Development of multilayer films with improved aroma barrier properties for durian packaging application

The symmetrical A/B/A structure of multilayer blown films was fabricated in this study. The immiscible low‐density polyethylene/polylactic acid (LDPE/PLA) blend was set as a core (B) layer and LDPE was used as skin (A) layers. The compositions of PLA in the core layer were varied from 20 to 50 wt%. The thickness of each layer was 10 μm (total film thickness of ~ 30 μm). In a blown film co‐extrusion process, the morphology of the fiber/ribbon‐like structures of LDPE/PLA blend was developed. Such structures had interesting effects on gas permeability and aroma barrier properties of the films. For instance, multilayer LDPE films containing 40 and 50 wt% PLA (P40 and P50) showed the reduction of oxygen permeability (PO₂) approximately 20% and 43%, respectively, compared with the neat LDPE film. A long tortuous path for gas and aroma transportation through film thickness was created from the developed ribbon‐like structures of the PLA minor phase. For durian packaging application, fresh‐cut durian of 300 g was packed in the developed multilayer films, LDPE, and HDPE (Control), stored at 4°C for 7 days. Results demonstrated that the steady‐state condition of 10% to 13% O₂ and 8% to 10% CO₂ was achieved in all packages except in the HDPE. Moreover, the P40 and P50 films exhibited an outstanding aroma barrier property for three major durian volatiles : diethyl sulfide, ethyl propanoate, and 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol. Overall results clearly indicated that the multilayer LDPE films containing PLA exhibited a significantly improved aroma barrier performance with optimum gas permeability desirable for modified atmosphere packaging to retain quality of fresh‐cut durian throughout the storage period.     

Oxygen‐ and light‐barrier properties of thermoformed packaging materials used for modified atmosphere packaging. evaluation of performance under realistic storage conditions

The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packaging materials used for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of chilled products varies extensively with temperature, relative humidity (RH) and material thickness after the thermoforming of packages. Two different polymer combinations were studied: APET/PE (tray) and PA/PE (lid). A temperature reduction of 8°C (in the interval 7–23°C) caused an OTR reduction of 26–48% depending on material type, degree of thermoforming and RH. A 2–3‐fold increase in OTR was observed for PA/PE film when measured at 100/100% RH compared to 0/100% RH, whereas the APET/PE trays were not affected by RH. Increased OTR was observed as a result of material thinning; however, the increase was not always directly proportional to the degree of material thinning. Even very small amounts of oxygen have, in combination with light exposure, significant effects on oxidative quality deterioration of many products. Consequently, the changes in OTR observed in this study emphasize the necessity of evaluating the performance of packaging materials under realistic storage conditions, in order to estimate the real oxygen content of a chosen package solution. The light transmission through the packaging material was found to be reduced to 0–30% (300–800 nm) by dyeing of the lid and/or addition of labels. Thus, it is easy to protect the products from light, at least partly. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A comparative study of oxygen transmission rates through polymer films based on fluorescence quenching

Information on oxygen permeability through polymer films is essential for some applications, especially in food packaging where the control of oxygen levels can be critical in avoiding food spoilage. A permeability testing device using fluorescence‐based optical oxygen sensing was developed as a potential new instrument for measuring the oxygen permeability of packaging films. The fluorescence‐based permeability tester was validated against two existing commercial oxygen permeability measuring devices, the Mocon Ox‐Tran 2/20 and PBI‐Dansensor OPT‐5000. Oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of polylactide (PLA) and nanoclay‐reinforced PLA films, as well as polyethylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PE/PET) and polypropylene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PP/PET) laminated films were determined at 23°C and 50% relative humidity using each of these instruments. No significant differences were observed between mean OTR values obtained by the fluorescence method and the corresponding values obtained using the OPT‐5000 but significantly lower values were measured when using the Mocon Ox‐Tran 2/20. In general, oxygen permeability data for the tested films were within the range of values found in the literature; however, in terms of further development, the fluorescence‐based technique gave OTR with relatively high standard deviation compared to the commercial methods and equipment modifications to address this issue are considered desirable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation and suitability of biomaterials for modified atmosphere packaging of fresh salmon fillets

