Effect of high-pressure food processing on the physical properties of synthetic and biopolymer films

J Food Sci. 2009 Aug;74(6):E304-11. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2009.01212.x.

Abstract

The effect of high-pressure processing on 2 plastic food packaging films, a biopolymer (PLASiOx/PLA) and a synthetic polymer (PET-AlOx), was studied. Samples in direct contact with olive oil, as a fatty food simulant, and distilled water, as an aqueous simulant, were subjected to a pressure of 500MPa for 15 min at 50 degrees C. The mechanical, thermal, and gas barrier properties of both films were evaluated after the high-pressure processing (HPP) and compared to control samples that have not undergone this treatment. Significant changes in all properties were observed in both films after the HPP treatment and in contact with the food simulants. In both films an induced crystallization was noticed. In the PLASiOx/PLA film the changes were larger when in contact with water that probably acted as a plasticizer. In the PET-AlOx film the changes in properties were attributed to the formation of pinholes and cracks during the HPP treatment. In this film, most of the properties changed more in the presence of oil as the food simulant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry
  • Biopolymers / chemistry*
  • Elasticity
  • Food Handling / methods*
  • Food Technology / methods
  • Lactic Acid / chemistry*
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Olive Oil
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Permeability
  • Plant Oils / chemistry
  • Polyesters
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Pressure*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry
  • Steam
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Tensile Strength
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Biopolymers
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Olive Oil
  • Plant Oils
  • Polyesters
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Polymers
  • Steam
  • Water
  • Lactic Acid
  • poly(lactide)
  • Silicon Dioxide
  • Aluminum Oxide
  • Oxygen