Patent ID: 8101101
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: A01N,A23B,B29C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for improving the resistance of fumigant sorption in a produce container in a fumigation process, the steps comprising: making a produce container using the steps comprising pre-expanding expandable polymer particles having a density of from about 40 to about 32 pounds per cubic foot to form pre-expanded particles with a density ranging from about 12.0 pounds per cubic feet to 1.0 pounds per cubic feet to form pre-expanded particles; applying a coating to said pre-expanded particles, said coating comprised of a chemical selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, polyethylene wax, and polyethylene glycol in an amount ranging from about 0.05 to about 5.0 parts per hundred; and forming said produce container from said pre-expanded particles by injecting the pre-expanded particles into a mold having the shape of a produce container and heating the closed mold to further expand and fuse the pre-expanded particles to form said produce container; wherein the residual fumigant level of the produce container is not more than 5 ppm based on the weight of the produce container after the produce container has been introduced to a fumigant in a sealed chamber such that the concentration of the fumigant in the chamber is at least 48 ounces/1000 ft