrate (such as polyester or polypropylene film) is called Vapour deposition (also known as vacuum metallization).
In this process:
- The plastic film is fed through a high-vacuum chamber containing an evaporation source.
- Aluminum wire is heated to its boiling point under a high vacuum (around \(10^{-4}\text{ Torr}\)), causing it to vaporize.
- The vaporized aluminum condenses onto the cool surface of the moving plastic film, forming an extremely thin, uniform metallic layer (typically \(30\) to \(50\text{ nm}\) thick).
This metallized film has excellent barrier properties against light, moisture, and gases, while remaining flexible and cost-effective compared to thick aluminum foil laminates.
Lamination is the bonding of two pre-formed sheets, extrusion coating involves applying molten polymer, and injection molding is a shaping process for plastic parts.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The process of coating a plastic film with aluminum is called Vapour deposition.