Multilayer Films Having Breathable Regions for Use in Broadcast Fumigation

Abstract

The present technology generally relates to multilayer films having breathable regions which are suitable for use as broadcast fumigation films and for other applications. More particularly, the present technology relates to multilayer films comprising at least one breathable layer and at least one barrier layer, where the layers are arranged so that the multilayer film has at least one region, such as at the edge of the film, that is breathable throughout its thickness. The present technology also relates to methods of manufacturing and using such multilayer films.

Description

[0001]CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS / INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002]This application makes reference to, claims priority to, and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 113,080, filed Nov. 10, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present technology generally relates to multilayer films having breathable regions which are suitable for use as broadcast fumigation films and for other applications. More particularly, the present technology relates to multilayer films comprising at least one breathable layer and at least one barrier layer, where the layers are arranged so that the multilayer film has at least one region, such as at the edge of the film, that is breathable throughout its thickness. The present technology also relates to methods of manufacturing and using such multilayer films.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]Broadcast fumigation films have been used in agriculture to confin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present technology relates to multilayer films and methods of manufacturing and using such multilayer films, such as by using them as broadcast fumigation films. In one aspect of the present technology, multilayer films are provided which have at least one breathable layer extending the width of the film. The multilayer films also have at least one barrier layer extending less than the width of the film, and the breathable layer(s) and the barrier layer(s) are unified to form the multilayer film and arranged so that the multilayer film has at least one breathable region throughout the thickness of the film. Most or substantially all of the width of the multilayer film will be substantially impermeable to one or more soil fumigants, by virtue of the barrier layer of the multilayer film. These multilayer films can be joined to other films by placing these films on top of the other films and applying an adhesive under the breathable region. Because the region is breathable, the adhesive can dry and bond the films together.

[0011]In another aspect of the present technology, multilayer films are provided which have at least two outer layers comprising a polyolefin and one or more fillers. The outer layers are permeable to one or more volatile solvents. The multilayer films also have at least one inner layer comprising a polyamide, and the inner layer is substantially impermeable to one or more soil fumigants, such as methyl bromide, chloropicrin, methyl iodide, dimethyl disulfide, telone, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof. The multilayer films have a characteristic thickness and a width, and the outer layers have a width that is greater than a width of the inner layer. The inner layer is sandwiched between the outer layers such that the multilayer film has edges which are permeable to the volatile solvents through the thickness of multilayer film. This permits the volatile solvents, such as those used in adhesives, to escape through the breathable edges, thereby allowing an adhesive to dry and bond separate films together.

Problems solved by technology

The escape of such fumigation compounds by passing through the broadcast fumigation film is undesirable.

Although commercial VIF's have suitable barrier properties and are not susceptible to barrier loss by weather or soil conditions, they are not as resistant to puncturing and tear propagation as polyethylene mulch films.

As a result, nylon multilayer barrier films have had limited use in the agricultural industry despite nylon's suitable barrier properties.

After this happens, the barrier properties of the metalized film are impaired or lost.

Because the metalized film is opaque by design, it has the added disadvantage of impairing or preventing the applicator's view of an adhesive applied between adjoining films.

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