Nitrile barrier resins in carbonated beverage containers.

Osmon, F.

Abstract
The interface of material selection and container design is particularly significant in packaging carbonated beverages. Acrylonitrile styrene copolymers (nitriles) provide a combination of excellent barrier and physical properties. Low permeability to gases, transparency, high strength and low creep at elevated temperatures are several reasons nitriles were developed for packaging beer. The performance of nitriles is related to design requirements and to methods of manufacture. A comparison of nitrile carbonated beverage containers and traditional beer packages demonstrates the importance of the copolymers' excellent combination of properties. Research into the feasibility of recycling barrier resins reveals future advantages and problems.
Keywords: beverage carbonation carbon dioxide construction container permeability plastic production