Preparation and performance analysis of active packaging PET films combining oxygen scavenging with barrier properties for shelf life extension of sensitive foods

摘要

The aim of this work was to prepare and evaluate the scavenging performance and the oxygen absorption kinetics of active food packaging PET films, containing a novel auto-activated, copolyester-based oxygen scavenger, which includes in its formulation also a copolyamide phase for enhanced passive gas barrier. Films at three different scavenger content (5%, 10% and 20% by weght) were produced by cast film technology, analyzed in terms of morphology and scavenging activity and tested to verify their effectiveness in preserving the quality of oxygen sensitive foods, performing preliminary shelf life tests on slices of cooked ham. The results highlighted that the films at 10% scavenger loading showed the most homogeneous dispersion and distribution of the reactive domains inside the PET matrix, the best scavenging performances and high potential in prolonging the shelf life of sensitive food matrices.