Identification of the Volatiles from Low Density Polyethylene Film Irradiated with an Electron Beam

Abstract

The odor-producing volatiles produced by electron beam irradiation for the sterilization of polyethylene film were examined and identified using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main volatile products in low density polyethylene irradiated with an. electron beam were aliphatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids. Aliphatic hydrocarbons accounted for ca. 35% of the total peak area, and saturated hydrocarbons up to C13 were predominant. Four aldehydes with C2 to C5 carbon atoms, six ketones with C4 to C8, and five carboxylic acids with C2 to C5 were detected. Aldehydes and ketones accounted for ca. 26% of the all volatiles, and carboxylic acids for ca. 18%. Small amounts of alcohols, toluene, and phenol were also found. In a sensory test of the odor from the mixed solution of identified compounds, the odor was found to resemble the off-odor of the irradiated polyethylene. © 1983, Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry. All rights reserved.