Using a simple diffusion model to predict residual monomer migration—considerations and limitations

Abstract

A simple mathematical equation based on a diffusion model has been utilized recently to estimate migration of both acrylonitrile and styrene from polymers produced from these monomers which are used under a wide variety of food-contact applications. These calculated migration values have subsequently been used to estimate the US consumer's exposure to acrylonitrile and styrene from food stored in these materials. The basic assumptions integral to the model are discussed in relation to potential errors in migration estimates that could be experienced if the assumptions are not true. In addition to the discussion of the basic assumptions, factors affecting the migration predictions such as polymer 'ageing', temperature changes during the lifetime of the polymeric article, the effects of polymer-modifying materials (plasticizers, impact modifiers), and the physical form of the article or test sample are discussed.

A Critical Survey of Predictive Mathematical Models for Migration from Packaging

“…Despite having a Tg of 90 • C, it is totally amorphous at temperatures of interest for food packaging applications. Styrenic polymers have also been studied, particularly for the migration of the monomer styrene (Choi et al, 2005;Lickly et al, 1997) and additives (O'Brien et al, 1997).…”

“…In these extreme cases, the simplified solutions of equation (1), as shown in Fig. 1, are often used (Linssen et al, 1998;Lickly et al, 1997;Baner, Brandsch, Franz, and Piringer, 1996).…”

Release of Propyl Paraben From a Polymer Coating Into Water and Food Simulating Solvents for Antimicrobial Packaging Applications

“…The cell allowed only the Carboset coating side to be exposed to water or FSS (hereafter referred to as water/FSS). This prevented the edge effect (Lickly et al 1997) and paper bending due to penetration of water/FSS into the uncoated side, which could cause experimental errors. The coated paper disc was secured on the bottom of the cell using an O-ring and a screw cap.…”

“…Crank 1975; Milk 1992;Hamdani et al 1997), hnplyhg that k,,, is infinite (Hamdani et al 1997); (6) at the polymer-water/FSS interface, equilibrium exists, i.e. the interface concentration of propyl paraben in the water/FSS is equal to KFPCp(LBt); (7) diffusion coefficient and partition coefficient are constant and depend only on temperature; (8) edge effect and interactions between the coating and the water/FSS are not considered(Lickly et al 1997). The Fickian diffusion X.…”

Migration of di-(2-ethylhexyl)adipate and acetyltributyl citrate plasticizers from food-grade PVC film into isooctane: Effect of gamma radiation

“…A number of models have been proposed describing this process of diffusion (Chatwin & Katan, 1989;Lau & Wong, 2000;Lickly, Rainey, Burgert, Breder, & Borodinsky, 1997;Reynier, Dole, & Feigenbaum, 2002;Till et al, 1982).…”