MULTIPLE LAYER POLYMERIC FILMS, PACKAGES AND FLEXIBLE CONTAINERS MADE THEREFROM

Abstract: Films suitable for packaging usage contain blends of ethylene-based copolymers or elastomers with polypropylene and polyethylene, and can have two to five layers, wherein at least one layer (14) is a blend of high density polyethylene with an ethylene-based copolymer or an elastomer, and another layer (12) is polypropylene blended with an ethylene-­ based copolymer or an elastomer. Additional polypropylene-­ based layers can be adhered to the aforesaid layers (12, 14). A flexible pouch-type container e.g. for medical fluids can be made from two confronting pieces of film by forming heat seals (18) around their peripheries.

Description: The present invention relates to multiple layer polymeric films, packages and flexible containers made therefrom. Polypropylene provides excellent resistance to high temperature processing, such as at retort conditions of about 250°F (121°C) for about 30 minutes. Polypropylene has thus found widespread use, particularly as a sealant layer, in packaging pouches which are subjected to heat treatment after the pouch is filled with a product and sealed. While polypropylene has been accepted as the material of choice for use in sealant layers of retortable pouches, it has been selected more or less by necessity, as few other materials in the same general price range can provide similar high temperature processability. Likewise, for some uses such as in contact with food or medical solutions, polypropylene is among the few materials which is approved for product contact. Thus, polypropylene provides a combination of desirable properties which is not found in other known materials. Polypropylene does have associated undesirable properties. Most prominent in relation to packages is the tendency of the polypropylene to be brittle, and to become even more brittle after it has been retort processed. The degree of brittleness of a package film is most easily detected by measuring the capability of a package to tolerate physically stressful treatment. Brittleness of the overall package is a property which is a composite of the brittleness of the individual layers, interfacial bond strengths, the elasticity of adjacent layers and their capability of absorbing and dissipating physical shock, and any overwhelming brittleness of any one layer. The composite brittleness of retort processed packages using polypropylene may generally be observed as the fraction of the packages which fail after being subjected to physical stress or shock. Polyethylenes in the density range of about 0.91 to about 0.965, and linear low density poly­ ethylenes (LLDPE) have many fine and desirable properties which make them particularly suitable for many uses. Polyethylene ("PE") as used herein is defined as those polyethylenes, homopolymer and copolymer, which have a density in the range of about 0.91 to about 0.965, and LLDPE. Many polyethylenes are stiff and rigid, able to hold shape in thick sections. PE is readily processed and formed in both the solid form and the more fluid plasticated form. It is relatively economical for many uses. In packaging applications it has been found to provide a good barrier to transmission of water vapor. Packaging applications are of most interest to us at present, but it will be appreciated that other applications may abound. High density polyethylene (HDPE, having a density greater than about 0.94) in particular is known to provide excellent properties of stiffness and resistance to transmission of moisture vapor. It also has acceptable high temperature processing capabilities. It would be desirable to combine layers of polypropylene and PE into one packaging film to obtain the combined properties of high temperature processability, resistance to water vapor and transmission and the ability to form strong heat seals. Packages should also have excellent tolerance of physical shock abuse. Polypropylene and PE layers may be combined into a multiple layer film as by adhesive lamination. Such a construction, however, has undesirable cost disadvantages due to the plurality of steps necessary in its fabrication. Further, such films do tend to exhibit the brittleness which is a normal property of polypropylene. The brittleness may be somewhat improved upon by using a polypropylene copolymer rather than the homopolymer. While there is some improvement in performance with the use of the copolymer, the general level of brittleness is still so high as to effectively prevent widespread use of such structures. If, however, an economical structure could be made which would combine the desirable properties of polypropylene and PE while improving on the ability of the package to tolerate physical abuse, such a package may find substantial utility and acceptance. Such a structure may use