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Release of contaminants from polymer surfaces under condition of organized fluid flows
Summary
This study measured the migration of chemical contaminants from polymer surfaces into food-contact media under simulated real-world conditions, including temperature and time variables. Several additives and degradation byproducts leached at detectable levels, raising questions about long-term dietary exposure through packaged foods. The results underscore the importance of standardized food-contact safety testing for a wider range of polymer types and use conditions.
The use of polymers for water storage or distribution is closely monitored, especially with regard to the possible contamination with substances coming from the material's surfaces. Different standards are practiced across countries according to type of applied materials and such test methods are prevalently based on constant temperature conditions. However, these polymers systems could be located in diverse environment which does not necessarily provide constant conditions. Experimental findings show that exposure of liquid inside polymeric materials to specific temperature gradients, and consequently to emerging organized flows, can result in an accelerated leaching of undesirable substances from the solid surface. In presented work model steady-state and organized flow conditions are used to compare release of contaminates from polyethylene by measuring of surface tension, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis of polymer surfaces and water leachates. The pilot study shows that convective flow generated via temperature gradient significantly affects contaminant release in comparison to a steady state and mixing flow conditions.