ポリエチレンテレフタレート（PET）ボトルへのダイヤモンド状炭素（DLC）薄膜の開発

抄録

  The unique properties of diamond like carbon (DLC) film, including its chemical inertness and impermeability, make it possible for new applications in food and beverage.
  In this paper, I summarize and review the recent progress of gas barrier enhancement of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for beverage from the view point of the application of DLC coating.
  A unique technique of plasma CVD method has been developed to deposit DLC layer on the inside surface of PET bottles. The DLC-coated PET bottle exhibits extremely high gas barrier properties against oxygen, carbon dioxide and flavors compared to conventional bottles.
  For the practical use of PET bottles as a commodity, high speed and low cost coating are essential; accordingly several high speed coating machines with a capacity of up to 18000 bottles per hour have been developed, and successfully operated so far for a large production of soft drink. Low speed machines have also been introduced for wine, Japanese sake, edible oil, seasonings and others.