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Effect of Irradiation on the Biodegradation of Cellophane Films

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Abstract

Cellophane has extensively been used as a packaging material for food and pharmaceuticals as a replacement for petrochemical plastics. To improve its barrier properties, coatings are commonly applied to the surface of cellophane films. This layer, however, can hinder the biodegradation of cellophane. Irradiation, used as a sterilization technique, may also affect its biodegradation properties. The objective of this study was to examine the aerobic biodegradation of three different types of cellophane films: uncoated cellophane (CP), nitrocellulose-coated cellophane (CM), and PVdC-coated cellophane (CK) in a simulated aerobic composting environment using a direct measurement respirometric system, as well as to determine the influence of irradiation-induced sterilization (gamma and electron beam) on their biodegradability. The effect of post-irradiation aging on the biodegradability of these regenerated cellulose films was also investigated. Non-irradiated uncoated cellophane, non-irradiated nitrocellulose-coated cellophane and non-irradiated PVdC-coated cellophane approached 71, 55 and 63 % mineralization, respectively, after 141 days. Irradiated CP degraded faster than irradiated CM and CK after it had been stored for 9 months. Irradiation did not significantly affect the biodegradation of CM and CK films during 9 months of storage.

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Abbreviations

CP:

Uncoated cellophane

CM:

Nitrocellulose coated cellophane

CK:

PVdC coated cellophane

CoCP:

Non-irradiated uncoated cellophane

CoCM:

Non-irradiated nitrocellulose coated cellophane

CoCK:

Non-irradiated PVdC coated cellophane

GMCP:

Gamma irradiated uncoated cellophane

GMCM:

Gamma irradiated nitrocellulose coated cellophane

GMCK:

Gamma irradiated PVdC coated cellophane

EBCP:

E-beam irradiated uncoated cellophane

EBCM:

E-beam irradiated nitrocellulose coated cellophane

EBCK:

E-beam irradiated PVdC coated cellophane

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Packaging, Michigan State University, 448 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Patnarin Benyathiar, Susan Selke & Rafael Auras

Authors
  1. Patnarin Benyathiar
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  2. Susan Selke
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  3. Rafael Auras
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Correspondence to Susan Selke.

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Benyathiar, P., Selke, S. & Auras, R. Effect of Irradiation on the Biodegradation of Cellophane Films. J Polym Environ 23, 449–458 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-015-0740-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-015-0740-9

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