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Selective ethylene‐permeable zeolite composite double‐layered film for novel modified atmosphere packaging
Author(s) -
Monprasit P.,
Ritvirulh C.,
Sooknoi T.,
Rukchonlatee S.,
Fuongfuchat A.,
Sirikittikul D.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.21924
Subject(s) - low density polyethylene , materials science , zeolite , polyethylene , ethylene , permeation , adsorption , scanning electron microscope , composite number , chemical engineering , composite material , differential scanning calorimetry , polymer chemistry , membrane , organic chemistry , chemistry , catalysis , biochemistry , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
The composite double‐layered films, for the packaging application of postharvest fruits and vegetables, were prepared by laminating low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly[styrene‐ b ‐(ethylene‐ co ‐butylene)‐ b ‐styrene] (SEBS) modified with zeolite ZSM‐5. The film was characterized by scanning electron microscope and differential scanning calorimeter and tested for permeation of ethylene (C 2 H 4 ), oxygen (O 2 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and water vapor. It was found that the C 2 H 4 permeability of the films was improved because of an enhanced adsorption of C 2 H 4 by the incorporated zeolite (0–10 wt%). The preconcentrated layer (zeolite/SEBS) leads to a higher C 2 H 4 concentration gradient across the film. Moreover, the high dispersion of zeolite increased the C 2 H 4 permeation. When compared with O 2 and CO 2 , the composite films were more selective to C 2 H 4 . However, the C 2 H 4 permeation decreased in the presence of O 2 because of a competitive adsorption. In addition, the films possessed appreciate tensile properties for packaging application. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers