Sam Sabbagh
Pliant Corporation, 230 Enterprise Drive, Newport News, VA 23603

Abstract. New mulch barrier films have been developed having high Methyl Bromide gas retention without compromising physical properties. These films incorporate a multilayer design with a high barrier inner core to provide five to twenty times the barrier performance of typical metallized films. The film formulation and the cast embossed process combine to provide a film with a unique property set not available with other commercial mulch barrier films. The new films have excellent stretch and recovery characteristics, high puncture strength, high tear strength in both the machine and cross direction, and are curl-free. The properties allow for full speed installation of a raised mulch bed without tearing or breaking. Specific case studies of field installations along with physical properties and barrier performance are presented.

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