novel compositions of matter in one or more layers, and might use particular combinations of layers and positional relationships to achieve the balance of properties desired. It is an object of this invention to provide multiple layer films made from polymer compositions suitable, for example, for use in retortable packages which have excellent tolerance to shock abuse both before and after retort processing. The invention aims to provide closed and sealed packages having increased tolerance to shock abuse, and to provide a novel process for making a multiple layer film which is useful in packaging. According to the present invention, there is provided a multiple layer film, comprising: (a) a first layer, the composition of which is a blend of (i) a polymer chosen from polypropylene homopolymer and poly­ propylene copolymer and (ii) a Modifier; and (b) a second layer adhered to said first layer, the composition of the second layer being a blend of (i) polyethylene and (ii) a Modifier. Also according to the present invention, there is provided a multiple layer polymeric film, comprising: (a) first and third layers the compositions each of which comprise a blend of (i) polymer chosen from polypropoylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymer and (ii) a Modifier; and (b) a second layer, the composition of which is a blend of (i) polyethylene, for example high density polyethylene, and (ii) a Modifier; the second layer being between the first and third layers and being adhered to them. The invention comprehends packages such as flexible containers and pouches made from the films defined in the appended claims. The invention will now be explained in more detail in the following non-limiting description. One embodiment of the invention embraces multiple layer films containing a novel composition of matter which is a blend of polypropylene and (i) an ethylene-based copolymer (hereinafter referred to as EBC) selected from ethylene butene-1 copolymers and ethylene propylene copolymers or (ii) an elastomer, such as polybutylene, polyisobutylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer, styrene butadiene styrene copolymer, styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer, styrene isoprene styrene copolymer, polybutene-1, and isobutylene isoprene copolymer, (hereinafter, the aforesaid groups (i) and (ii) of materials is sometimes referred to as the "Modifiers"). The terms "elastomer" and "elastomeric" describe polymers, copolymers, rubbers, and the like, which at room temperature can be stretched substantially under low stress, and upon immediate release of the stress, have the tendency to return generally to approximately the original shape. In preferred compositions of this embodiment, the blend is about 30% by weight to about 80% by weight polypropylene and about 70% by weight to about 20% by weight of the Modifier. The EBC is essentially a copolymer of two moieties, both moieties being present in the main chain of the polymer. The overall mole ratio is about 10 to about 95 mole percent ethylene, and conversely about 90 to about 5 mole percent of the second moiety. The ethylene is preferably copolymerized with either propylene or butene-1. In the case of propylene, the preferred mole ratio range is about 60% to about 80% ethylene and about 40% to about 20% propylene. One such material is sold by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. as TAFMER P. In the case of butene-1, the preferred mole ratio range is about 5% to about 15% butene-1 and about 95% to about 85% ethylene. One such material containing butene-1 is sold by Mitsui Petrochemical Industries, Ltd. as TAFMER A. The multiple layer films according to this invention include a basic two layer structure comprising first and second layers, wherein said first layer comprises a blend of a polypropylene polymer, preferably in the range of about 20% to about 95%, chosen from polypropylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymer, and the Modifier, preferably in the range of about 80% to about 5%. The second layer contains PE or PE blended with a Modifier. A second basic structure comprises the first and second layers and further a third layer adhered to the second layer, wherein the third layer is a blend of polypropylene and a Modifier, preferably an EBC. It is within the scope of this invention to provide films of more than three layers, wherein additional layers may be adhered to either of the outside surfaces of the first and third layers of the said basic three-layer structure. Preferably, such additional layers are of the same composition of the first, second or third layers of the said basic three-layer structure. The preferred composition of the second layer of the two- or three-layer basic structures is about 65% to about 95% of the PE (preferably HDPE) and about 35% to about 5% of the Modifier, preferably EBC. Preferably, the multilayer films of this invention are coextruded but they may be made of other methods such as by lamination. While the particular form of a package according to this invention is not critical, typical packages are fabricated from flexible film embodying the invention by the use of heat seals to make closed and sealed packages. Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which FIGURE 1 is a cross-section through a two layer film embodying this invention, FIGURE 2 is a cross-section through a three layer film of this invention, FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a typical pouch-type package made from a film embodying the invention, FIGURE 4 is an enlarged cross-section through a portion of the pouch-type package, taken on line 4-4 of FIGURE 3, FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a preferred pouch-type package made from a film embodying the invention, and FIGURE 6 is a cross-section through a five layer film embodying this invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are seen as multiple layer film structures. One preferred embodiment of the invention is a two layer coextruded film having a first layer of a polypropylene blend and second layer of a PE blend. In this embodiment, the polypropylene layer and the PE layer are affixed to each other in face-to-face contact with each other, with good adhesion and preferably without the use of intervening adhesives. Another preferred embodiment is a three layer film having first and third layers of poly­ propylene blends and a second layer of a PE blend. In this embodiment, the first and third polypropylene layers are affixed in surface-to-surface contact with respective opposite surfaces of the second PE layer, preferably without the use of intervening adhesives. Turning now to the drawings, FIGURE 1 represents a cross-sectional view of the basic two layer film structure of the invention. Layer 12 is a blend of a polypropylene and Modifier, preferably EBC. Layer 14 is a blend of a PE and a Modifier, preferably EBC. Films of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 may be used for making packages wherein either layer 12 or layer 14 is on the outside, or conversely on the inside of a package made therefrom. The selection of specific polymers, blend compositions, and layer thicknesses and ratios depends on the end use contemplated. FIGURE 2 represents a cross-sectional view of the basic three layer film structure of this invention. As in the two layer embodiment of FIGURE 1, layer 12 is a blend of polypropylene and Modifier, preferably EBC and layer 14 is a blend of a PE and Modifier, preferably EBC. Layer 16, is a blend of a polypropylene and Modifier, preferably EBC. FIGURE 6 illustrates a five layer film of this invention comprising layers 12, 14, 16, 14 and 16. The composition of each layer is desirably the same as the composition of the like-­ numbered layer previously described, although the Modifiers may be different in some cases. The multilayer films of FIGURES 1, 2 and 6 are especially useful for making pouches such as the one seen in FIGURE 3. In a preferred method of forming that pouch, portions of the film are brought into face-to-face contact with each other such that the layers 12 on both of the facing portions are facing each other. Heat seals 18 are formed about the common periphery of the facing portion to make an enclosed package capable of holding a product. After product is inserted into the package, a final heat seal is made across the open end to close and seal the package. Referring specifically to the overall thickness of the films of FIGURES 1, 2 and 6, they are preferably between about 2 mils and about 8 mils (0.051 and 0.20 mm) thick. The lesser thickness of about 2 mils (0.051 mm) represents about the thinnest film which has good tolerance of shock abuse in typical commercial handling of packages filled with a liquidous product. The greater thickness of about 8 mils (0.20 mm) provides a film having essentially as much strength as can be achieved economically in a flexible package. While greater film thicknesses are possible, functional, and are included in the invention herein, they are generally more costly, and so are not preferred. In the overall film structures of FIGURES 1, 2, and 6, layer 12 is the layer which is used as the inside surface layer, and to form the heat seals where the film is used in a heat sealed package. For these applications, the heat seal layer 12 should be at least about 1 mil (0.025 mm) thick, to facilitate formation of strong heat seals. Preferably, layer 12 has a thickness of approximately 3 mils to about 4-1/2 mils (0.076 to 0.11 mm) thick. In a preferred embodiment of films having multiple layers, layer 12 comprises approximately 60% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. This