Abrasive article packaging and method of making same

Abstract

A system for packaging abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one coated abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours

1 . A system for packaging at least one abrasive article comprising: 
 a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume, said sidewall comprising a multilayer barrier composite having an inner surface proximate said enclosed volume, an outer surface opposite said inner surface, and a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours; and    at least one coated abrasive article positioned within said enclosed volume, said coated abrasive article comprising a backing having a major surface and an abrasive layer proximate at least a portion of said major surface, said abrasive layer comprising a plurality of abrasive particles and at least one binder resin.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises aluminum.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said multilayer barrier composite has a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.1 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.  
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said multilayer barrier composite has a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.01 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.  
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises at least one of an abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, or an abrasive disc.  
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises a plurality of abrasive discs.  
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8  wherein said plurality of abrasive discs comprise: 
 a backing comprising cellulose fibers, and    an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin and abrasive particles.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein said plurality of abrasive discs comprises a first quantity of abrasive discs facing a first direction, and a second quantity of discs facing a second direction, wherein said first direction is opposite said second direction.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a protective layer positioned between at least a portion of said at least one coated abrasive article and said inner surface of said sidewall.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein said protective layer comprises at least one of paper, cardboard, foam, or plastic.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12  wherein said protective layer comprises a shrink wrap film covering at least a portion of said at least one coated abrasive article.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said flexible package comprises a reclosable seal.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a humidity control packet positioned within said enclosed volume.  
     
     
         16 . A method for packaging at least one abrasive article comprising: 
 providing a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume, said sidewall comprising a multilayer barrier composite having an inner surface proximate said enclosed volume, an outer surface opposite said inner surface, and a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours; and;    sealing said at least one abrasive article within said enclosed volume of said flexible package.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises aluminum.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17  wherein said multilayer barrier composite comprises at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said multilayer barrier composite has a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.1 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said multilayer barrier composite has a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.01 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises a plurality of abrasive discs.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16  wherein said plurality of abrasive discs comprise: 
 a backing comprising cellulose fibers, and    an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin and abrasive particles.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising placing a protective layer between at least a portion of said coated abrasive article and said inner surface of said sidewall.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising covering at least a portion of said at least one coated abrasive article with a protective layer comprising shrink wrap film comprising at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof.