C. Wessling et al., The influence of alpha-tocopherol concentration on the stability of linoleic acid and the properties of low-density polyethylene, PACKAG T SC, 13(1), 2000, pp. 19-28
In food packaging applications where low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film c
ontaining alpha-tocopherol is used the antioxidant may have a dual function
, i.e. to protect the polymer from oxidative degradation during processing,
and to delay the onset of oxidation of the packaged foodstuff during stora
ge. Incorporation of high levels of alpha-tocopherol into LDPE film was fou
nd to inhibit oxidation of a linoleic acid emulsion stored in contact with
the film at 6 degrees C. However, the presence of 360 ppm caused changes in
mechanical properties and an increase in oxygen transmission. Levels as hi
gh as 3400 ppm alpha-tocopherol also caused yellowing and reduction in crys
tallinity of the material. Thus, the use of high amounts of alpha-tocophero
l in LDPE, which might be needed in active packaging applications, requires
careful consideration of the protective requirements for each specific foo
d and the maintenance of the desired properties of the packaging material.
Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.