provides a film that has good durability and forms excellent heat seals. Moreover, this maximizes the sealant layer relevant to the maximum thickness of the film, while still achieving balanced film properties. Layer 14 functions primarily as an effective barrier to infusion of moisture vapor. For this function, it should be at least about 0.5 mil (0.013 mm) thick. While the minimum thickness of about 0.5 mil (0.013 mm) is usually effective for barrier purposes, a thickness of approximately 1 mil to about 1-1/2 mils (0.025 to 0.038 mm) is preferred. This thickness provides a multilayer film that has good clarity and flexibility while still providing a water vapor barrier. In a preferred embodiment, layer 14 comprises approximately 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. Layer 16 is typically used as the outside layer of the package, as seen in Figure 4. As such, it serves a primary function of providing resistance to penetration of the package as by puncture, cutting, or abrasion. To serve this function, it requires a degree of physical substantiality in terms of thickness, and about 0.5 mil (0.013 mm) is usually the minimum thickness which will provide this functional performance, so this is a preferred minimum thickness. For most typical applications, though, layer 16 is somewhat thicker, and a thickness of approximately 1 mil to about 1-1/2 mils (0.025 to 0.038 mm) is generally preferred. In a preferred embodiment, layer 16 comprises approximately 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. A secondary function of layer 16 is in its surface properties as they relate to other surfaces which it contacts in various machining operations, and as it is brought into contact with surfaces of other films or packages. As regards machining operations, sufficient surface friction is needed to enable drawing of the film through packaging machines. However, high levels of friction are often associated with blocking, or sticking, of films together. Conventional slip and anti-block additives may be used as needed in any of the film layers, but are particularly applicable to layers 12 and 16, most particularly to layer 16. Where conventional additives are used, they are not considered herein in defining the percent of each component in the composition. In the multilayer structures, the composition of each of the layers 12, 14 and 16 is a blend of polymer and a Modifier. The affect of the blending a Modifier into the layers is seen in a plurality of beneficial instances. First, the interfacial adhesion between the PE layer and the adjacent polypropylene layers is enhanced by the inclusion of a Modifier in each of the layers. Second, the ability of packages fabricated from the multiple layer films of the invention to withstand shock abuse, both before and after retort processing, is higher than for similar films which do not include EBC in the blend compositions. Finally, the films having a Modifier incorporated therein have improved capability to be flexed and folded repeatedly without developing cracks as a result of the flexing and folding. The overall composition of layer 12 is preferably about 20% by weight to about 95% by weight, most preferably about 30% to about 80%, of a polypropylene polymer and preferably about 80% by weight to about 5% by weight, most preferably about 70% to about 20%, of a Modifier. The poly­ propylene can be a homopolymer or copolymer or a blend of homopolymer and copolymer. The overall range of compositions for layer 16 is the same as the range of compositions defined for layer 12. Layers 16 and 12 need not, however, have the same compositions. Their compositions may vary, independently of each other, so long as they stay within the defined ranges of compositions for those layers. Any of the known polypropylene polymers may be used for the polypropylene component of layers 12 and 16. Homopolymers and copolymers are both included. Thus, wherever the term "polypropylene" is mentioned in this specification, it is intended to include both homopolymer and copolymer, except where otherwise specifically stated. The overall composition of layer 14 is preferably about 2% by weight to about 50% by weight, most preferably about 5% to about 35% Modifier and, preferably, about 98% by weight to about 50% by weight, most preferably about 95% to about 65% HDPE. In most preferred embodiments, the composition is at least about 70% HDPE and no more than about 30% Modifier. In some cases, it may be advantageous that the Modifiers be different in adjacent layers provided adequate adhesion is observed. However, enhanced adhesion may be obtained at the layer interface between a polypropylene polymer layer and an HDPE layer when both layers have the same Modifier as a component of the composition of each of the layers. A most preferred structure is one where the same EBC composition is used as a component of both layers. It is, however, typical that different fractions of the EBC composition be used in the different layers. A coextrusion of polypropylene and HDPE without EBC had an interlayer adhesion of about 100 grams per inch width (39.4 g/cm). A similar extrusion, but including 30% TAFMER A in the HDPE layer 14, and 40% TAFMER A in the polypropylene layer 12, had such good interlayer adhesion that it could not be separated, using the same conventional peel test. In a further preferred method for forming packages from the films of the present invention a form, fill and seal packaging machine (not shown) can be utilized. In a typical form, fill and seal packaging machine a web of film is fed into the machine to a former for folding the web of film. The former is typically situated so that the sheet is folded around a dispensing tube. To create a sealed pouch, as shown in FIGURE 5, the packaging machine includes two sealing stations. At one sealing station an end seal 20 is created in the film and at the second sealing station a first side seal 21 is created in the film. After the first side seal 21 is created, the product to be housed is dispensed into the film and a second side seal 22 is created to enclose the product. After the second side seal 22 is created the film is severed and a filled flexible container 36 is thereby created as shown in FIGURE 5. Also illustrated in FIGURE 5 are fitments 32 and 33 (which preferably are a single unit 34). These fitments may be sealed to the inside or outside layer of the container 36. Preferably, the fitment 34 is heat sealed to the inside layer 12. Due to the construction of the inside layer 12, a strong heat seal is created. Thus, the present invention creates films that can run through form, fill and seal packaging machines to create flexible pouches and containers 36 including a fitment 34 that can house a medical product to be maintained and extracted under sterile conditions. The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limitative Examples. EXAMPLE 1 Pellets of a polypropylene copolymer, having about 4.5 mole percent ethylene, were dry blended with pellets of a styrene ethylene butylene styrene elastomer Modifier in a weight ratio of about 75% polypropylene to about 25% elastomer Modifier. This blend of pellets was coextruded with a layer of the same polypropylene in unblended composition. The thickness of the thus formed two layer film was about 6.5 mils (0.16 mm) with about 84% of the thickness being the blend layer and about 16% of the thickness being the unblended polypropylene copolymer layer. EXAMPLE 2 Pellets of a polypropylene copolymer, having about 4.5 mole percent ethylene, were dry blended with pellets of styrene ethylene butylene styrene Modifier in a weight ratio of about 75% polypropylene and about 25% elastomer Modifier. This blend of pellets was coextruded with a layer of the same polypropylene in unblended composition. The thickness of the thus formed two layer film was about 6.5 mils (0.16 mm), with about 75% of the thickness being the blend layer and about 25% of the thickness being the unblended polypropylene copolymer layer. EXAMPLE 3 A three layer film was made by coextruding high density polyethylene blended with an elastomer Modifier between two layers of polypropylene blended with an elastomer Modifier. The polypropylene blend was about 75% by weight polypropylene and about 25% by weight styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer. Pellets of an ethylene propylene diene monomer terpolymer elastomer Modifier were dry blended with pellets of a high density polyethylene in a weight ratio of about 2% elastomer Modifier and about 75% high density polyethylene to form the composition for the middle layer. A three layer film about 6.5 mils (0.13 mm) thick was thus formed by coextrusion; the basic layer structure being PPE/HDPE/PPE, with elastomer modifications to the layers as indicated. The two layers of polypropylene copolymer were about 33% and about 46% respectively of the overall film thickness. Correspondingly the high density polyethylene layer was about 21% of the overall film thickness. EXAMPLE 4 A three layer film about 6.5 mils (0.13 mm) thick was made by coextrusion as in EXAMPLE 3 using the same polypropylene blended with an elastomer Modifier as the two outer layers. The high density polyethylene layer was a blend of high density polyethylene and polyisobutylene, in a weight ratio of about 20% polyisobutylene and about 80% high density polyethylene. The two layers of polypropylene copolymer were about 39% and about 40% respectively of the overall film thickness. Correspondingly, the layer of high density polyethylene was about 21% of the overall film thickness. EXAMPLE 5 A three layer film about 6.5 mils (0.13 mm) thick was made