We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Detecting ultraviolet C radiation under polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging by thermoluminescence analysis using commercial dosimeters
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested whether thermoluminescence dosimeters could detect UVC radiation passing through PET food packaging films of varying thickness, finding these commercial dosimeters can effectively monitor UVC exposure through PET, while FTIR analysis revealed that UVC irradiation induces structural changes in the plastic itself.
Food irradiation is a proven technology that enhances food quality and safety by removing microorganisms and extending shelf life. Ultraviolet C radiation (UVC) has recently attracted interest due to its potential to inactivate foodborne pathogens. It relies on several advantages; however, there is limited research on its efficacy and safety particularly concerning food packaging materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This study reports on the effect of UVC radiation on commercial thermoluminescence dosimeters (namely, TLD-100, TLD-200, TLD-400 and GR-200) placed under PET films with different thicknesses (0.10, 0.42, and 0.60 mm). The results indicate the potential use of these materials for the detection of UVC radiation passing through the randomly selected PET samples. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assesses potential structural and chemical alterations in the PET induced by UVC exposure.
More Papers Like This
Ultraviolet C radiation on polypropylene: A potential way to reduce plastic pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated applying ultraviolet C (UVC) radiation to polypropylene-containing healthcare items like personal protective equipment as a sterilization method to extend their lifespan and reduce plastic waste. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy showed only slight PP degradation under UVC exposure, and TLD-100 thermoluminescence dosimeters were identified as the most promising tool for detecting and verifying UVC treatment within plastic samples.
UV-Induced Aging in Thermochromic Pigment-Integrated Food-Grade Polymers: A Performance Assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how UV light exposure degrades food-grade polypropylene plastics that contain thermochromic pigments used as temperature indicators on packaging. They found that UV exposure caused significant color fading, mechanical weakening, and mass changes in the material over time. The results raise concerns about the long-term reliability of these temperature-sensitive plastics and their potential to generate microplastics as they degrade.
UV-Induced Aging in Thermochromic Pigment-Integrated Food-Grade Polymers: A Performance Assessment
AI summary Read the abstract
Food-grade polypropylene blends containing thermochromic pigments were exposed to simulated indoor and outdoor UV light for 500 and 1000 hours, revealing that UV degradation compromises both the visual temperature indicators and the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix.
Changes in the Chemical Composition of Polyethylene Terephthalate under UV Radiation in Various Environmental Conditions.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to UV radiation under controlled humidity conditions and tracked changes in its chemical composition, finding progressive oxidation and chain scission that alter the polymer's surface properties. Understanding how PET degrades under UV exposure is important for predicting how PET microplastics form and what chemical changes make them more or less bioavailable.
Investigating the physicochemical property changes of plastic packaging material exposed to UV radiation
AI summary Read the abstract
UV radiation was shown to degrade polypropylene and PET plastic packaging materials, causing surface changes and potential microplastic formation, with degradation rates influenced by sample shape and size. These findings are relevant to understanding how discarded plastic packaging breaks down in marine and outdoor environments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.