Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Plastic Food Packaging Materials: A Review

Abstract

Increased “global” migration into food simulants has been described as a consequence of irradiation, particularly with fatty media; development of off-odors and taint transfer into food simulants have been observed with various plastics. Additives, especially antioxidants, are destroyed during irradiation, and increased “specific” migration values have been observed under certain circumstances. Organotin stabilizers in PVC are ultimately degraded to SnCl4, and increased migration of tin compounds was observed after gamma irradiation. Degradation products of phenol antioxidants, that were also found as migrants, have only recently been identified; some of these structures seem to be radiation specific.

Antioxidant effectiveness of vitamin E in HDPE and tetradecane at 32°C

“…Phenolic antioxidants can retard the oxidation of g-irradiated polymers, although in many cases at the expense of severe yellowing [24]. Some degradation products from phenolic antioxidants have already been observed during irradiation [25,26].…”

Review of Volatile Organic Compounds Derived From Polyethylene

“…result in (i) cross-linking and scission of the polymer chains (7,(58)(59)(60), (ii) the formation of unsaturation in the polymer (60), and (iii) the formation of a range of radiolysis products that may exhibit an unpleasant odor. The extent of odorous VOCs produced by ionizing radiation is related to the radiation dose and temperature (59,61).…”

“…Compared to ␣ and ␤ particles, ␥-irradiation is preferred due to its high penetration capability (58). In order to prevent recontamination, the contents of the package are usually irradiated after they are sealed within it (59). This approach is particularly useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive, medical items such as syringes, tubing, and surgical drapes (58).…”

“…This approach is particularly useful for sterilizing heat-sensitive, medical items such as syringes, tubing, and surgical drapes (58). The irradiation of prepackaged foodstuffs may extend the shelf life by reducing microbial contamination, inhibiting sprouting or ripening, and controlling insect infestation (59).…”

“…The effects of ionizing radiation on the physical and chemical properties of polymeric packaging have been reviewed extensively (59)(60)(61)(62)(63)(64)(65)(66)(67)(68). In general, the exposure of PE to ionizing radiation, particularly at elevated dose levels, may 852 HODGSON ET AL.…”