by coextrusion as in EXAMPLE 3 using the same polypropylene blended with an elastomer Modifier as the two outer layers. The high density polyethylene layer was a blend of high density polyethylene and styrene butadiene styrene elastomer Modifier, in a weight ratio of about 20% styrene ethylene butylene styrene copolymer and about 80% high density polyethylene. The two layers of polypropylene copolyer blend were about 27% to about 49% respectively of the overall film thickness. Correspondingly, the layer of high density polyethylene blend was about 24% of the overall film thickness. EXAMPLES 6-21 Additional 2-layer and 3-layer films were formed by coextrusion processes. The so-formed films were fabricated into pouches by forming heat seals as described hereinabove with reference to FIGURE 3. The pouches were filled to capacity with about 1 liter of liquid and were sealed closed. Some of the pouches were then retort processed for about 30 minutes at about 250°F (121°C). The pouches, both those which were retort processed and those which were not, were then subjected to drop testing. In the drop testing, the pouches were dropped in free fall onto a hard surface. The height of the drop was increased, up to about 9 feet (2.74 m), until the pouches failed on impact. A failure was defined as rupture of the package, or a significant weakening of the package, particularly at the heat seals. If a package survived a maximum of the 9 foot (2.74 m) drop, it was reported as "9 feet". The results of the testing on EXAMPLES 6-21 are shown in the following Table 1, wherein EXAMPLES 6-19 are pouches made of films according to the present invention, and EXAMPLES 20 and 21 are pouches made of other films. The Table shows pouch film construction, film thickness, and the maximum successful drop heights for the pouches, where some of the pouches tested had been retort processed, and some had not been retort processed. The pouch film construction shows the weight percent of each component in each layer, ignoring conventional additives such as slip and anti-block additives. Under each layer composition is the percent that the layer represents of the overall thickness of the entire film. TABLE 1, Cont'd. PPE = Polypropylene copolymer PP = Polypropylene homopolymer HDPE = High Density Polyethylene SIS = Styrene Isoprene Styrene Copolymer PIB = Polyisobutylene SEBS = Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene Copolymer PB = Polybutylene As seen from the tabulated results, the pouches made from the films of this invention have superior drop test properties compared to pouches made of films other than films of this invention. The films described and illustrated herein may be used for a multiplicity of applications. Advantageously, the films are used to form sealed pouches, preferably heat sealed pouches, and mostly advantageously such pouches which are filled with product and subjected to retort processing at temperatures of about 250°F (121°C) for times typically about 30 minutes. The term "films" typically refers to flexible sheet structures of up to about 8 mils (0.20 mm) thickness. As used herein, it is intended also to include thicker sheet structures having semi-rigid or rigid properties. Such sheet structures having semi-rigid or rigid properties may be used to form semi-rigid or rigid trays, decorative panels, and other moldings; and same are contemplated herein as being within the scope of this invention. Indeed, a container may be fabricated from a formed tray made from a thicker structure embodying the invention and may have a thinner film lid also made from a film embodying the invention. The multilayer films of the invention are especially preferred for use in making packages which will be subjected to retort processing. Typical retort processing is at about 250°F (121°C) for about 30 minutes. Temperatures may be as high as about 275°F (135°C) and the time as long as about 45 minutes. Temperature and/or time of processing is adjusted according to particular needs or desires. For use with somewhat higher temperatures or somewhat longer processing times, films having higher fractions of polypropylene, within the iterated ranges, are used. Lower fractions of polypropylene are sometimes preferred when the package will not be subjected to more severe processing associated with the highest temperatures and longest times of retort processing. Thus it is seen that the invention provides multilayer films containing novel compositions of polymers blended with Modifiers. The films are especially excellent for use as medical solution containers and pouches. They are also excellent for forming retortable packages and having excellent resistance to shock abuse both before and after retort processing. Finally, the invention provides novel process for making multiple layer films which are useful in packaging.

