Determination of additives in food contact polypropylene

Abstract

A simultaneous determination method for additives in polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride was applied to those in polypropylene. The recoveries of 29 additives spiked in polypropylene were between 63.1 ~ 114.1% and this method was largely satisfactory. The residues of 84 additives were investigated in 39 kinds of food contact polypropylene, such as airtight receptacles, straws, mugs, a pan for microwave oven, wrapping films for rice balls, cups for pudding, bags for bread, etc. They contained mainly antioxidants and lubricants. Among the antioxidants, Irganox 1010 was detected most frequently at levels of 74 ~ 2,649 μg/g, followed by Irgafos 168 and BHT. As lubricants, oleamide, steamide, erucamide, 3 types of hydrocarbons and others were found. Surfactants, e.g., monopalmitin and monostearin, and plasticizers, e.g., DEHP, BBP and DINP, were also present.