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Migration of copper from nanocopper/LDPE composite films
Fang Liu1, Chang-Ying Hu1,2, Quan Zhao3
1a Department of Food Science and Engineering , Jinan University , Guangzhou , China.
Summary
Copper migration from nanocopper/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films increased with nanocopper concentration, time, and temperature. Migration was higher in acetic acid than ethanol, and minimal in bottled water and Chinese liquor.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Nanocopper/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites are explored for food packaging applications.
- Understanding copper migration from these composites is crucial for food safety.
- Previous studies have not fully characterized copper release under various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate copper migration from nanocopper/LDPE composite films into food simulants and real food matrices.
- To determine the influence of exposure time, temperature, nanocopper concentration, and contact media on copper release.
- To analyze the physical and chemical interactions between nanocopper and LDPE.
Main Methods:
- Testing nanocopper/LDPE films in food simulants (3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol) and real food (rice vinegar, bottled water, Chinese liquor).
- Quantifying copper migration using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS).
- Characterizing film morphology and nanocopper presence using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
Main Results:
- Copper migration was significantly higher in 3% acetic acid compared to 10% ethanol.
- Increased nanocopper concentration, exposure time, and temperature led to greater copper release.
- Minimal copper migration was observed in bottled water and Chinese liquor, with rice vinegar showing the highest migration (0.54 μg mL⁻¹).
- FE-SEM and AFM confirmed the presence and varied morphology of copper nanoparticles, with higher concentrations causing irregular film topography.
- FTIR analysis indicated no chemical bonding between nanocopper and LDPE, suggesting physical dispersion.
Conclusions:
- Copper migration from nanocopper/LDPE films is dependent on contact media, temperature, time, and nanocopper concentration.
- The physical dispersion of nanocopper within LDPE, without chemical interaction, influences migration behavior.
- These findings are critical for assessing the safety and suitability of nanocopper/LDPE composites in food packaging.