Claims: 1. A multiple layer film, comprising: (a) a first layer (12), the composition of which is a blend of (i) a polymer chosen from polypropylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymer and (ii) a Modifier; and (b) a second layer (14) adhered to said first layer, the composition of the second layer being a blend of (i) polyethylene and (ii) a Modifier. 2. A film according to claim 1, wherein the composition of the first layer is about 20% by weight to about 95% by weight polypropylene and about 80% by weight to about 5% by weight of the Modifier. 3. A film according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition of the second layer is about 50% by weight to about 98% by weight of the polyethylene and about 50% by weight to about 2% by weight of the Modifier. 4. A film according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the composition of the second layer is about 65% by weight to about 95% by weight of the polyethylene and about 35% by weight to about 5% by weight of the Modifier. 5. A film according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polyethylene of the second layer is high density polyethylene. 6. A film according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Modifier in the first layer is ethylene propylene copolymer or ethylene butene-1 copolymer. 7. A film according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the Modifier in the second layer is ethylene propylene copolymer or ethylene butene-1 copolymer. 8. A film according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the composition of the first layer is about 45% by weight to about 65% by weight polypropylene and about 55% by weight to about 35% by weight of ethylene based copolymer (EBC), and wherein the composition of the second layer is about 65% by weight to about 95% by weight of the polyethylene and about 35% by weight to about 5% by weight of EBC, the EBC in the first layer for example being the same as the EBC in the second layer. 9. A multiple layer polymeric film, comprising: (a) first and third layers (12, 16), the compositions each of which comprise a blend of (i) polymer chosen from polypropylene homopolymer and polypropylene copolymer and (ii) a Modifier, and (b) a second layer (14), the composition of which is a blend of (i) polyethylene, for example high density polyethylene, and (ii) a Modifier; the second layer being between the first and third layers and being adhered to them. 10. A film according to claim 9, wherein the Modifier in each of said first and third layers is selected from ethylene butene-1 copolymer and ethylene propylene copolymer. 11. A film according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the Modifier in the second layer is selected from ethylene butene-1 copolymer and ethylene propylene copolymer. 12. A film according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the composition of both the first and third layers is about 20% by weight to about 95% by weight polypropylene and about 80% by weight to about 5% by weight of the Modifier. 13. A film according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the composition of the second layer is about 65% by weight to about 95% by weight of the polyethylene and about 35% by weight to about 5% by weight of the Modifier. 14. A film according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the composition of each of the first and third layers is about 45% by weight to about 65% by weight polypropylene and about 55% by weight to about 35% by weight of the Modifier, and wherein the composition of the second layer is about 65% by weight to about 95% by weight of the polyethylene and about 35% by weight to about 5% by weight of the Modifier. 15. A film according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the compositions of the Modifiers in each of the three layers are the same. 16. A film according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein a fourth layer (14) is adhered to the third layer (16), the said fourth layer being a blend of (i) polyethylene (PE) such as high density PE (ii) a second component which is a Modifier. 17. A film according to claim 16, wherein a fifth layer (16) is adhered to the fourth layer (14), the composition of said fourth layer being a blend of at least of (i) PP and (ii) a second component, said second component being a Modifier. 18. A film according to any of claims 1 to 7, and 9 to 17, wherein the Modifiers in adjacent layers are different materials. 19. A film according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first layer comprises approximately 60% of the thickness of the first and second layers, and said second layer comprises approximately 40% of the total thickness. 20. A film according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the first layer comprises approximately 60% of the total thickness of the three layer film, the second layer comprises approximately 20% of the total thickness and the third layer comprises approximately 20% of the total thickness. 21. A film according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the first layer comprises approximately 60% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. 22. A film according to any of claims 1 to 21, which is a coextruded film. 23. A package made from a film according to any of claims 1 to 22, the package for example having been exposed to retort conditions of at least about 250°F (121°C) for a period of at least about 10 minutes. 24. A flexible container capable of holding a medical product to be maintained and extracted under sterile conditions, made from a film according to any of claims 1 to 22.

Inventors: CZUBA, LEONARD F., GEHRKE, RUSSELL PAUL, GENSKE, ROGER PETER, JOHNSON, RICHARD EUGENE, JR, KIM, YONG JOO, WEBSTER, DANIEL R.
Applicants: AMERICAN NATIONAL CAN COMPANY, BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
Application year: 1986
Main classification: B32B27
IPC codes: C08L23, B65D65, B32B27, C08L53