Applications of shaped nano alumina hydrate as barrier property enhancer in polymers

A method of producing a polymer product having enhanced barrier properties comprising:

• mixing a dried polymer with an amount of dried alumina particulates to form a mixture;
• extruding the mixture to form an extrudate;
• and forming the polymer product from the extrudate, wherein forming the polymer product includes extruding a film to form the polymer product;
• wherein
• the alumina particulates have a secondary aspect ratio of at least about 3:1;
• at least 50wt% of the alumina particulates are transitional alumina;
• the alumina particulates have been obtained by a seeding processing route and have a BET specific surface area of about 30 m2/g to about 250 m2/g;
• the polymer base is selected from the group consisting of polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, and mixtures thereof;
• the polymer composition is in form of a film having an Oxygen Transfer Index of at least about 150 and a Water Vapor Transfer Index of at least about120.