| abstract |
Disclosed herein is a composition for barrier layers for use in insulative cabinet wall structures, particularly those used in appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers. The compositions of the barrier layer is resistant to the action of polyurethane foam blowing agents, and has (i) an effective amount of a modified polyolefin, which is most preferably, a polyethylene modified with a compound selected from the group consisting of maleic anhydride, maleic acid, maleic anhydride derivatives, maleic acid derivatives, and mixtures thereof; and (ii) an effective amount of a rubber. Optionally, and most preferably, the barrier layer composition may further contain (iii) an effective amount of a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, and copolymers thereof. The invention further provides thermoformable composites incorporating the above-described barrier layer as well as insulative cabinet wall structures incorporating the thermoformable composite. Finally, the invention further provides a method of making a thermoformable composite incorporating the barrier layer of the invention. |