6. Conclusion

Numerous technologies are available to improve the often deficient barrier properties of consumer polymers. While the development of new materials is unlikely to be feasible or cost-effective, the improvement of barrier-impaired matrix properties through technologies such as deposition, blending or incorporation of fillers is the subject of a great deal of research in response to increasingly demanding market requirements.

The future will undoubtedly see the development of customized, high-performance materials, as well as techniques for lowering barrier costs.