Desorption behavior of sorbed flavor compounds from packaging films with ethanol solution

Desorption behavior of sorbed flavor compounds such as ethyl esters, n-alde hydes, and n-alcohols from LDPE and PET films was investigated in 0 to 100% (v/v) ethanol solutions at 20 degrees C, 50 degrees C, and 60 degrees C. I n both films, the desorption apparently increased with increasing ethanol c oncentration and treatment temperature, depending on the compatibility of t he flavor compound with the solvent. Namely, the partition coefficient of e thyl eaters, n-aldehydes, and n-alcohols in the LDPE film turned out to be approximately zero at greater than or equal to 60%, >80%, and >40% (v/v) et hanol, respectively (for PET film, greater than or equal to 80%, greater th an or equal to 80%, and greater than or equal to 40% (v/v) ethanol concentr ations were required for complete desorption, respectively). As for physica l properties (heat of fusion, melting point, and tensile strength and elong ation at break) of LDPE and PET films, there were no significant difference s between intact film and the treated film with 60% (v/v) ethanol for 30 mi n at 60 degrees C. These results suggest that it is possible to apply a des orption solvent such as ethanol solution for desorption of sorbed flavor co mpounds from packaging films with no physical change in the film properties by this desorption treatment.