An evaluation of the suitability of commercially available biopolymers on the shelf‐life of fresh salmon fillet was done. The comparison included two different types of biomaterials, poly lactic acid (PLA)‐based and starch‐based materials, and two traditional materials, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (APET/PE) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Fresh salmon fillets were stored at 4°C in modified atmosphere (60% CO₂ and 40% N₂) for 5, 7, 9 and 14 days. The biomaterials have been briefly evaluated with respect to composition and mechanical properties. The effect of different packaging materials on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour was investigated. The traditional materials (APET/PE and HDPE trays) offered the best protection regarding the bacterial growth. A relatively high level (log 6 CFU/g) of total viable counts was detected after 9 days and 14 days for fillets stored in biomaterials and traditional materials, respectively. The level of lactic acid bacteria and H₂S producing bacteria followed almost the same pattern. Storage in traditional materials resulted in higher intensity of freshness (fresh odour) compared with the samples stored in biomaterials; after 14 days, the salmon stored in starch‐based pouches was regarded as having lower intensity of freshness compared with APET/PE trays and PLA‐based pouches. The opposite result was obtained regarding the colour of the salmon, where the biomaterials resulted in higher intensity of fresh colour compared with the traditional materials although the surface of the salmon at the end of the experiment was dry and unpleasant. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and properties of polypropylene‐based nanocomposite films for food packaging

Packaging of foods in high barrier and strong materials is essential to attain food safety, and nanocomposite technology leads in search of the above kind of packaging material. The effect of compatibilizer (1.6, 5, 10, 15 and 18.4%), nanoclay (0.6, 2, 4, 6 and 7.4%) and thickness of film (35, 50, 75 100 and 120 µm) on oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength and per cent elongation of polypropylene (PP)‐based nanocomposite films was studied using response surface methodology. The maximum reduction in OTR of PP‐based nanocomposite films over the control was 21.4% in treatment having 10% compatibilizer, 4% nanoclay and 120 µm thickness. A maximum of 28.1% reduction in WVTR for the treatment with 5% compatibilizer, 2% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness over the control was achieved. The regression models were developed for the prediction of OTR and WVTR of nanocomposite films. The maximum increase in the tensile strength of PP‐based nanocomposite films over the corresponding control was 71.7%. The elongation percentage of nanocomposite films was less than the control and increased with increase of thickness of film and decrease of both nanoclay and compatibilizer. Treatment having 5% compatibilizer, 2% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness of nanocomposite films showed better barrier and strength characteristics than other treatments. This paper helps to design the packaging films according to the requirement of foods to be stored using the developed regression models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Recyclable mono materials for packaging of fresh chicken fillets: New design for recycling in circular economy

The focus on sustainability and circular economy is leading to a need for development of new food packaging concepts, including recyclable materials that ideally consist of a single material in a monolayer system. This research was focused on the possibility of replacing complex multilayered material [amorphous polyethylene terephthalate/polyethylene (APET/PE)] with simple recyclable mono material [high-density polyethylene (HDPE)] for packaging of chicken fillets in modified atmosphere packaging (CO₂/N₂: 60%/40%). Bacterial growth measured as total viable count (TVC), lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Escherichia coli for chicken fillets packed in HDPE mono materials was compared with chicken fillets packed in APET/PE. TVC increased during the storage period (24 days) with high level of TVC count (7 log₁₀ CFU/g) recorded at Days 19–20 of storage in both HDPE and APET/PE material. No significant differences were recorded in off-odour between chicken stored in APET/PE compared with HDPE in CO₂/N₂ atmosphere during the storage period (samples were regarded as acceptable on the 24th day of storage). The drip loss increased in all samples during storage, and no significant differences between samples stored in different materials were recorded. Significant differences in bacterial growth were recorded between samples with different gas volume to product volume (G/P) ratio (Day 17), implying that higher G/P ratio is resulting in lower TVC count. The lowest G/P ratio caused the highest drip loss, whereas addition of CO₂ emitter reduced the drip loss to some extent. This research is very encouraging as it provides new insight into the use of monolayer materials as well as the importance of design for recycling in circular economy.     

A rapid method to determine the barrier requirements for dehydrated oatmeal product using flexible packaging films

Product was packaged in two types of flexible packaging films, poor moisture-high oxygen barrier and high moisture-poor oxygen barrier, and stored under standard tropical conditions. Physical, chemical and biological changes were investigated regularly to find the shelf-life determining factors. Control samples were packaged in glass bottles and stored at 0°C. OTR and WVTR of packaging films were measured. Packaging film permeability and analytical data, obtained from storage tests, were used to determine the barrier requirements for dehydrated oatmeal product, intended for distribution and storage in a tropical climate for 9 months shelf-life. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Porous Ultrahigh Gas‐Permeable Polypropylene Film and Application in Controlling In‐pack Atmosphere for Asparagus

Porous polypropylene (PP) films with greater gas permeability and lower permeability ratios (β) than existing commercial films were developed for fresh produce packaging. PP containing high content of beta‐form crystal was biaxially stretched under controlled conditions. Resulting porous films with uniquely high oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of 2 659 000 cm³?m^?2?d^?1, water vapor transmission rate of 67 g?m^?2?d^?1, and β value of 0.76 was used as a “breathable window” attached to the less permeable commercial BOPP (biaxially oriented PP) lidding film. Various sizes/areas of the breathable windows were designed and tested on packaging asparagus of 400 g, at 5°C. Results demonstrated that in‐pack O₂ and CO₂ concentrations could be practically controlled and modified by changing areas of the breathable windows. Altered porous high OTR area directly affected total gas permeation of the package. Optimum gas composition of Ο₂ and CΟ₂ within the recommended controlled atmosphere for asparagus, stored at 5°C, was effectively created and maintained in the package containing 25 cm² breathable window (15% of total film lid's area). The shelf life of asparagus under optimum modified atmosphere was extended to 29 days, as compared with <3 days in the normal, low OTR tray sealed with BOPP lidding film. Clearly, these developed porous ultrahigh permeable PP films can be useful materials in designing high OTR package with desirable in‐pack O₂ and CO₂ concentrations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modelling Gas Transmission in Cylindrical Dynamic Accumulation Oxygen Transmission Rate Chambers to Explore Implications of Oxygen Sensor Location Relative to Samples

A model was developed to simulate oxygen accumulation in space and time within cylindrical dynamic accumulation chambers that are used to measure oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of materials. The model is based on Fick's law of diffusion and was validated against actual OTR measurements of polymer film samples. Measured OTR values and thicknesses were inputted into the model and oxygen concentrations outputted by the model. OTRs determined from the output of the model was in close agreement to within 0.3–3% of the measured OTR. Oxygen concentration versus time curves generated from model output oxygen concentrations and experimentally measured oxygen concentrations for three actual films were also in agreement. The model was then used to simulate results from three hypothetical test films at varying chamber lengths in order to evaluate effects of accumulation chamber dimensions relative to films on resulting OTR measurements. A typical design scenario was used, where the oxygen sensor is mounted on the chamber wall opposite the sample film. Results demonstrate that dynamic accumulation OTR instrument designers have considerable flexibility in choosing accumulation chamber dimensions because deviations in OTR are only expected to occur at impractically extreme chamber lengths (>10 m) for the entire envelope of OTRs expected for typical packaging films. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Whey protein isolate coating on LDPE film as a novel oxygen barrier in the composite structure

