How to formulate coatings with barrier properties?

Last update on Jan 14, 2026

Barrier coatings are an essential part of packaging and printing applications. They provide an insulating and physical barrier, layer between the substrate and the package's contents. By protecting packaged materials from elements such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, lifespan of the coating can be extended.

What is the importance of barrier coatings?

Beyond the physical barrier against water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and electrolytes, they can contribute (to some extent) towards:

 

  • Resistance to corrosive chemicals, heat and UV light
  • Quick drying times
  • Dimensional stability
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Adhesion to variety of substrates

 

 

Image credits: Springer Naturec

 

Pre-requisites

It’s good to assure you need some pre-requisites for maximum effectiveness: 

 

  1. Moisture resistance:
    1. The coating must have a low permeability to water vapor. This means it should be difficult for water molecules to pass through the coating film
    2. The coating surface should be hydrophobic (water-repelling). This prevents water from accumulating on the surface and potentially weakening the film
  2. Film integrity:
    1. The coating must be compatible with the substrate (the surface it's applied to). This ensures proper adhesion and prevents peeling or cracking
    2. The coating needs to cure properly to achieve optimal strength and adhesion

 

Formulation strategies

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