Barrier reducing permeation of hydrocarbons

#Polyethylene is a favored material used in constructing containers. It is cheaply produced as molded or extruded. However, polyethylene has serious drawbacks. When certain fluids such as hydrocarbon based materials are packaged in polyethylene containers, they have a tendency to seep through the container wall. This is due to the permeable nature of polyethylene.

#It is an object of the invention to provide a thermoplastic additive which when blended with a thermoplastic serves as a barrier to the permeation of fluids, and in particular, hydrocarbon based materials.

#It is a further object of the invention to provide a drum, bottle, container or the like capable of resisting permeation of fluids, and particularly, hydrocarbon based materials.

#The additive is prepared by mixing polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF) and aluminum stearate with the carrier thermoplastic. The PVDF can be in either powderized or pelletized form. In this example, the thermoplastic is high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMW-HDPE). The components of the blend were mixed in the following ratio: 1 HNW-HDPE 52 lbs. PVDF 48 lbs. Aluminum stearate 56 grms/cwt.

#Prior to mixing, the blend is covered. After mixing of the additive, it is suitable for a subsequent blending with a resin of the carrier. The subsequent blending creates a thermoplastic composite that resists and reduces permeation through its walls. It is preferred that after the subsequent mixing with the carrier thermoplastic, the additive comprise 3 to 6% of the total composition of the subsequent composite.

#The blend may also be used as a thermoplastic liner for containers of other materials. The liner is applied to the containers by means known by those skilled in the art.