To examine the feasibility of whey protein isolate (WPI) coating as an alternative oxygen barrier for food packaging, heat‐denatured aqueous solutions of WPI with various levels of glycerol as a plasticizer were applied on corona‐discharge‐treated low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The resulting WPI‐coated LDPE films showed good appearance, flexibility and adhesion between the coating and the base film, when an appropriate amount of plasticizer was added to the coating formulations. WPI‐coated LDPE films showed significant decrease in oxygen permeability (OP) at low to intermediate relative humidity, with an Arrhenius behaviour and an activation energy of 50.26 kJ/mol. The OP of the coated films increased significantly with increasing relative humidity, showing an exponential function. Although the coated films showed a tendency to have less oxygen barrier and more glossy surfaces with increasing plasticizer content, differences in the OP and gloss values were not significant. Haze index and colour of the coated films were also little influenced by WPI coating and plasticizer content. The results suggest that whey protein isolate coating could work successfully as an oxygen barrier and have potential for replacing synthetic plastic oxygen‐barrier layers in many laminated food packaging structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Oxygen barrier properties of thermoformed trays manufactured with different drawing methods and drawing depths

A comparison was made of oxygen barrier properties and wall thickness distribution of different thermoformed trays. The thermoformed trays were manufactured with three drawing depths and two different thermoforming methods; with and without plug‐assist. Four different polymer combinations were evaluated. The oxygen transmission rate (OTR) [cm³/(package/day)] was measured at three conditions (23°C/50% relative humidity (RH) with 0% RH inside, 6°C/80% RH with 0% RH inside, and 6°C/80% RH with 100% RH inside. Wall thickness was measured at five different positions in the trays. In general, temperature had more influence on the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) than the humidity. The OTR in the packages increased with increasing drawing depth, but the increase was not linear. Other effects besides thinning, such as orientation, may have influenced the OTR, since the relationship between OTR, given as cm³/(m²/day), and the drawing depth was not linear. Plug‐assisted thermoforming only had an effect on the OTR in trays with 70 mm drawing depth made of 600 µm thick laminate of PP/PE, which was probably due to exceeding the maximum drawing depth of this material. There was no correlation between the OTR value in the packages and the wall thickness in either of the positions, but a quite high correlation between the drawing depth and the relative wall thickness in all measured positions was observed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

PP基材表面磁控共溅射制备新型阻隔薄膜的研究

目的为了解决传统陶瓷阻隔薄膜的裂纹问题。方法采用射频磁控共溅射的方法在基底PP表面制备Ti Nx/CFy薄膜,并通过改变输入PTFE与Ti靶的射频功率比大小控制Ti Nx相与CFy相的体积分数,利用RBS与FTIR表征复合薄膜化学元素组成与结构,并根据各原子数分数结果计算出复合薄膜中Ti Nx的体积分数,建立该值与薄膜的透氧率、透湿率之间的关系。结果 Ti Nx相与CFy相的体积分数及薄膜的细部结构直接影响薄膜的透氧率与透湿率,同时也影响薄膜的柔韧性能。结论 Ti Nx相的体积分数为0.28时,复合薄膜的柔韧性能及阻隔性能最好。     

Layer-by-layer assembly of thin film oxygen barrier

Thin films of sodium montmorillonite clay and cationic polyacrylamide were grown on a polyethylene terephthalate film using layer-by-layer assembly. After 30 clay–polymer layers are deposited, with a thickness of 571 nm, the resulting transparent film has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) below the detection limit of commercial instrumentation (< 0.005 cc/m²/day/atm). This low OTR, which is unprecedented for a clay-filled polymer composite, is believed to be due to a brick wall nanostructure comprised of completely exfoliated clay in polymeric mortar. With an optical transparency greater than 90% and potential for microwaveability, this thin composite is a good candidate for foil replacement in food packaging and may also be useful for flexible electronics packaging.     

