Abstract: | The influence of electron beam irradiation on antioxidants present in food packaging materials (OPP and LDPE) was studied. After irradiating the materials at dose levels of 2, 5,10 and 25 kGy, we have shown a partial disappearance of the antioxidant (Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076 and Irgafos 168) and a release of three compounds resulting from the antioxidants degradation related to the irradiation dose. Two of these degradation compounds have been analysed quantitatively: the 2,4-di-tert.-butyl-phenol and the 2,6-di-tert -butyl-p-benzoquinone. The third compound is a phosphate resulting from a phosphite stabilizer (Irgafos 168). |