Technical terms explained simply

Polyamide (PA) belongs to the linear polymers with recurring amide bonds along the main chain. The material’s most significant properties are strength and resilience. Polyamide also provides an excellent oxygen barrier, without which a standard vacuum bag would lose its most important property of maintaining a vacuum. Consequently, we use this particular material as an essential component of our vacuum bags. In addition, polyamide distinguishes itself by providing outstanding density with regard to aroma and fat as well as high resistance to both heat and cold. Although polyamide does not tolerate acids and oxidizing solvents, it is compatible with solvents of organic origin. In general terminology, “polyamide” stands for thermoplastic material and creates a certain distance to chemically related proteins.

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic material produced by polymerizing ethylene (C2H4). It is by far the most frequently used plastic worldwide. Used in particular to manufacture packaging, it softens at temperatures above 80°C. Although polyethylene is very flexible, it exhibits high extensibility and impact strength as well as low sliding friction, making it particularly machine-compatible in packaging processes and ensuring excellent sealing properties. Most vacuum bag types from ALLFO are produced using polyethylene as well. The key advantages offered by this material include its high level of chemical stability, convincing sealing ability as well as its water barrier. Its chemical composition allows for the production of not only soft but also hard plastics, but it can also be used to manufacture waxes, greases or even oils.

Polypropylene is highly valued in our film manufacture for its outstanding tear resistance, which is ensured by the chain polymerization of propene. Whenever polypropylene is not an integral part of barrier films, it is often found as the main component in adhesive packaging tapes. Its properties are similar to those of polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat-resistant, but equally semi-crystalline and non-polar. Thermoplastics are used second most frequently as standard plastics, especially for packaging. The melting and continuous operating temperature of polypropylene is generally higher in comparison to polyethylene. Polypropylene also surpasses polyethylene in rigidity, hardness and strength.