丁香精油等改性PE膜及其对抑菌保鲜性能的影响

目的研究经丁香精油等抗菌、抗氧化剂改性的聚乙烯(PE)薄膜的物理性能和保鲜性能。方法利用丁香精油、乙二胺四乙酸二钠(EDTA-2Na)和维生素E改性PE树脂,并对成形后的改性PE膜进行相应性能的测试和分析。结果丁香精油具有较好的抑菌效果,最佳质量分数为5%;以维生素E复合EDTA-2Na为抗氧化剂,维生素E质量分数为2%,EDTA-2Na质量分数为1%时,取得了良好的抗氧化结果。精油和抗氧化剂的添加提高了PE膜的刚性与阻隔性。结论经丁香精油、维生素E和EDTA-2Na改性的PE薄膜具备一定的抑菌性、抗氧化性,且其水蒸气和氧气的阻隔性能也得到了改善。经丁香精油、维生素E、EDTA-2Na(质量分数分别为5%,2%,1%)改性的PE薄膜能有效延长草莓的货架期。     

污秽溶液对生物可降解聚乙烯绝缘破坏的影响

采用生物可降解聚乙烯薄膜为试样,考察了污秽程度对绝缘破坏的影响,通过单筒连续变倍视频显微镜对破坏痕取像,利用图像模式识别计算破坏面积与盒子维数,同时与高密度聚乙烯的绝缘破坏特性进行对比,结果表明:生物可降解聚乙烯的击穿电压随污秽程度的加剧而降低,但高于高密度聚乙烯的击穿电压;破坏面积与盒子维数随污秽程度的加剧而减小,但低于高密度聚乙烯的破坏面积与盒子维数.     

Evaluation of a bio‐coating as a solution to improve barrier,friction and optical properties of plastic films

The present research dealt with evaluating barrier, friction and optical properties of three different plastic films after deposition of a gelatin‐based bio‐coating. The composite films showed improved barrier properties against oxygen and UV radiation. The oxygen transmission rate decreased in the order of 73% for oriented polypropylene (OPP), 56% for low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and 40% for polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The increased UV barrier characteristics ranged from 20% for OPP to 12% for both LDPE and PET. Static and kinetic coefficients of friction significantly decreased both in the film‐to‐film and in the film‐to‐metal tests, leading to a desirable value for many applications. However, bio‐coated films showed lower optical performances in terms of transparency and haze. Transparency decreased mainly for LDPE (36%), whereas the haze index increased especially for OPP (85%). Non‐significant differences were observed as far as the water vapour permeability was concerned, except for a slight reduction for PET (from 15.78 to 13.53 cm³/m²/day at 23°C and 90% of relative humidity), suggesting that non‐meaningful effects arose from the addition of a hydrophobic component in the original formulation. Finally, the solubility of the coating in water was around 25% for all the three plastic substrates. The obtained data suggest that the lipid protein coating tested in this study, in spite of its great potential for enhancing some characteristics of plastic packaging films, still exhibits negative aspects which necessitate further improvement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Liquid crystalline polymer pouches for local ­anaesthetic emulsion

In order to enhance the long‐term properties of a high‐pH local anaesthetic drug, emulsion tests were conducted where the emulsion was stored in pouches made of a compression moulded high‐barrier liquid‐crystalline polymer, Vectra A950. The oxygen permeability of the pouch material was too low to be detected at 23°C and 0% relative humidity with the instrument used. The water vapour transmission rate was 0.135 (g.mm/m².day) at 38°C and 100% relative humidity. The emulsion, containing prilocain and lidocain as active substances, was stored in pouches which were sealed by the thermal impulse technique at 260°C for 1.08 s. It was possible to obtain good quality films and good quality seals by optimization of the compression moulding and sealing operations. The concentrations of prilocain and lidocain in the emulsion were studied for 14 weeks at two different temperatures, 40°C and 60°C, and at 100% relative humidity. The decrease in concentration was higher for prilocain (5.4–8.3%) than for lidocain (3.4–3.6%). The loss of the substances from the emulsion was due mainly to adsorption onto the polar surface of the liquid crystalline polymer. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of light‐barrier property of packaging film on the photo‐oxidation and shelf life of cookies based on accelerated tests

The influences of intensity of ultraviolet (UV) light, light‐barrier property of packaging film on the fat photo‐oxidation and accelerated shelf life of cookies were studied. Unpacked cookies were stored at a temperature of 408C and a relative humidity (RH) of 50% for 10 to 65 days, with an intensity of the UV light of 0.3, 1.9 and 9.5 mW/cm². Meanwhile, the same batch of cookies was packed with oriented nylon/polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate/oriented nylon/polyethylene and bi‐oriented polypropylene/vacuuming aluminized casting polypropylene and stored at the same temperature and RH and UV‐light intensity of 1.9 mW/cm² for more than 40 days. The peroxide values (POV) of cookies were measured under the storage conditions. The results showed that the intensity of the UV light and light‐barrier property of film had notable influence on the photo‐oxidation rate and accelerated shelf life of cookies. According to the threshold of POV, unpacked cookies were rancid less than 32 and 11 days when exposed in light of 1.9 and 9.5 mW/cm² in the accelerated test, respectively. In contrast, the shelf life of unpacked cookies in darkness, or cookies packed in high light‐barrier package was more than 75 days. Logarithm of POV and store‐time relationship under different UV‐light illumination was successfully fitted by linear regression under the same temperature, RH and the accelerated shelf‐life‐based oxide index was estimated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ZnO 薄膜包装材料溅射制备工艺与阻隔性能研究

目的为了解决普通聚合物包装塑料对水、氧的阻隔能力不足,以及包装内容物货架时间短等问题,研究氧化锌(ZnO)沉积复合薄膜制备工艺与阻隔性能之间的关系,探索其应用于包装材料的可行性。方法采用射频磁控溅射技术(RF),以ZnO为靶材,在PET塑料表面沉积制备氧化锌薄膜包装材料,并详细分析射频溅射功率、沉积时间与工作气压对ZnO复合薄膜微观形貌、沉积速率以及阻隔性能的影响。结果当溅射功率为150 W,沉积时间为30 min,工作气压为0.8 Pa时,ZnO薄膜均匀且致密,阻隔能力最强,其氧气透过率(OTR)降低为1.23 m L/(m2·d),水蒸汽透过率(WVTR)降低为0.382 g/(m2·d)。与相同厚度下的PET原膜相比,所制备的ZnO高阻隔薄膜的透氧率降低了49.5倍,透湿率降低了17.6倍。结论射频溅射参数通过影响复合薄膜的微观形貌、致密程度、沉积速率以及沉积层厚度等方面对其阻隔能力会产生较大影响。     

Permeation of Mineral Oil Components from Cardboard Packaging Materials through Polymer Films

Mineral oil migration from cardboard packaging into foodstuffs is recognized as a serious problem for the consumers. Within this study, a fast automated method for the determination of mineral oil permeation through barrier films was developed. The method is using 15 defined standard substances representing mineral oil chemistry instead of complex mineral oil mixtures. The developed method can be used for the evaluation of the barrier properties for polymer films regarding mineral oil components from paper and cardboard packaging materials. For all investigated permeants and polymer films, the logarithm of the permeation rates and the logarithm of the vapour pressure result in a linear correlation. The correlation can be used to compare the permeation properties of different barrier films. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that 12 µm oriented polyethylene terephthalate or 15 µm oriented polyamide are effective barriers towards mineral oil components. The barrier effect of pure polyolefin films is negligibly poor because the permeation is too fast and the lag time is in the range of a few hours at 40°C. As a consequence, the migration of mineral oil components from cardboard can be significantly reduced if inner layers of good barrier materials such as polyethylene terephthalate or polyamide are used. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.