Barrierestoffe

Barrierestoffe refer to materials, layers, or composites designed to impede the transport of gases, vapors, liquids, or ions. They are used to protect contents from degradation, contamination, and to maintain functional performance in devices. Barrier performance depends on permeability, which is quantified by metrics such as water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rate (OTR). Lower values indicate stronger barriers.

Common barrier materials include polymer films such as EVOH, PVDC, and aluminum-coated laminates, as well as inorganic barriers like thin oxide coatings deposited by sputtering or atomic layer deposition on polymers. Metal foils, especially aluminum foil, provide high barriers; multilayer laminates combine different materials to balance barrier performance with mechanical properties and processability.

In packaging, barrierestoffe extend shelf life by limiting moisture and oxygen ingress. In electronics and optics, dielectric or moisture barriers protect sensitive components. In construction, vapor barriers reduce moisture migration and condensation. In medical devices, barrier layers prevent contamination and liquid ingress.

Design considerations include compatibility with processing conditions (temperature, solvents), mechanical strength, heat resistance, and end-of-life options. Barrier materials are often engineered as multilayer structures, where a thin barrier layer is protected by more durable skins and sealed by adhesives.

Environmental and regulatory aspects focus on recyclability, safety, and compliance with food-contact and medical-device standards. Ongoing research seeks recyclable or bio-based barrier materials and high-performance inorganic coatings to enhance sustainability.